Madrona Restaurant serves 400 in one morning, for free

Since 2001, John Platt and Paul Butler have opened the Doors of St. Clouds in Madrona for community members to create hearty, balanced meals for Seattle's homeless. What started as a centralized event feeding 125 tent city residents has turned into a city-wide undertaking feeding upwards of 400 people every month. Run entirely on donation and volunteer efforts, the project thrives through chef Platt's ability to take whatever is given to him and turn it into a whole-hearted, and exquisite meal. Volunteer Marianne Pettersen brought an assortment of vegetables to donate for this month's event. "You'll never know what John will do with them," she said. 

Pettersen, who has been with the project since its early stages, said many people bring their own vegetables, fruit, or herbs, but can also donate money. Pettersen also added that local markets often cut the price of large vegetable purchases if they are for the cause. The monetary donations, Platt explained, are used to keep a steady stock of proteins for each event, adding to a large monthly donation of meat by a generous citizen.

At this event, a knife, a cutting board and hours of dedication is worth as much as any food or monetary donation. Hundreds of fruits and vegetables need to be cored, sliced and integrated into dishes all before a 1 p.m. deadline. As quickly as someone can cut an onion, he or she may be sent to the grill to cook; no position is sacred. 

After the food is cooked and covered, long time volunteer Winky Hussey sorts the food for each shelter. Hussey makes sure each location has a protein, a vegetarian side dish, and a dessert. She must plan for a variety of types of patrons and cooking or heating limitations. On the menu this Wednesday: plum sauce braised pork chops with jasmine rice, Cornmeal fried snapper with apple chutney, organic green salad with organic cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, chili beef stew, and many more.