A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
Cloquet's Sarah Smith snags a Mexican sope from the Streetcar stand at Thursday's Food For Thought event. According to Streetcar head chef Mike Walsh, the sope was topped with adobo braised chicken, pico de gallo, avocado sour cream, finished with queso.
NE BBQ owner Elise Hermann serves a brisket bite (smoked brisket, spud butter, tomato and parsley on toasted ciabatta) to Cloquet's Tim Pahen. Hermann said they enjoy being part of the annual FDLTCC scholarship fundraiser because it's for a good cause and they get to share their great food with lots of people.
Seven Fires Steakhouse Sous Chef Evan Paulson grills tiny New Zealand lamb chops.
Frigid weather didn't deter local foodies and community supporters from making their way in record numbers to the annual Food for Thought event at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Thursday, Jan. 17.
It was a feast of epic proportions, with local and regional restaurants, bakeries, bars and more providing myriad mouth-watering dishes to be savored in sample-sized bites. Guests (tickets were $30 at the door) wandered from stand to stand, trying everything from dips and appetizers to sandwiches and main course food items to desserts and lactose-free frozen treats.
People get to eat really good food, sample different restaurants, see and be seen and all for a good cause - proceeds go toward scholarships for FDLTCC students.
Two different businesses won the "people's choice" awards, voted on by attendees.
The Golden Spoon Award went to Carmen's with their ribs and coleslaw.
The Silver Spoon Dessert Award was awarded to Mom's Best Baklava.
"I love all the different foods, and I'm all about small businesses, also getting the chance to try different foods is exciting," said Sarah Smith, who attended last year as an employee of Cold One Liquor and came back this year because she found out how great it was. "And knowing that other people are getting out there as well, and supporting local businesses, it's great."
FDLTCC Foundation board member Christopher Wagner said he often tells people about what he calls "turnaround" students, who find a place to start over at FDLTCC.
"What these students bring with them is a sincere desire to improve their lives and the dedication and ability to learn at high levels. These are the students who have learned from their past mistakes and have a newfound energy to overcome adversity," Wagner said. "Even small scholarships for these students go a long way in helping them achieve success."
FDLTCC's Mary Soyring said the final numbers aren't in yet, but she's anticipating that this year's event will bring in more than $20,000 to go to student scholarships awarded by the Friends of the Foundation.
"This annual event has become the 'Great Community Get-Together,'" said Soyring. "Seeing people come through the doors of the college from many surrounding communities has been one of the goals of the Food for Thought event. We can't thank the restaurants and guests enough for coming out on a chilly January evening and enjoying social connection while eating amazing food!"
