The power of intention

It’s a beautiful thing to know your decision to attend a Foodlanthropy event and partake in a lovingly created meal will have a positive impact on the lives of others. And to be able to play a creative role in bringing this experience to fruition? Well, it was a dream come true!

Photo credit: Alex Suarez, www.alexsuarez.com

Saturday night’s inaugural Foodlanthropy dinner, benefitting Moja Tu, exceeded expectations! Balinder Singh and Chef Navdeeb of The Clay Pit created an incredible menu of Indian delights, Samantha and Mandi  from Republic distribution arranged amazing cocktail and wine selections, and we had the elegant, intimate Wine Room as our setting.

The room was filled to capacity, with over 30 people in attendance, including our good friends Turk and Christy Pipkin of Nobelity. It may have been freezing temperatures and icy roads outside, but inside the Clay Pit,  everyone was warmed by great food, high spirits, laughter and the joy that comes from being part of something bigger than oneself.

Clay Pit Spritz – Prosecco, St. Germaine and fresh lemon
Photo credit: Alex Suarez, www.alexsuarez.com

We started our evening with a Clay Pit Spritz, a bubbly blend of Prosecco, St Germaine and lemon twist. Light, refreshing, and full of  merriment – it was a wonderful way to toast our hosts, welcome our guests, and get the evening underway! Cheers!

As we settled into our seats, we were presented with  a lucious array of appetizers: Curried Mussels with Garlic Naan, Masala Duck Breast with a Tamarind Port reduction, Vegetable Samosas, and Gol Gappa. The Masala Duck Breast and Gol Gappa are routinely served by Indian street food vendors but  more than capable of holding a prominent place at the linen covered table.  To accompany the first course of appetizers, the wines selected by Mandi and Samantha included Bouvet Brut Rose, Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc, Saint M Riesling and Billhook Cabernet Sauvignon. I tried them all! My personal favorites were the Riesling and the Billhook.

Chef Navdeeb explaining how to properly enjoy the Masala Duck Breast
Photo credit: Alex Suarez, www.alexsuarez.com

The variety of foods and flavors in our starters was really impressive, but wait, there’s MORE! Chef Navdeeb and staff wowed us with a dazzling entree lineup: Tandoori Lamb Chops, Kothmir Salmon and Shrimp with Tikka Sauce, Malai Kofta, Saag Paneer, Malai Kabon and plenty of Naan and Basmati Rice. Served family style, it was like a royal wedding feast! To complement the savory and spicy flavors, we had Bischofliches Riesling, Paso Creek Zinfandel, and Billhook Cab.

Kothmir Salmon & Shrimp with Tikka Sauce
Photo credit: Alex Suarez, www.alexsuarez.com

Tandoori Lamb Chops
Photo credit: Alex Suarez, www.alexsuarez.com

Guests enjoying the evening
Photo credit: Alex Suarez, www.alexsuarez.com 

Our evening was by no means sedentary. Guests were up and about, mingling, discussing the Moja Tu Kenya trip, checking silent auction items, and others were getting to know Turk and Christy Pipkin, founders of Nobelity.org. There was never a lull in the laughter or conversation.  

We came, we ate, we conquered!

The third course consisted of three simple, yet elegant, desserts: Mango Cheesecake, Gulab Jamun – sweet, round pastry typically served with a honey sauce, and Kheer – traditional Indian rice pudding. The Mango Cheesecake was a delightful surprise to everyone in the room and I would not be surprised if this takes a permanent place on the Clay Pit’s menu. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Gulab Jamun and Kheer, but the cheesecake was out of this world! For our final wine of the evening, we enjoyed a glass (or two, but who’s counting) of Robert Mondavi’s Moscato d’Oro.

Mango Cheesecake
Photo credit: Alex Suarez, www.alexsuarez.com

And so our dinner came to a close. A full evening of incredible food, divine wines, and great conversation. And to think that having a wonderful evening with old friends, and new,  can make a positive difference in the life of child? It’s more than enough motivation to plan another Foodlanthropy event. I hope to see you at the table!

Special thanks to Balinder Singh and Chef Navdeeb of The Clay Pit, without whom the magic would never have been possible!!

Blinder Singh and Chef Navdeeb
Photo credit: Alex Suarez, www.alexsuarez.com