José Andrés Kicks In to Civil Eats; Ripert Gets Spicy

WASHINGTON, DC— Food policy site Civil Eats is close to wrapping up its Kickstarter campaign, and the team is getting some big help in its final push. Chef José Andrés announced this afternoon that he's donating a truffle dinner for four at the Bazaar by José Andrés for a $10,000 pledge; for $30,000, he'll personally cook a dinner for six at his DC home. The Kickstarter campaign ends on Friday. [EaterWire]

NEW YORK CITY— Eric Ripert and La Boîte spice shop's Lior Lev Sercaz have officially launched their collaborative line of "Voyager" spice blends, which Ripert has said was inspired by his childhood on the French Riviera (indeed, one of the blends is called "Riviera Herbs" and features rosemary, mint, basil, and additional spices). The blends are now available for purchase at La Boîte's online shop. [EaterWire]

SAN FRANCISCO— To complement its just-launched part-time culinary program, the San Francisco Cooking School has also unveiled a part-time pastry arts program. The 11-month term includes a three-month, part-time externship; enrollment is open now for the inaugural semester, set to start in January 2014. More information here. [EaterWire]