EXTRAORDINARY CUISINE EXTRAORDINARY PHILANTHROPY
Sassella
Photography by Herschel Mair
By Kelly Koepke Photography Creative Direction Suzanna Becerra
W
e don’t often think of chefs and restaurants as philanthropic beyond their donations of gift certificates to charities for fundraising events. Sassella Executive Chef and co-owner Cristian Pontiggia belies the notion that chefs are too busy or not interested in giving. Naturally, the restaurant donates dozens of gift certificates each year. But Chef Cristian is most proud of his participation as a Super Chef with Cooking with Kids. Founded in 1995, Cooking with Kids has nurtured generations of New Mexico students through rich and unique nutrition education in public schools. As a Super Chef, Chef Cristian educates and empowers children and families to make healthy food choices through hands-on learning with fresh, affordable foods. That’s one of the reasons he was named Chef of the Year by the New Mexico Culinary Association. TOP: Mushroom Cappucino BOTTOM: Chef Cristian and his son Leo, Photo by
Gabriella Marks
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FineLifestyles SANTA FE & ALBUQUERQUE
DINING
