Few, if any, chefs who have traversed the world in culinary pusuits can come close to the storied and coloful path taken by Chef Tom Pritchard. When looked at from all his varied sides; chef, hippie, adventurer, boss, freind, and yes, 'sometime accomplice', the one thing that stands out in all reflections is humanitarian. 

For us, especially being relatively new to the Tampa food scene, it seems as if we got to the party a bit late, and we missed lots of fun. But, we are gladly a part of it now, and I guess that's what counts. Since arriving, story after story has crossed our ears. Yes, we heard the ones about his days in Mexico, surrounded at the beach by an eclectic mix:  those in herbal pursuit of enlighenment, banditos and others that, may or may not be, involved in 'alleged skulduggery.' We heard the great party stories and heard from chef after chef, all laughingly telling us about the time, (wearing the experience like a badge of honor,) chef Tom stopped by their restaurant, stayed for a drink and stole their recipe for cheese sauce or some such. We also heard from his peers, fellow chefs, the public that dines, to the waiters that worked for him. They all stated, "Chef Tom never says no." 

From those who tapped him for charity events, fatherly advice or friendship, to up and coming chefs, or those who just sought out his company, he rarely, if ever, declined. When we first came to town, friends arranged for us to share a intimate meal with Tom at his restaurant. He was a gracious host, telling stories and it was a night of laughter, great food and wonderful company. It was easy for us to see immediately what everyone else saw in the man. 

The roast, brainchild of Chefs Dan Smith and Tyson Grant, and presented by Frank DeLucia , CEO for the abilities foundation, was the opprtunity for all those who have had their life impacted by this man to come out and tell him, " thanks." Well, thank him they did. Approximately 800 of Tom's closest friends showed up for a night of good food and comraderie, celebrating a true icon of the Tampa/St. Pete community. Forty one chefs volunteered, preparing a 4 course wine dinner. Most of these chefs, if not all, either worked with or for Tom at one time, and all point to the fact that their career was in some way helped along by him. We were pleased to be a part of the festivities and priveledge to watch and be a part of the outpouring of love.

The Chefs

"Chef Tom is an icon, It's time we gave back to him. All of us have worked for him at one time or another." Chef Tyson Grant, Parkshore Grill