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Adam Kaye’s Zero-Waste Culinary Vision at the Sylvia Center Gala

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Last week, we had the opportunity to speak with Adam Kaye, co-founder of The Spare Food Co., about his approach to curating the menu for the Sylvia Center Gala, which took place on April 3 at The New York Historical Society. As a chef with a strong commitment to sustainability, Adam shared how his zero-waste philosophy shaped the dishes served at the event. The evening was not just a celebration of food, but a testament to the power of mindful cooking and the important role that chefs play in creating a more just, equitable and sustainable food system.

Designing a Menu Around Zero Waste

For Adam, the concept of zero-waste cooking is central to his culinary identity. He explained that he wanted the menu to highlight the value of ingredients that are often overlooked or discarded, a concept that is as old as cooking itself. This began with the “For the Table” course, which showcased carrots, radishes, and beets, each prepared with parts of the vegetable that are typically thrown away. Carrot top pesto, radish green aioli, and fermented beet green salsa verde were all used to elevate the flavor of the vegetables, turning what might otherwise be discarded into flavorful, sustainable dishes. The inclusion of a sunflower-seeded black onyx crisp added texture and depth to this vibrant start to the meal.

The first course, a Spring Vegetable Panzanella, further illustrated the idea of using what would normally go to waste. The traditional Tuscan dish, typically made from leftover bread, was reimagined by incorporating peas, asparagus, baby leeks, and spinach from Katchkie Farm, along with edible flowers. This dish exemplified Adam’s goal of using ingredients in their entirety, creating a dish that’s not only sustainable but also bright and full of fresh flavor.

Elevating Everyday Ingredients

The second course, Spare Vegetable and Broken Rice Risotto, was a delicious example of how to make the most of undervalued ingredients. Adam used broken rice, typically discarded during milling, as the base for the risotto. He also incorporated Spare Starter, a product from The Spare Food Co. made from surplus vegetables like eggplant, cauliflower, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and onions, all sourced directly from farmers. Rather than making the meat the focus, Adam used braised short rib as a garnish, allowing the vegetables and rice to shine. By turning simple ingredients like broken rice and surplus vegetables into a rich, comforting dish, Adam showed how we can elevate everyday food while reducing waste.

Dessert, a Spent Coffee Grounds Panna Cotta, was another example of Adam’s inventive approach to repurposing ingredients. Flavor-packed coffee grounds, often discarded after brewing, were infused into the panna cotta to add a deep, earthy flavor. These same coffee grounds were also incorporated into a chocolate streusel topping, proving that even the smallest scraps can contribute texture and flavor to a dish.

A Vision for the Future

Adam’s work is a powerful reminder of how mindful cooking can impact both the environment and the culinary world. The Sylvia Center Gala menu perfectly illustrated how creativity and sustainability can come together to create something remarkable, healthy and impactful. By showcasing whole ingredient utilization and inventive uses of trimmings and scraps, he is helping lead the charge toward a more sustainable food future. This is more than a trend—it’s a movement that’s transforming how we think about food, nutrition, and our responsibility to the planet and to future generations.

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