Youth volunteer, Babita, serves up delicious food at “Feast of Words”. /ALISON RALPH
What do James and the Giant Peach and soup have in common? At Feast of Words in Sam’s Place, a reading excerpt from this delightful book accompanies a course of gourmet Peach-duck soup! Book readings preceded each of the seven courses served for dinner.
Sam’s Place, one of Winnipeg’s hidden treasures and a program of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) hosted this unique and creative fundraising event on Fri. Mar. 18, 2016. The beloved café/used bookstore was filled to the brim with the lucky diners who purchased tickets for this artful evening.
It was a sensory experience of smells, sounds and sights. Feast of Words was a beautiful blend of delicious food, dramatic book readings, soothing music and beautiful art. The setting was casual, relaxed yet elegant.
All proceeds went directly to the Youth Engagement Project, a volunteer program designed to develop work skills for youth in Elmwood. This emerging project, supported by The Winnipeg Foundation and Assiniboine Credit Union has helped an estimated 500 young people of different academic levels, abilities, cultures, and ethnicities over four years to shine and grow in a welcoming and bustling environment.
Book lover, Kyle Rudge, reads excerpt from “James and the Giant Peach”. /ALISON RALPH
Diners were treated to the project in action. Youth served as the gracious hosts, readers and servers for Feast of Words.
Rachel Isaak, Sam’s chef and food genius in the kitchen was the creative star of the evening. Her selection of the menu was tastefully chosen and in harmony with the book readings.
Isaak saw Feast of Words as a way of showcasing her excellent culinary skills.
“It was an opportunity to express my creativity through food” with the help of the volunteers, she said.
Special guests and lovers of literature read thought provoking excerpts from a wide array of books prior to each food course.
Some readings were dramatic, riveting and sometimes humorous. All readings left us contemplating the beauty and mystery of food and life.
The lyrical sound of musical renderings by the talented Joe Cote on the piano enhanced the experience.
Genevie Henderson, a Manitoba artist, painted one of her colourful signature Leo Mol Water Lily paintings on site.
Joe Cote, pianist, plays at “Feast of Words”. /ALISON RALPH
Genevie Henderson, artist, paints on stage during event. She donated one of her finished paintings to the effort. /ALISON RALPH
What a terrific evening that was good for all involved. It was an opportunity to enjoy great food books, music and art, while engaging our philanthropic spirits. In the end, it was a win-win event.
Andy Arthur, Manager, describes Sam’s Place as a used bookstore, cafe, and music venue located in the Elmwood neighborhood of Winnipeg.
“We welcome visitors to browse thousands of quality used books, have a cup of fair trade coffee, enjoy our fantastic food, listen to great local bands, learn about social justice, and join our volunteer community,” Arthur said.
Chef Rachel’s luscious petit fours with edible pansies: a beautiful ending to a delicious “Feast of Words”. /ALISON RALPH
Sam’s Place hosts many interesting events that support our community at the same time.
For more information, contact Sam’s Place: 159 Henderson Highway, Winnipeg, MB Ph. 204.415.4728 Email manager@samsplacebooks.com Website: sam’scommunity. com
