Andre’s Lakeside Dining Supports Staying Sober in the Restaurant Industry
In late 2019, André deWaal, executive chef and co-owner of Andre’s Lakeside Dining in Sparta, did a quick Google search to find a sobriety support group. He stumbled upon Ben’s Friends, a national group offering help to those in the restaurant industry working toward sobriety.
Today, deWaal leads a national weekly meeting for members across the country. And in support of Ben’s Friends, deWaal’s restaurant, in partnership with other chefs around the Garden State, is hosting a charity dinner on March 27, with proceeds going to the organization. The sit-down “Cook’s Club” tasting event will feature various chefs preparing dishes for hors d’oeuvre reception, dinner and dessert.
“The biggest thing for me with Ben’s Friends was really just about the connection,” deWaal says of the community of chefs, bartenders, line cooks, servers, general managers, owners, and others who have found or are seeking sobriety. “There are so many people who don’t realize you can be sober in the restaurant industry.”
For information and ticket to the March 27thevent, visit andreslakeside.com/gift-certificates-1/cooks-club-ticket
