Do you want to dive into a new book? Craving to get lost in a captivating podcast or TV show? The Women and the Law Division's #IMHO has just what you're looking for! Alex Blackwell has our recommendation for this month.
In my humble opinion, Culinary Crossroads is one of the most unique dining experiences I have had in Indy or maybe anywhere. Indiana food scene champion Larry Dickerson founded Culinary Crossroads. If you haven’t heard of Culinary Crossroads, Larry Dickerson, or attended one of their events, I assure you that you are missing out on a special organization that is doing important work to shine "a spotlight on the people, products, places and services that define Indiana’s culinary landscape and help make Indiana the place where people want to live, work, and play." The program was developed with the intention of celebrating our local chefs, their creativity and skill. The funds raised go back into the community in various manners including but not limited to compensating the chefs, making donations to the chefs' "cause of choice" and providing scholarship dollars to Ivy Tech culinary students.
To date, I have had the privilege of attending three different dinners – two dinners from the Sunday Supper Club Series and one dinner from last year’s Spring Dinner Series. The Sunday Supper Club meals take place at Paramount Schools of Excellence downtown and are offered one Sunday a month. They are intimate dinners of approximately 25 guests. You are welcomed with a glass of champagne – the dinner, however, is BYOB, which is fun because it allows everyone to bring what they like. When you sit down, you begin your meal with local bread and compote and a coffee pairing sheet (there are usually five or so coffee beverages that can be enjoyed at any time that were developed based upon the menu that evening.) The chef prepares six beautiful courses. After each course is served, the chef comes out to describe the dish, the ingredients and the inspiration behind the dish. Overall, it is a wonderful way to end your weekend.
The Spring Dinner Series has a different but just as enjoyable format. The dinners are hosted by Highland Country Club and are only offered in April and May. You begin your experience with a welcome reception featuring complimentary appetizers, beer and wine or a specialty cocktail. The dinners are prepared by three local chefs. As with the Sunday Suppers, the chefs come out and talk about each course as it is presented to the diners. This year, the chefs are tasked with preparing a meal inspired by predetermined countries/regions – Spain and Portugal, Italy, France and the Middle East. The two chefs work together to develop a delicious multi-course meal with a dessert created by a local pastry chef. The Spring Dinners are accompanied by wine pairings. I love the Spring Dinners because you get to experience unique collaborations from some of our city’s best chefs.
I encourage anyone looking for a new, unique experience to attend an event hosted by Culinary Crossroads – I promise you won’t be disappointed. And, if you do attend an event, I encourage you to take photos and share them online to help support the organization, the chefs and their amazing work! Bon Appétit!
Do you have some favorites you'd like to share? Email WLDmembership@gmail.com!
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