It’s a meal transported to another realm. In fact you sit inside a fish processing plant on folding chairs and eat from paper plates – but you’ll be giddy about it. Perhaps it’s the hilarious barbs traded between the fishmongers, Tommy Gomes and Dan Nattrass. More likely it’s the chance to be part of a cooking show, to see how some of the region’s best chefs work their magic, while eating insanely well. Some nights local vintners bring samples and if you’re lucky Andrea’s Truffles or Robin of Cupcakes Squared will be offering their best as well. No one goes home hungry.

Part of the team: Collaboration Kitchen founder, Tommy Gomes, Catalina OP Owner Dave Rudie and Marketing Wizard, Rebecca Gardon
Held about ten times annually, there’s always a cause behind each chew. Collaboration Kitchen began seven years ago as an idea that Tommy Gomes, a fishmonger working at Catalina Offshore Products, took to his boss, Dave Rudie. It was a way to give back and offer great food while raising money for deserving causes. Monarch School, Just Volunteers and most recently Tim Johnson, local sushi chef suddenly in need of a kidney transplant, have been recipients. Tim discovered he needs a new kidney just days before Christmas. Here’s the link to his Go Fund Me campaign set up to help with medical expenses.
With Tommy as emcee, laughter’s on the menu. You’ll meet fellow fans of great local food and be introduced to new menu ideas. Most importantly though is the chance to be part of something truly good. There are many foodie events throughout San Diego but Collaboration Kitchen is one unique sensation. Get on the Facebook notice list and reply quickly if you want to attend.
If you miss the tickets or don’t have the dough, but do have hard-working kitchen skills, there’s occasionally room on the volunteer team. Working all day behind the scenes, volunteers step into the limelight to be applauded along with the chefs at the end of each event.
About Collaboration Kitchen
- Support the campaign to help Chef Tim Johnson get a new kidney
- Follow the Collaboration Kitchen Facebook Page
- Specialty Produce, co-host, is the source for chefs but the warehouse is open to the public
- The Catalina Offshore Products Fish Market is open daily inside the warehouse (check website for hours) with fresh off-the-boat seafood. If your timing’s right, Tommy or a friend will be grilling samples. Located at 5202 Lovelock Street, San Diego, CA 92110
Disclosure: I’ve been comped to Collaboration Kitchen for years as the Catalina OP owner is my guy, but all opinions, as always are my own.
I hope you enjoyed this vicarious meal and will share with your friends. These are pinable!
Ive been to several and anxiously await notifications that ticket sales are open. Always great chefs, amazing dishes, paired with tasty libations… And supporting wonderful causes.
Don’t miss a chance to experience these events.
Thanks, Noreen, Hope to see you there in the future too!
This looks so awesome! Would love to participate in such an event. Awesome idea.
Follow Collaboration Kitchen on Facebook for the next events. There’s one on Feb. 21st that still has tickets.
Great article Elaine! It sounds like a great cause and lots of fun – I will look into it if I am ever in San Diego when an event is scheduled.
Thanks, Nancy. When you plan your next trip to SD check out the Collaboration Kitchen Facebook page.
Great cause and beautiful write up – loving the look of that sushi…major #nomnomnom 🙂
Thanks, Mr. #nomnomnom !
what a fantastic experience!
It was, Tandy, and I’m looking forward to the next on February 21st. Another great cause and great feast (dieting until then!)
What a fantastic idea. I would love to experience this. Yum!
I hope you get the chance one day, Corinne.
This looks like a lot of fun. And its for a good cause – added bonus.
You’ve got it. Makes eating so much more satisfying when it’s helping someone.
Sounds like a fun evening while being able to do something good. What a win-win!
I always have a great time, learn something and come home with new ideas and recipes to try. You’d love it being from the NW with its great seafood too.
Sounds like a great idea and I’m sure it was a lot of fun. I love good food even if it’s served on a paper plate.
I’m with you there, Anda. Thanks for stopping by.
This is a marvelous and creative idea. The experience must be such fun and when it’s for such a good cause, all the better. All the best for Chef Tim Johnson getting his new kidney!
Thank you, Cathy. I so hope that he and the family get through this positively and was so happy to attend.
Collaboration Kitchen sounds like a delicious and fascinating event! Everyone looks as though they’re really into food! Great tip on the volunteer opportunity.
Thanks for stopping by, Michele. It is always an enthusiastic crowd ready to play.
I would love to be on the volunteer team. I am a retired executive chef and have been following the kitchen for 4 years now. Let me know, and I’ll be there.
Thanks, Lindsey, but Tommy Gomes is the one to contact. I’ll send you his email and look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming events.
I love this idea, and the expression ‘a cause behind each chew’. I want in.
So appreciate your comment and catching that phrase. I hope you can attend one of the events and we meet in person.