MONROE — Monroe Arts Center is pleased to announce its annual “A Taste of Spring” dinner fundraiser, featuring the culinary talents of Russ Brown, Pancho & Lefty’s Outlaw Grill executive chef and owner. This event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 6 at Peppercorn Banquet Room, 1417 Mansion Drive. Using locally sourced produce and cheeses, Brown’s farm-to-table menu is a blend of flavors, textures and techniques.

Brown and his business partner and wife, Nadine, have a reputation for owning the barbeque and Tex-Mex fusion restaurant Pancho & Lefty’s Outlaw Grill on the east side of the Square. It took Brown decades of life experience before finally realizing his dream of opening a local hot spot. Growing up in a large family, restaurant dining was a rare treat, but good food was always around. 

Life eventually led the couple to Georgia where they worked as caretakers on luxury estates and learned to love shrimp boils, grits and the unique flavors of Carolina cooking. Every stop along the way was another piece of culinary knowledge tucked away for future reference.

Ironically, Brown landed a job as a private chef by chance. A celebrity he worked for asked if he could cook. After 10 years as nanny, caretakers and private chefs for celebrities, Russ and Nadine were ready to follow their own dreams.

The restaurant is a culmination of Russ and Nadine’s travels and lifetime love affair with southwest flavors and smoked meats. A decade of hard work has paid off. The popular downtown restaurant is busy, but Brown isn’t resting on his laurels. He’s been asked to cook for “A Taste of Spring” previously but didn’t feel the time was right, until now.

As longtime Monroe Arts Center supporters, the Browns see this as an opportunity to give back.

The evening at the MAC will feature extraordinary cuisine, paired wines, fine beer, live music, silent auction and a live auction. For reservations, call 608-325-5700 by April 26. Visit monroeartscenter.com for additional information.