Local chef invited to cook at James Beard House in New York

Bridges chef Sal Fernandez

A unique honor and opportunity are on the menu for Chef Sal Fernandez of Greencastle’s Bridges Craft Pizza and Wine Bar.

Fernandez has been invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City, a “performance space” for visiting chefs helmed by the James Beard Foundation under its mission to “celebrate, nurture and honor chefs.”

On Friday, Oct. 26 Fernandez and his culinary team will prepare and plate an eight-course tasting menu accompanied by wine pairings hand-selected by Bridges’ General Manager Damion Wallace.

“Cooking at the James Beard House is a milestone in any chef’s career, and I’m no exception,” Fernandez said of the honor. “It’s always been a dream of mine and it feels incredibly rewarding to very soon check this off my bucket list.

“Thank you to all of those who have believed in us from the beginning,” he added. “I am feeling extremely blessed in life and honored to represent both where I’m from (California) and my new home (Indiana).”

Chef Fernandez,who grew up in Napa, studied at the Culinary Institute of America in California. His passion started at an early age as surrounded by restaurants such as The French Laundry and Meadowood, he aspired to work with some of the best chefs.

Fernandez said he joined the Bridges project because he was intrigued with the opportunity to come up with something new and creative for Greencastle, DePauw University and the surrounding communities.

In June, the James Beard Foundation -- considered the oldest and most distinguished culinary foundation in the country -- chose Greencastle and Bridges for one of its signature dinners. Chef Fernandez created a meal under the theme “The Farmer and The Chef,” celebrating contributions of local farmer Bobby Zaring of Fillmore, the DePauw Campus Farm and Full Hand Farms of Pittsboro, all of which provide greens and herbs for the chef’s creations.

Bridges is planning a viewing party to watch the Oct. 26 NYC dinner streaming live from the JBF Kitchen Cam. For reservations, persons can call 653-0021 or visit OpenTable.com.