Food for Thought: Getting excited for the 104th Anniversary Gala

Staffers at Settlement start gearing up for the Gala much earlier than you might think. There are wrap up meetings in May to discuss the event just after it's over, internal Gala planning meetings in September for the following year, and a Gala Committee kickoff meeting in December.

But if any one event lets us know that the Gala is just around the corner (68 days until April 21!), it's the Gala Menu Tasting. Until this point, much of the Gala planning is on paper. Invitations haven't been mailed; program books are another month and half away. But here, with this meeting, we can start to see the Gala take shape. Delicious, delicious shape.

Above: Wild Mushroom Beggar's Purse & Wonton Wrapped Shrimp with Ginger Soy Sauce

Gala Chair Kevin Cunningham, Gala Vice Chairs Susan & the Honorable Vincent Poppiti, and Menu Co-Chairs Greg & Susan Moore and Valerie & Roger Wood came together last week at Loews Philadelphia Hotel to select an array of great food and wine for April's big event.

(left to right) Menu Co-chairs Susan & Greg Moore and Valerie & Roger Wood

There are hors d'oeuvre, salads, entrees and desserts from which to choose. For example, the assembled group tried three salads, before ultimately choosing the first one.

Baby Field Greens with Edible Flowers, Hearts of Palm, Red and Yellow Currant Tomatoes and Champagne Vinaigrette

Bibb Lettuce, Roma Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella and Watercress White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Butter Lettuce, Red Oak and Mache with Feta Crumbles, Kalamata Olives, Roasted Tomato, Onion and Greek Dressing

And then come entrees and desserts.

 

Our group ultimately chose a Veal Chop with Black Truffle and Baby Spinach Marsala Wine Reduction as the entree.

And a French Apple Tart with Caramel Anglaise as the dessert.

And to all that, you can add wines provided by Moore Bros. Wine Company. It's enough to make you feel stuffed before the event even starts. Color us very excited!

For more info on Settlement's Gala, including how to buy tickets, support the program book or enter our luxury raffle, visit our website (www.smsmusic.org/gala)!