Live Oak Eastside in Midland drew 78 guests and raised $400 for Foster Families Navigation and Resource Center of Bay City during a Mediterranean Longer Table PopUp Dinner on Monday, April 27.
Ten percent of the proceeds raised from the dinner went to Foster Families NRC, a nonprofit that supports foster, adoptive and kinship families.
The nonprofit has a resource boutique with clothing and hygiene items, helps connect families to fellowships, and partners with local agencies to provide helpful training at no cost.
It was chef Katie Shearer who chose Foster Families NRC as the beneficiary of the event.
“I’ve always wanted to adopt kids,” Shearer said. “I don’t really want to have my own biological kids. So, this was really close and dear to my heart.”
The dinner was prepared by Shearer and sous chef Ashley Greene. Shearer said she chose a Mediterranean dinner because it felt manageable for her first event of this kind.
Guests – seated at tables for two, tables for four or in the bar area – were served a five-course meal that included tomato confit and burrata crostini, roasted beet and whipped feta, strawberry sorbet, chicken shawarma with hummus and roasted vegetables, and Live Oak espresso tiramisu.
The meal included a mocktail and ended with decaffeinated coffee.
Live Oak Coffeehouse owner Renee Deckrow said she was happy with the turnout and hopes to host additional longer table nights featuring different chefs each month.
She said the chefs do not need professional experience, but should enjoy cooking and want to serve a larger crowd.
“I think that’s kind of what’s fun too, is that it would allow somebody the experience, but it’s not as committal,” Deckrow said. “It’s not like you have to open a restaurant and decide you’re going to do that.”
She said each guest chef can choose a local charity to receive part of the night’s proceeds.
Those interested in serving as a chef at a Live Oak Coffeehouse longer table event can apply through Live Oak’s Facebook page.
Dining and Cooking