Cafe 458: It Just Gets Better and Better!

By Barbara Hughes | ACSS Volunteer

Having had such a wonderful brunch on March 3rd, I was back the following Sunday to sample more of Chef Tiffany’s inventive menu. This time, I brought my nephew Mark who was visiting Georgia for the first time. Like me, Mark is a Yankee from Connecticut and wanted to sample some good Southern food. We agreed that Café 458 was the right place for it.

First, I must congratulate the volunteer wait staff from Emory University. They all were so pleasant and were obviously enjoying themselves. Our server, Joy, lived up to her name.

Mark was over the moon about his shrimp and grits entrée and it did look and smell delicious.  The recipe, from Chef Tiffany’s Grandma Mary, calls for Gouda cheese in the grits and it added just the right touch. The grits were smooth and cooked to perfection.  I decided to try an omelet and it was beautifully prepared.  The vegetables were fresh and it was all completely yummy!

Friends stopped by to meet Mark, including Anthony, Dana and Eric. Everyone knows your name at Café 458!

Café 458 is part of Atlanta Center for Self-Sufficiency and all proceeds, including tips, support programs that support our mission to end homelessness.

You can make reservations or check out the Cafe 458 menu online.

Serving at Sunday brunches is a great way to enhance the fellowship of church groups, to build teams at work and to experience outreach in our own community.  To volunteer, contact Alison Smith: Alison.Smith@atlantacss.org.

Come on down to Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward and enjoy Café 458’s own special brand of Southern comfort food – with a twist!

 

Cafe 458: It’s So Tasty!

Cafe 458 Executive Chef Tiffany Wills

By Barbara Hughes | ACSS Volunteer

The grand re-opening of Café 458’s popular Sunday Brunch more than lived up to expectations last Sunday (March 1st).

Things were bustling in the kitchen where Chef Tiffany Wills kept everything under control, in addition to dishing out some wonderful brunch items.

Church group in Cafe 458′s overflow dining area: a great spot for gatherings.

The renovations that kept Café 458 closed for a while really made a difference to the overall ambience. It was a great idea to expand the dining area into the front room of 458 Edgewood Ave., which is light and bright. But, the overflow dining area was needed, as well, when a church group arrived after services to sample some of the wonderful options that Chef Tiffany and her staff had prepared.

Here is what I loved about the brunch (I’ll get to the food and service later): a diverse group of diners, all happily greeting each other and stopping by tables to spend a little time chatting and socializing. That’s what I’ve always thought the Café was and should be: It’s a great place to meet, socialize, have great food and do good.

The doing good part is because all proceeds, including 100% of the tips, provide funding for the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency’s programs to end homelessness and provide life stabilization opportunities for its clients.

Now, the food! I had the asparagus and sun-dried tomato frittata and a biscuit. And nothing about that dish disappointed me. The coffee was hot and delicious and my cup was refilled several times during my meal. It was beautifully presented and served with great professionalism by a team of volunteers from Georgia Tech (Go Jackets!).

  Cafe 458 guests enjoy a larger, brighter main dining room.

Here is a challenge to other area universities: Gather up your own volunteer team of servers, because you will have a wonderful day. And when it’s done well, as it was on March 1st, the service at Café 458 rivals that of any other bistro at which I have had brunch!

Frankly, I can’t wait to sample the other brunch items on the Café 458 menu next week and on as many Sundays as I can make it to the historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.

You can make reservations online and view the Cafe 458 menu here. To volunteer, contact Alison Smith at: Alison.Smith@atlantacss.org.

Trust me, you will not be disappointed! Fried chicken and waffles anyone?

Cafe 458 Sunday Brunch Returns March 3: “Eat Well. Do Good.”

By ACSS Volunteer Barbara Hughes

Are you homesick for some of Grannie’s grits ‘n all? Do you long for Mom’s French Toast and all that goes with it? Well, we may not have Mom or Grannie but Café 458 has Chef Tiffany Wills. And starting on Sunday, March 3rd, you can sample her “Southern comfort food with a twist” every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m..

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Chef Tiffany has researched past favorites from other Café 458 menus and raided her Grandma Mary’s recipe box to create a new menu with something for everyone.

“It’s all of the recipes that my grandmother cooked for me with a little spin on it,” Wills said. “It’s ingredients that you’re not expecting.”

She’s also created salad and sandwich choices because, as Chef Tiffany told me, people are looking for lighter brunch offerings these days.

In addition to helping themselves to a delicious meal, Cafe 458 patrons are helping to break the cycle of homelessness. Because Cafe 458 has an all volunteer wait staff, all proceeds, including tips (gratefully accepted!), support the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency.

The non-profit organization provides life skills and job-readiness training to individuals who are ready to make the transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Located in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward at 458 Edgewood Avenue, Café 458 has been closed for renovations since late spring of 2012. But ACSS Board Member Eric McBride, with a team of volunteers, is on track to have everything shining and ready for the brunch guests at our grand reopening on March 3rd.

For those who have visited Café 458 before, you will notice that brunch is being served in the front of the building, which is more spacious and open.

For more information, “like’” Café 458 on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @cafe458.

Reservations can be made online at cafe458atl.com. And please share with your friends Chef Tiffany’s video on YouTube: http://youtu.be/wi3tRMyaFNc

Breakfast with Tiffany: Cafe 458′s executive chef introduces exciting new brunch menu

Cafe 458′s popular Sunday Brunch returns March 3, 2013 with an exciting new menu by Chef Tiffany.

It’s open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and all proceeds (including tips) benefit Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency. Please join us! Menu and online reservations: http://cafe458atl.com

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Happy New Year from ACSS!

Much to celebrate: ACSS clients, staff, board members and other friends gather for a holiday party back in mid-December.

Here at the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency it is indeed a happy New Year’s Eve, as we look back on some of the accomplishments you helped us achieve in 2012:

Our CareerWorks program graduated 335 individuals. These graduates completed a three week structured job readiness training program, created individualized career plans, and received customized job placement assistance.

Within 90 days of graduation, 230 CareerWorks graduates obtained full-time employment. Furthermore, our job retention rate after 180 days is more than 75 percent.

ACSS was awarded grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and several foundations to continue our work with homeless veterans. Since 2008, more than 530 homeless veterans have received training and support to help find employment and reintegrate into mainstream society.

Our Café 458 Life Stabilization Program reached a 70 percent disability benefits attainment rate for individuals who are unable to work due to mental illness and physical disabilities.

On behalf of the board, staff, volunteers and clients of the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency, we would like to thank YOU for your incredible support of ACSS and its mission to empower homeless individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency and their ultimate potential to thrive in life. By offering your resources, time and dedication over the past year, you have helped change the lives of hundreds of men, women and veterans who are now on the path to employment, permanent housing, and a brighter future.

As we prepare to ring in the new year tonight, we hope that ACSS can continue to count on your support as we strive to break the cycle of homelessness in our community. If you have yet to make an annual gift this year or you would like to increase your giving, please consider making a donation today.

Thank you again for your support of ACSS and our programs. We send blessings to you and your family on behalf of those who have been, and will be, blessed by your kindness.

Best Wishes for a Fantastic 2013 from your friends at ACSS!

P.S. Please note, your 2012 tax-deductible donations must be postmarked by December 31st. We will accept 2012 donations electronically via our website until midnight on Monday, December 31st.

Cafe 458: “We’re going on summer vacation!”

We’re going on summer vacation! Not really. But we are taking advantage of the slower summer dining season to temporarily close the Cafe 458 Sunday Brunch and allow time for us to revamp the operations and menu.

The last day of brunch service of the spring will be Sunday, May 20th. Cafe 458 plans to reopen after Labor Day.

This Sunday from 10am to 2pm, we’re encouraging our faithful diners and supporters to come out for one last brunch before our temporary closing.

While the Cafe 458 Brunch is closed this summer, diners are encouraged to visit Cafe Jonah and the Magical Attic for its unique “Pay What You Think It’s Worth” Sunday Brunch. Cafe Jonah donates 10 percent of its daily sales to local charities, including Cafe 458.

Cafe 458 will continue to operate its weekday program which offers restaurant-style meals, counseling, case management and life skills workshops for homeless individuals with disabilities. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday-Friday to help prepare and serve meals. For more information on getting involved with Cafe 458, visit our website at http://www.atlantacss.org or call (404) 874-8001.

From all your friends at Cafe 458, have a wonderful summer!

About Cafe 458:

Located in the Old Fourth Ward at 458 Edgewood Avenue, Cafe 458 Brunch is best known by locals as the place to grab a good meal while supporting a great cause. Cafe 458 Brunch opened in 2003 as an initiative to help Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (formerly Samaritan House of Atlanta) raise unrestricted funds to support our programs to help break the cycle of homelessness. Cafe 458 is staffed primarily by volunteers, who serve as waitstaff, line cooks, and hosts.

National Volunteer Week: Donating Time and Talent

Volunteers at ACSS' Cafe 458.

April 15-21 is National Volunteer Week, when America recognizes the generous men and women who donate their time and talents to their communities.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency. They come from all walks of life and fill an array of crucial roles, including career coaching, administrative support, cooking or serving food, reception desk support, facilities maintenance, marketing and public relations.

Schedules are flexible. Some of our volunteers come as part of a group for a one-time service project, such as an “alternative spring break” for college students. Others are familiar faces that our customers and clients see at regular times each week.

ACSS values suggestions from volunteers and is quick to act on innovative ideas. In short, ACSS is a place where you can make a real difference, in the organization, and in the lives of the men and women we help.

For more information on how you can get involved with ACSS, please visit our online Volunteer Center.

Culinary Fight Night: And the winner is…

Cafe 458 Executive Chef Tony Sharpe has made us proud yet again! Working alongside Chef Clarence Ridgley and a team from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Chef Tony helped score a major victory at Culinary Fight Night.

Left to Right: ACSS Board President Tom Body and wife Mary Beth, Chef Clarence Ridgley and Chef Tony Sharpe

In this unique event, Atlanta’s top chefs compete inside a boxing ring. Ringside judges score their culinary concoctions on taste, presentation and creativity. Each team picks a favorite charity to highlight. Chef Tony’s team selected Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency in hopes of building awareness and financial support for an organization that helps break the cycle of homelessness. Thank you! And nice work, all.

Main Course: Peppercorn seared beef tenderloin with sauteed Brussels sprouts and baby carrots.

Even if you missed Tuesday’s competition, you can still enjoy Chef Tony’s work every Sunday at Cafe 458. Proceeds from our public Sunday Brunch (including tips) support ACSS programs during the week to empower homeless individuals to become self sufficient, productive and charitable members of our community.

Culinary Fight Night pits Atlanta's top chefs in a head to head cooking competition inside a boxing ring!

Chef Tony at work.

Chef Tony Sharpe at Culinary Fight Night.

ACSS Board President Tom Body congratulates Chef Tony Sharpe.

Cafe 458 Chef Tony Sharpe to Compete in Boxing-Themed Cooking Challenge

Cafe 458 Executive Chef Tony Sharpe

Cafe 458′s own Chef Tony Sharpe will compete in Culinary Fight Night., 6 p.m. August 23 at the Park Tavern. The unique, boxing-themed event not only highlights Atlanta’s top chefs, but also delivers a charitable punch.

Chef Tony and his team will be representing Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency as they compete with another culinary team representing Atlanta Beltline — two great causes that improve the quality of life for people in Atlanta and beyond.

The chefs will cook head to head, preparing a three course meal inside a boxing ring, while ringside judges and members of the audience score the food in three categories: taste, presentation and creativity.

Click here for tickets!

Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency is a results-driven, non-profit organization committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness through intense job readiness and life skills training. Cafe 458 is an award-winning restaurant that provides balanced meals to homeless clients during the week as they attend programs managed by Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency. On Sunday, the cafe opens to the general public for brunch, with all proceeds (including tips) going back to ACSS programs.

Ironman: Triathlete Board Member Competes Globally to Raise Funds for ACSS

ACSS board member and triathlete Bishop Leatherbury

ACSS Board Member and passionate triathlete Bishop Leatherbury has accepted the challenge to raise $100,000 for ACSS by competing in the Annual Ironman World Championship to be held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 8, 2011. It’s a race that combines a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a marathon, all of which must be completed in less than 17 hours!

As Southeast regional managing partner of Tatum, LLC, Bishop has helped many Atlanta leaders to assess challenges, pursue opportunities and mobilize the right resources to solve problems and achieve results. As a valued member of the ACSS board, Bishop has utilized these same skills to help homeless men and women rebuild their lives.

As for competing in the Ironman World Championship, Bishop says, “I am combining two of my passions – my passion for the sport of triathlon and my passion for ACSS and its mission.”

ACSS continues to demonstrate its worth through the year-to-date performance of its programs.

ACSS CareerWorks has graduated 210 (93%) of the homeless clients called Visionary Innovative Partners (VIPs) from the program with 155 VIPs obtaining full-time employment earning an average wage of $9.25 per hour.

Cafe 458 has had 67 VIPs enroll in the Cafe program since January 2011 with 36 new enrollees during the 2nd quarter. Ten of those VIPs obtained permanent housing, and 30 entered shelters or transitional housing. Twenty-two of the VIPs obtained benefits.

Seventy four military veterans (50 males and 24 females) enrolled in ACSS Veterans Reintegration Programs resulting in an additional 31 full-time jobs this year.

“Every morning, nearly 7,000 people in Atlanta wake up with no place to call home,” Bishop says. “It is a sad and troubling statistic. It’s even more troubling when you realize that veterans of our country’s armed services are disproportionately represented among the homeless. ACSS is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness in metro Atlanta and beyond.”

Bishop’s efforts to complete the race and raise money for ACSS provide the benefit for all of us to potentially see fewer people on the street without a place to call home. Please get involved today by making a donation and helping Bishop reach his goal of $100,000. Donors who support the ACSS cause will be provided a tax receipt and the great personal satisfaction of helping the less fortunate to transition back into the workforce and becoming a vital human resource for the community.

To join Bishop’s efforts, please visit: www.ironman.acss.kintera.org