Samuelsson fundraiser for hospital (Update)

At the rate he is going, Marcus Samuelsson is a shoo-in for the Bermuda Booster Award in next year’s Bermudian Magazine Best of Bermuda awards.

He will have a charity fundraiser at his Samuelsson at HP pop-up restaurant on July 12. 

This comes after the celebrity chef was featured in both People magazine and Forbes highlighting Bermuda after the arrival of his new restaurant at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. 

The dinner at his restaurant is expected to raise $12,500 for the Bermuda Hospital Charitable Trust. The BHCT is in charge of raising $40 million for the new acute care wing of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. 

On July 12, under the patronage of Ginny Ferson, Deputy Governor, and Mel Ferson, Samuelsson at HP will host an intimate fundraising dinner for 50 guests.

For the dinner, Chef Samuelsson will create a gourmet, five-course menu using locally sourced ingredients. 

Proceeds from ticket sales will aid the BHCT in continuing to provide philanthropic leadership on issues affecting hospital care in Bermuda, by assisting the Bermuda Hospitals Board and supporting the KEMH Redevelopment project. 

Chef Samuelsson said: “This is an amazing opportunity, and I feel honoured to contribute towards the renovations towards the hospital. 

“We welcome anyone who wishes to taste the new menu and support the hospital at the same time to attend the dinner.” 

Ralph Richardson, executive director for BHCT, says: “For over a century, the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital has been our hospital, in sickness and in health. 

“Today, we need to make our great hospital even better, not only for the needs of today, but also the needs of tomorrow. 

“We are grateful to both The Fairmont Hamilton Princess and Marcus Samuelsson for raising money for this important project. Marcus Samuelsson will be in Bermuda next month and there will be several opportunities for members of the public to meet him. 

Book signing

The day before, on July 11, Chef Samuelsson will have a book signing from 5pm to 6:30pm at  his pop-up restaurant, Samuelsson at HP, at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

Mr Samuelsson will be selling and signing copies of his latest book, Yes, Chef: A Memoir to members of the public. 

Yes, Chef: A Memoir was published on June 26, 2012, and is based on Samuelsson’s personal story where he paints a vivid portrait of his humble beginnings in rural Ethiopia, leads the reader on a journey where he describes his love of food and his eventual recognition as a celebrity chef. 

The book will be available at the pop-up restaurant for $27.