It's been almost exactly two years since the first Simple, Good, and Tasty event, or what I'm now referring to as our "meal heard round the city" at the Craftsman in 2009. Did you know that our second-ever event, held in May of 2009, was at the Birchwood Cafe?
Birchwood owner Tracy Singleton has been a friend, supporter, promoter, and advisor to both SGT and local food and farmers in Minnesota for ages, so I'm absolutely thrilled to have another excuse to work with her and the amazing Birchwood Cafe team. We're still working out details about the menu, 
but here's what we know right now:
- What: EARTH DAY COMMUNITY DINNER at the Birchwood Cafe
- When: Sunday, April 17, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
- Cost: $60, including beer and wine (vegetarian options available)
- RSVP: call the Birchwood Cafe at 612.722.4474 or email them at info@birchwoodcafe.com
- Space: is limited. Please don't delay!
- Information: about the meal itself is forthcoming.
Although this is my first time co-hosting an Earth Day Community Dinner, the Birchwood has been at it for several years already, and they've got it down. If you haven't been to one of their events -- or one of SGT's -- you're in for a real treat: great food, terrific conversation, and a word or two from some of the most interesting and knowledgeable food people (execs, restaurateurs, farmers, and more) in Minnesota.
Did I mention that Birchwood Chef Marshall Paulsen has been known to stretch his formidable cooking muscles with all-night homemade garganelli sessions? Or that Manager Jimmy Layer's knowledge of local beer has astounded guests for years?
The stars have aligned, friends. Yes, I'm excited. Please come.
The photos from past SGT events that accompany this post were taken by the kind, smart, and talented Kate NG Sommers.
Lee Zukor is the founder of Simple, Good, and Tasty. Email him at lee@simplegoodandtasty.com.
