MONROE - Monroe Arts Center has a long-standing custom of pairing elegant cuisine and fine wines along with lively entertainment at its signature fundraiser, A Taste of Spring. This year's event on May 4 will be no exception, when Chef Sarah Jarret brings her culinary talents to the table for a savory evening featuring an eclectic five-course dinner.
Jarret's personal roots in the kitchen, however, are more of a fusion of family and favorites. She said her heart lies with the good, basic fare that her mother enjoyed preparing. Raised in Libertyville, Ill. as one of eight children in the household, she grew up on standards like Swedish meatballs, ham, lasagna, and potato salad.
Jarret also points to her mother's talents as an artist as a source of personal inspiration for being part of the Taste of Spring event to benefit MAC. A number of years ago as a stay-at-home mom, Jarret carried on the family traditions in the kitchen with the next generation: Two of her children have gone on to become pastry chefs.
She currently leads the kitchen staff at Laughing Trout, previously having served as chef at both Monroe Country Club and the Monroe Clinic Hospital.
In addition to fine dining, the Taste of Spring event includes a live auction with offerings ranging from fine art to metal works and themed dinners; and a silent auction with one-of-a-kind gifts, artisan creations, and gift certificates. New this year is a "Six by Six" exhibit and sale, featuring the works of local artists portraying their visions of "local goodness" in various mediums including pottery, glass, woodworking and watercolor.
A Taste of Spring will be from 5 to 9 p.m. May 4 at Ludlow Mansion. Individual seating is $75 ($45 tax deductible) and tables of eight are $500 ($260 tax deductible).
For reservations, call 608-325-5700 or 888-596-1249 by April 25.
Jarret's personal roots in the kitchen, however, are more of a fusion of family and favorites. She said her heart lies with the good, basic fare that her mother enjoyed preparing. Raised in Libertyville, Ill. as one of eight children in the household, she grew up on standards like Swedish meatballs, ham, lasagna, and potato salad.
Jarret also points to her mother's talents as an artist as a source of personal inspiration for being part of the Taste of Spring event to benefit MAC. A number of years ago as a stay-at-home mom, Jarret carried on the family traditions in the kitchen with the next generation: Two of her children have gone on to become pastry chefs.
She currently leads the kitchen staff at Laughing Trout, previously having served as chef at both Monroe Country Club and the Monroe Clinic Hospital.
In addition to fine dining, the Taste of Spring event includes a live auction with offerings ranging from fine art to metal works and themed dinners; and a silent auction with one-of-a-kind gifts, artisan creations, and gift certificates. New this year is a "Six by Six" exhibit and sale, featuring the works of local artists portraying their visions of "local goodness" in various mediums including pottery, glass, woodworking and watercolor.
A Taste of Spring will be from 5 to 9 p.m. May 4 at Ludlow Mansion. Individual seating is $75 ($45 tax deductible) and tables of eight are $500 ($260 tax deductible).
For reservations, call 608-325-5700 or 888-596-1249 by April 25.