I wait all year for tomato season, telling myself patience is a virtue. A few weeks back I had an heirloom tomato salad at The Fireplace that assured me I had made the right choice in holding out.

The salad was no less than splendid and was served with herbed goat cheese and pine nuts. But I have to be honest, my concentration was focused on the tomato rainbow splayed across my plate. My dining companions and I also shared the herbed white bean and arugula salad -- more soft and buttery than I could have ever imagined arugula could be. For dessert, the three doughnuts had no chance of survival, especially given the caramel sauce. The ramekin was licked clean.

When I found out that I could return for more delicious food at The Fireplace and a portion of my check would go directly towards fighting hunger, I made a new reservation.

The Fireplace is one of four generous restaurants that are helping CJP fight hunger this fall. I can grab a steaming bowl of matzo ball soup at Zaftig’s, share nachos and play a round of bar trivia at the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse, or better yet, never leave my couch and order in from DiningIn.

All of them are participating in CJP’s Fast to Feed this year. Here’s how it works: simply visit one of the restaurants (or order in from any of the options on DiningIn) between now and September 26, mention CJP, and a portion of your bill will be donated to JF&CS Family Table and JFS of Metrowest's Lucy and Joe’s Food Pantry.

So if you’re looking for somewhere to break your fast this year – or you’re looking to do good while getting a good meal in the meantime – consider one of these options. And if you go to The Fireplace, get the tomato salad. They really are worth the wait.