I can’t think of too many things in Nashville that have happened for 100 years in a row — other than silly stuff the state legislature has tackled for the past century. So it’s pretty remarkable that the Downtown Presbyterian Church will put on the 100th edition of its Waffle Shop fundraiser on Thursday, Dec. 5. Originated as a church fundraiser in 1924, Waffle Shop was the traditional kickoff to the downtown holiday shopping season, and I guess it still could be if you’re looking to buy one pair of boots and get two free. (Don’t do that if you value your ankles.)
More recently, Waffle Shop has become the major fundraiser for Downtown Presbyterian’s extensive homeless outreach programming, and your breakfast will help provide a morning meal and essential items to anyone who needs them every Saturday morning. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and include waffles, grits, a choice of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken or Puckett’s country bacon, or turkey hash made from the original Waffle Shop recipe, and a choice of Frothy Monkey coffee or spiced tea. The event will run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Make sure to save time after your meal to take a tour of the magnificent Egyptian Revival sanctuary, including the fascinating story of the congregation’s contributions to the urban core and the early parishioners who made the bold architectural choices. There will also be an organ recital during the day, a silent auction and the chance to visit the church’s gift shop to pick up some homemade baked goods, vintage antiques and other holiday merchandise.
Buy your tickets online in advance and take advantage of free parking that will be available at the Nissan Stadium, with Old Town Trolley providing shuttle service from there to the church.
It’s almost time for the 14th annual Tennessee Local Food Summit. This year's event takes place Dec. 6 to 8 on the campus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. The annual conclave brings together stakeholders who are working together to create a more sustainable regional food system, and this year’s summit is themed "Rooted in Resilience: The Future of Our Food Ecosystem.” Keynote speakers for this year’s summit include Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin of Tree-Range Farms and Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, and Pastor Chris Battle of Battlefield Farms.
In addition to seminars, a seed swap and a farm tour, attendees will enjoy farm-fresh meals from local chefs, farmers, ranchers and other purveyors. The Phila Awards will be handed out during one of the evening’s festivities, recognizing individuals and groups who make our community better through food.
You can find the full schedule of events at the conference website as well as a link to the registration page.
I usually don’t promote events that are months away as part of the Monday Menu, but when there’s a good chance that it will sell out way in advance, I have to count on y’all to clear your calendars early if you want to attend. Tickets are already on sale for this year’s edition of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America, which is coming up on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6 until 9 p.m. at Saint Elle. This dining series visits cities across the country to showcase local talent and raise money to support the James Beard Foundation’s mission of “Good Food for Good.”
The event will be a walk-around tasting from some of the most exciting culinary talents in town, a group curated by former Lou chef Mailea Weger. Weger who was recently named to the JBF’s annual class of TasteTwenty Chefs, recognized as leaders and changemakers and champions of the organization’s mission.
Head to the beloved East Side natural wine bar and restaurant before it closes in mid-September
As much as we miss seeing Weger in the kitchen regularly, she has apparently been using her free time to recruit an impressive cadre of local talent to prepare food for Taste America. Here’s who she has coming to work the tasting stations:
André Prince Jeffries and Tamara Kelly of Prince’s Hot Chicken
Arnold Myint of International Market
Colby Rasavong of Bad Idea
Deb Paquette of etch and etc.
Dung “Junior” Vo of Noko
Jason La Iacona of Miel
Josh Habiger of Bastion
Julio Hernandez of Maíz de la Vida
Margot McCormack of Margot Cafe
Capital One cardholders have already had a head start on scoring tickets, so if you want to be a part of this august gathering in February, you’d better buy your tickets in December!
