LUNCH
OUR STORY
How did The Lab become what it is today?
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We're glad you asked.
Our journey started in a number of places. A young boy in Zambia travels to the market with his father to learn to pick out the freshest of fruits and vegetables, all the while fearing ridicule from the other young boys and girls who were convinced that kitchen work was a job reserved for the women.
Across the country, a young girl in Ellensburg learns to value the simple things in life, and the natural order of herbs, and healthy nutrition from her single mother.
Not far from there, a young boy in Yakima is waking up on Thanksgiving morning, running into the kitchen to help prepare the turkey, his favorite way of connecting with his father.
The boy in Zambia would grow up to become the Lion Chef Gilbert Kalombo. The young girl in Ellensburg would grow up to become the Riot Chef.
And the young boy in Yakima would grow up to become Yakima's Fat Pastor.
Together, with their families (Beth, Glenn, Tenielle and Dawn) this team created Fat Pastor Productions, a multi-faceted culinary collaboration, aimed at making a difference in the Yakima Valley and around the world, through food.
Through their first organization, Urban Kitchen Yakima, they entered the culinary scene with the goal of helping Yakima's at-risk youth find a family in the kitchen - learning business and culinary skills, and eventually running their own short term restaurant. They partnered with Chef Julie Kirchhoff (head chef at The Lab) and David Allan of Allan Brothers Fruit.
But they also knew that they would need a way to channel money into that program. So they began one of the nation's first legal underground dining clubs, Bite Club. 150+ members and spanning two Washington regions, they knew it was time to move into something more.
The Lab
Having gained a following over multiple sphere's, the Fat Pastor team is so excited to continue growing and creating opportunities for regional transformation. We believe in playing with our food, creating culinary adventures, and we hope you'll join in the fun with us.
And we look forward to seeing you at at The Lab!
Shawn Niles
Executive Chef
Fat Pastor Productions
Lara Bodine
Chef
Fat Pastor Productions
Gilbert Kalombo
Chef
Fat Pastor Productions
Julie Kircchoff
Head Chef
The Lab Yakima
SPECIAL EVENTS
We offer a number of services to make your special events even more special. Whether you're looking for someone else to do the cooking, want a great spot to hang out without having to clean up after, or you're just looking for a casual hangout spot to unwind with some great food and wine - we've got you covered.
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Contact Glenn Bodine to coordinate details or fill out the contact form below!
SEE US!
910 Summitview Ave, Ste 7A
Yakima, WA 98902
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(509) 367-6490
INSTA
YELP
Asian-New American
Your favorite flavors look even more tasty
Combining our passion for those undeniable Asian flavors with loving all things that look beautiful. The Lab is putting out dishes that fill up more than just your belly. We really believe that it's the whole experience, not just the taste that makes food excellent.
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That being said, we think it tastes pretty darn good too!