Building community one dinner at a time – that is the mission for Project Dinner Table, a series of farm-to-table dinners that begins Saturday, April 24, 2010. The idea: each dinner will feature one local chef preparing dinner served family-style with ingredients from local growers in a unique location.Number of guests will range from 125 to 150 depending upon location but every dinner will have guests seated at one long table. Project Dinner Table is open to the public with ticket prices beginning at $150 for a 6-course meal. A portion of the dinner’s proceeds will be donated to a local charity.
The community experience is key with Project Dinner Table. White tablecloths will flow. Conversation will be enlightening. Incredible food showcasing local growers will educate guests regarding all that is grown in and around Las Vegas. Project Dinner Table guests will walk away, not only experiencing great cuisine, they will also – literally – learn more about what is in their backyard.
In 2010, the inaugural Project Dinner Table series will be comprised of seven dinners, taking place throughout the year. The first will be at University of Reno Cooperative Extension Orchard, located in North Las Vegas, with Chef Giovanni Mauro, owner and executive chef, Nora’s Wine Bar & Osteria preparing a season-inspired dinner. (Each dinner will last approximately four hours.) Locales discussed for upcoming dinners include Springs Preserve; the historic 5th St. School; Red Rock; Gilcrease Orchard; Mt. Charleston and other adventurous locations.
“Project Dinner Table was borne out of the idea people just want to connect with one another and who doesn’t love great food? The combination of unique dinners on location, the celebration of food in a simple and experiential way and the chance to connect with new people whom we are sharing our meal with, will be an unforgettable experience,” says Gina Gavan, founder, Project Dinner Table. “Everyone assumes hardly anything grows in Las Vegas. But tomatoes, apples, pears and much more are all grown within our community and for our community.”
Based on a philanthropic passion, Project Dinner Table will select a local charity to be honored at each dinner and a donation will be presented to the charity on behalf of our guests, the chef and sponsors. Charitable priorities include arts and culture; education; environmental sustainability; homelessness and food security and health and wellness. Charity applications will be available for beginning Feb. 28, 2010. Throughout the year, Project Dinner Table will also plant trees back into our community as a “thank you” for supporting the project and in the spirit of giving back.
The founding group of organizers include myriad local professionals who have been dubbed, “The Kitchen Cabinet,” further reinforcing Project Dinner Table’s sense of community. From community activists to purveyors to marketing professionals to Web designers, the committee has literally rolled up their sleeves to get Project Dinner Table off the ground.
Concludes Gavan, “This project is truly a collaborative and community initiative on all levels. It is a group of people coming together, bringing their specialized and unique talents. We unite to educate people on the importance of buying locally and to honor the celebration of gathering around the table.”
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