Friday, April 22, 2011

100 MEN WHO COOK INVADE HULMAN CENTER...FOR CHARITY!




Terre Haute is only about an hours drive from Indianapolis, and on March 19th the Hulman Center was the place to be for the 3rd annual "100 Men Who Cook" fundraising event for the the Terre Haute Children's Museum. What an amazing evening! Each year, 100 men (and in some cases their significant others) are invited to set up a table and bring their signature dish to share with about 900 guests. Doctors, landscapers, golf professionals, firemen and others from just about any occupation you can imagine, took an introductory march around the arena and then manned their stations. During the cocktail hour that preceded the start of the evening, an amazing common table with enormous peel and eat shrimp, provided by Jerry Isles of B & B Food Distributors, assorted cheeses and a taco bar got everyone primed for the main event. Chef Eddie Wilson of the Clabber Girl Bake Shop and Chef Jeff Ford of J. Fords Black Angus restaurant were the hosts for the evening. Once the dinner bell rang, the ravenous diners started their culinary assault, and many of the stations were sold out within 30 minutes. Of the several items I was able to fight my way to, some of the stand outs were a spectacular pulled pork sandwich, Asian spare ribs, paella, a breakfast casserole and a couple of mind blowing desserts. Oh, there were a couple of klunkers, but what do they say? "It's the thought that counts". Once the food ran out, there was an auction that included some fantastic donated items. And then, with the help of the cash bar, the dance floor filled up to finish out the night. Thank you to the Elaine Benes Dance School for providing the free lessons! In the past 3 years this event has raised over $250K for the Children's Museum. Way to go! Please keep us advised of any local food/wine related activities and we will be sure to pass them along!