What is a Reluctant Vegetarian UnderGround Dining Event?
I frequently mention my underground dining events in a way that assumes that people automatically know about this concept. I find however that most times people don't know what it's all about. So I am taking this opportunity to share how the concept came about and how I got connected to the movement.
In 2004 I was working at the phone company here in Chicago minding my business and living my everyday life. At the same time in Oakland California two brothers, Jeremy and Joe Townsend were giving weekly dinner parties. As it turns out Joe was a restaurant line cook and wanted a way to test out recipes. So they created a “pirate restaurant” in Joe's basement apartment, voila problem solved.
In 2005 I am still working at the phone company in Chicago minding my own business and living my everyday life. At the same time in California, Joe moved up to Portland Or., and his brother Jeremy continued to give the popular weekly parties, he just moved the parties his house in the Berkley/Oakland area. One evening a health inspector came knocking at his door. The health inspector was simply responding to a noise complaint. While he was there he advised Jeremy that it looked a little odd for him to be feeding 45 people in his home every week, even if he did know all of them. Jeremy asked him if it would be okay if he did the same thing but just invited his friends to different friends homes each week. The inspector told him he did not care, and Jeremy took his dinner party on the road and never had another event in his home.
In 2006 I was in Chicago and was no longer able to work. I had to find something to do. I did have a modest income, and still I needed something, something that gave me chills, something to excite and inspire me, something make my soul sing. I tried many things over the next many years, and did not connect deeply with any of them. Then in the winter in 2008, I was having one of my traditional holiday open house gatherings, and one of my librarian friends mentioned the Ghetto Gourment. She told me that I should take the time to look them up. I did! I was intrigued and inspired by Joe and Jeremy's concept. Jeremy has been quoted saying, "My ultimate dream is to tour the country like a rock band, except with dinner parties."
In 2010, as I was beginning to promote the Vegetarian cook book that I was self publishing, aptly titled "A Taste of The Reluctant Vegetarian", I found myself thinking of Joe and Jeremy's concept. So i embraced the concept, added my own twist and The Reluctant Vegetarian UnderGround Dining Events was Born. My mission in creating RV Underground Dining Events is my way to combine my love of fresh seasonal locally sourced ingredients, artistic expression in all it's forms, amazing people and the art and science of collaboration, into an amazing events for all to share!
The Next Reluctant Vegetarian UnderGround Dining Event will take place on Friday November 12th starting at 7:30pm. This event is called Fall Flourish the tickets are $75, for the evening of fine dining and are currently still available. To find out more information or to reserve your space,click the "Fall Flourish" registration button at the top of this page, or call 312.725.8078
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