*This is a special feature from the City of San Jose, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services 

“In the last several months of the pandemic, Élyse’s restaurant has served 1,500 fresh gourmet meals a month to the San José community, resulting in 4,500 meals served from our local bistro,” said Élyse’s Head Chef Baoky Ngoc, who volunteers to prepare meals donated to the community.

Chef Ngoc comes from a rich culinary background. Born in Vietnam, he moved to Belgium at the age of three. His love and passion for cooking has followed him through his various endeavors.

His culinary journey eventually led him to another exciting opportunity when he started a restaurant with his family in downtown San José as the head chef of Élyse Restaurant. 

As food insecurity rose in in our community, Élyse, a new modern French Vietnamese upscale bistro stepped up and joined the cause to serve the community with fresh gourmet meals provided by top chefs.

During the pandemic, Ngoc gives his free time to volunteer and prepare meals for those in need.

“We are cooking everything fresh and from scratch, using the same quality products we use at the restaurant,” shares Chef Ngoc. “We want to provide everyone in the community with the same quality of food.”

With the pandemic cases rising in Santa Clara County, food resources have been in more demand than ever. “Many families have found themselves without access to food or the means to put meals on the table for their family. With limited options, local seniors and families have contacted Élyse’s restaurant to help supply and delivery hot meals to their homes,” shares Chef Baoky.

Volunteers provide essential support to our local food bistro, distributing and preparing meals to our community 1-2 times a month. Our local small business is crucial to ensure every person in need has access to a nutritious meal.

Élyse has 20 to 25 volunteers prepping, packaging and delivering hot meals while abiding by CDC guidelines, to help and protect their volunteers. With the dining area empty, volunteers also have a safe working space.

“With the help and support of the community, we are trying to find a way to give back,” said Chef Ngoc.

With small businesses like Élyse, our community will continue to be supported in the New Year. The dedication and hard work of volunteers can have an impact and make a difference in our community.

Élyse restaurant will be distributing the community again on January 17 and February 7, 2021. These services will continue monthly serving thousands of people with fresh meals. If you require food delivery, please call (408) 899-2762. To learn more, please visit facebook.com/ElyseRestaurant.

Élyse needs ESSENTIAL volunteers to drive and box the meals. Volunteers will deliver the meals through a contactless delivery system used by Élyse to comply with CDC guidelines and Shelter-in-Place orders. For more information, please contact: info@elyserestaurant.com.

Volunteers are needed at many of our non-profits to assist with providing food and necessities to our community. The food won't get out unless you help out!

Volunteers helping nonprofits distribute food necessities are allowed under the current stay-at-home order.

Each nonprofit organization will be able to provide information about their COVID-19 compliance policies and procedures. #SiliconValleyStrong

Sign up for a volunteer opportunity and submit an application to volunteer at SV Strong: https://siliconvalleystrong.org/volunteer/

Each nonprofit organization will be able to provide information about their COVID-19 compliance policies and procedures.

To find out how you can access food resources in your neighborhood, please visit bit.ly/SCCFoodMap. You can also visit siliconvalleystrong.org, call 2-1-1, a 24-hour multilingual service or text your zip code to "898211".