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Pilot Light's June 8 Potluck Has a Menu of Food Education Stories
- bob51386
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Plus, Two Time-Sensitive Reminders of Upcoming Events
I am a longtime admirer of Pilot Light, the Chicago-based food education non-profit.
Started by well-known Chicago chefs Matthias Merges, Paul Kahan and Jason Hammel, the program has blossomed over the past decade under the leadership of Executive Director Alexandra (Alex) DeSorbo-Quinn. While it still has a strong Chicago focus, Pilot Light works directly with school systems across the nation and provides guidance to many others through its Food Education Standards.
You now have the opportunity to learn more about Pilot Light — and hear directly about its impact from educators and other program participants — at their first-ever end-of-school-year Pilot Light Potluck.
The event will be held on Sunday, June 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Hoste Cocktails, 1857 W. 16th St. in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.
According to the organization:
Pilot Light is hosting our first ever End of Year Potluck to celebrate our teachers and connect with our broader community. This will be an opportunity to meet teachers and hear about the Food Education in their classrooms this year, and connect with staff and board members. We ask for a sliding scale contribution of $25-$50 to attend; everyone ages 13+ should have their own ticket. Please email Rachel at rachel@pilotlightchefs.org if the cost is a barrier for you. We hope to see you there!Â
Click the buttons below to register and to learn more about this impactful organization
Reminder: Farmers Rising's Barnyard Blues Outdoor Fundraising Concert is This Saturday
This Saturday, head to Caledonia in north-central Illinois from the Farmers Rising Barnyard Blues Festival outdoor fundraising concert.
There's a virtuous reason to attend the event, which will run from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Farmers Rising provides vital resources to the local food community through its farmer training programs, consumer education, livestock farming incubator, and children's farm camps. But budget cuts and maneuvers by the administration in Washington, D. C. have created unprecedented economic uncertainty for the organization.
That's the serious part. Here's the description of the fun part from the organizers.
In the face of the funding challenges wrought by the new administration's policies, we welcome you to shake off the blues with us and help us weather the storm. At this special emergency fundraising concert, you'll have a chance to enjoy great food from our cobb oven, great music from local acts, and be in community with fellow supporters of the regenerative agriculture movement.
All this and a drive through the region's beautiful countryside. Tickets are $25 in advance and $40 at the entrance.
Last Call: Tickets Sales Close Friday for Village Farmstand's May 22 Dinner In Evanston
Don't miss out on the "Celebrate Spring" dinner that will be hosted next Thursday (May 22) by Village Farmstand at Evanston's Peckish Pig restaurant. Ticket sales will end on Friday (May 16).
Village Farmstand is an e-commerce retailer of products from regional farms has been set back since February because of emergency repairs to the building where they lease space in Evanston. But owners Rachael and Jesse Smedberg — who also own the Tulip Tree Gardens regenerative farm in Beecher south of Chicago — are hardly waiting on the sidelines until the store opens.
While piloting a local food delivery service in a limited geographical area, the couple is launching a farm dinner series that starts next Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Here is how the organizers describe what promises to be a great event:
We all like good food and so do you. Come fête the season and join us for an evening that delights in fine company, elevates simple and seasonal fare, and celebrates Village Farmstand's home delivery service!
Live Music- Herb Bar- Cold Drinks- Warm Vibes
Join us at Peckish Pig in Evanston and enjoy a family-style meal hosted by Village Farmstand alongside Evanston locals Caitlin Caspersen & Susan L. Stenander. Chefs Charlie Funk & Matt Ryan will prepare a menu showcasing the best of local, seasonal ingredients, featuring chicken from Wanda Farms, pasture-raised pork from Tulip Tree Gardens, and produce from farmers who care deeply for the Earth.
The evening will be elevated by live music from The Simpsons Band, from Beecher, IL.
Your meal includes a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages—whether you prefer wine, artisan beers, or non-alcoholic options, there’s something for everyone. Seating is communal, creating the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded folks over delicious food and meaningful conversation.
🎟 Tickets are all-inclusive, non-refundable, but may be transferred to another guest.
Doors open at 5:00 PM, kicking off the evening with a happy hour and a chance to connect with our community. By 6:30 PM, dinner will be served and ready to enjoy. Â
Join us as we savor the flavors of spring and celebrate the local farming community!
Can't Make this one- don't fret, this is our opening night. We'll have several others later this year. Stay tuned!
Click the first button to buy tickets and the second to learn more about Village Farmstand.