Food Events Not to Miss

With Easter, Mother's Day, and Graduation, it's no surprise that there are a spate of food events in the next couple of weeks that you don't want to miss! Now that spring may finally, well, sprung, here are some events to enjoy for the season. (And yes, I missed a plug for Indianapolis Monthly's Taste of Indy which was last night. Hope it went well!)

Sunday, April 22
April in Paris
This annual fundraiser for Ivy Tech's Hospitality Administration program is a highlight of the food year. With an elaborate dinner paired with Olinger wines, this year's event and auction will recognize outgoing Ivy Tech president Gerald Lamkin. VIP reception at 4:00 p.m.; Dinner and silent auction at 5:00 p.m. at the Fountains Banquet and Conference Center in Carmel. Call 317.917.5703 for reservations. Tix are $100.

Sunday, April 22
Chef's Alliance Dinner
Also on Sunday evening will be another can't-miss event, the annual Chef's Alliance Dinner, this year hosted at The Oceanaire. Chefs Ryan Nelson (Oceanaire), Greg Hardesty (Elements), and Dierdre Henry (Taste Cafe) will prepare an 8-course pairing dinner for an evening that every year I hear is one of the most fun of the year. And as a bonus? Proceeds benefit Riley Hospital for Children. 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Call Oceanaire for reservations. $125 per person.

Monday, April 23,
Harvest Dinner at L'Explorateur
Neal Brown hosts one of his several yearly harvest dinners on Monday to benefit the Broad Ripple Farmer's Market. The dinner will celebrate the spring harvest (in theory) even though so far this spring, fresh veggies, mushrooms, and other treats have been a bit late. The idea is to use food only from market vendors. Space is still available. Call L'Explorateur to RSVP. $55 prix fixe.

Tuesday, April 24
PGA Wine Dinner
I'm as tired as the same old wine dinners as everyone else, but here's one that caught my eye! Fleming's is hosting a wine dinner themed entirely around wines owned by professional golfers such as Greg Norman, Ernie Els, and Arnold Palmer. Along with what should be a terrific meal and video golf highlights, this evening could be an interesting one. 6:30 p.m., Call Fleming's for reservations. $85 per person.