If the sheer number of events is any measure, Northeast Ohioans love eating for a good cause. That could explain why hardly a week goes by without one chef-driven "benefit dinner" or another landing on our desk.
An upcoming event in Kent — the Chefs Dream Dinner — supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County, and comes equipped with a roster of talented Akron-area chefs, all of whom are donating their time and ingredients.
Set for Monday, Jan. 15, the seven-course blowout will feature culinary creations from chefs Brandt Evans and Susan Geul (Blue Canyon Kitchen, Twinsburg); Jared Kirby (Moe's, Cuyahoga Falls); Roger Thomas (Piatto Novo, Cuyahoga Falls), Adam Smith and Aaron Ruggles (Bistro on Main, Kent), Chuck Crawford (Mangiamo!, Twin Lakes), and Clay Cundiff (Olde Harbor Inn, Portage Lakes).
Look for tidbits like pan-roasted scallops with seared foie gras and mango slaw, from Smith; Thai green papaya salad, coconut rice, and crispy pork, from Kirby; and ricotta and chard malfatti (sort of like gnocchi), with Bolognese-style duck ragu and Gorgonzola cream, from Thomas. Wine Works of Ohio is donating a passel of boutique wines to accompany each course.
The tax-deductible festivities — pegged at $150 per person — will be held at the Bistro on Main, 1313 W. Main St, in Kent; call 330-673-9900 for reservations or more information. --- Elaine T. Cicora
