It is a night for foodies to indulge. For the second year, the local chapter of the American Red Cross is teaming with area restaurants to present the Autumn Gourmet Gala, one of its two major annual fundraisers.
Chefs from 10 of the Top of Utah's finest restaurants will create brand-new signature dishes to be unveiled at the event. The Underground, a local distillery, is also providing a custom cocktail for the evening.
"We live in this amazing community where everyone is so willing to give," said Stephanie Christiansen, development director of the American Red Cross of Northern Utah.
The participating restaurants have donated food and their time, and Snowbasin is contributing the space, a dining area in Earl's Lodge.
Some examples on the menu: The chef from Davis Hospital is preparing a halibut fillet wrapped in prosciutto with white-wine-braised artichokes, blue crab and fresh basil pistou. Jasoh is also presenting a seafood dish, wood-oven-roasted mahi mahi on a bed of local organic tomatoes with a balsamic reduction.
From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests will have a chance to sample creations by all 10 chefs, bid on silent auction items and mingle. From 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., they will enjoy a seated dessert and coffee service while participating in a live auction.
In addition to the delicacies served that evening, the items up for bid are also the makings of a foodie paradise.
Sonora has donated iFly tickets and a private dinner. Jasoh is providing a mixology cooking class for 10, focusing on how to use oils and vinegars creatively in your own kitchen. Roosters has agreed to cater a private party at the Eccles Community Art Center.
MacCool's has put together a theme package that includes one entry to the Winter Training Series, a racing circuit designed to prepare runners for the Ogden Marathon, plus a $300 VIP entry to the marathon. The VIP entry includes seating on a plush private bus that is the last to leave before the roads are closed; it has a private bathroom, serves breakfast onboard and waits at the starting line so passengers can enjoy relaxing in heated seats before the race.
"Whether this is your first marathon or your 50th, it will be your favorite," Christiansen said.
The package also includes a post-race massage, accommodations at the Ben Lomond Suites, and a seven-course Irish dinner for eight with wine and beer pairings.
Corbin's Grille has put together a private dinner and services for six at the Sego Lily Day Spa, and Zucca Trattoria donated a private dinner and wine pairing for 10. Harley and Buck's package includes dinner and guided backcountry skiing.
"If you like food, this evening is a great way to go," Christiansen said.
She stressed that her nonprofit organization receives no government funding, and everything raised at the gala goes right back into the community for disaster relief.
"Everything we raise here locally stays local and helps us serve our core mission," she said.
PREVIEW
- What: Autumn Gourmet Gala to benefit the Red Cross
- Where: Earl’s Lodge at Snowbasin Ski Resort, 3925 Snow Basin Road, Huntsville
- When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday
- Tickets: $100/ticket, call 801-625-0865