Monday Morning Ketchup: Farm to Table Dinners

Never hurts to take a few days off from the blog, especially in the summer, traditionally one of the slowest times in the restaurant world, too. There are some cool things cooking for fall, but the big news these days is the upcoming Farm to Table Dinners hosted by several of the chefs attending this fall's Terra Madre conference in Italy with Slow Food Indy.

Neal Brown hosts his tonight at L'explorateur. I haven't seen a menu, but I'll guess that if you call there today, you might able to get a spot!

Next up is Chef Thom England, Thursday, July 31 at Chateau Thomas Winery. Here's the menu for Thom's dinner. Don't forget Chef Christopher Eley's on August 3.

Amuse: Seafood Sausage and Molasses Cured Bacon

La Ina, Fino Sherry Jerez Spain, Domecq

Soup: Pinot Noir and Cherry Soup with Indiana Goat Cheese Stuffed Squash

2003 Chateau Thomas Carneros (CA) Pomona Pinot Noir

Salad: Tomato Salad with Local Cheeses

2006 Chateau Thomas Lodi (CA) Zinfandel

Intermezzo

Entree: Seared Duck Breast and Apricot Duck Sausage with Sautéed Red Cabbage and Apples, Quinoa Corn Fritter

2007 Chateau Thomas Yakima Valley (WA) Dry Riesling

Dessert: Peach Tartlettes and house-made Ice Cream

2007 Chateau Thomas Lake Erie (Canada) Vidal Blanc Ice Wine

For tickets, call Chateau Thomas, 837-9463, $65 inclusive.