Tulsa Botanic Garden’s first annual fundraising BOTANICAL! event offers a weekend of culinary wonder

Savor the true flavors of modern French bistro cuisine in a one-of-a-kind gastronomical fête at Tulsa Botanic Garden’s first annual BOTANICAL! fundraising event on Friday, April 13 at 6 p.m.

Chef Amélie Darvas of HaÏ KaÏ restaurant in Paris will create a custom multi-course menu and lead a team of “all-star” chefs in preparing the dinner using regionally sourced materials. She will be assisted by Harold Dieterle of New York City, and winner of Bravo’s first season of Top Chef, James Shrader of Palace Café in Tulsa and Fiore Tedesco of L’Oca D’Oro, Austin. Students from The School of Culinary Arts at OSUIT will provide staffing support.

The dinner will be held at the Garden’s J.E. and L.E. Mabee Grange and adjoining lawn which will be transformed to give the feel of a modern Paris bistro – with intimate seating of tables of 2, 4 or 6.  The exclusive event is limited to only 200 and tickets are $1500.

“The stars of the night are the cuisine and the extraordinary culinary team that is coming together for this one-of-a-kind event,” says Todd Lasseigne, Garden President & CEO, “we are fortunate to have a board of directors and committee that envisioned a fundraiser like no other in our area.” He continued, “This evening is all about outstanding cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere with friends and great conversation. To keep that focus, the event is not black-tie, and there will be no auctions or presentations to distract from an unforgettable evening for a worthy cause.” 

Tickets are $1500 and can be purchased by contacting Jane Dunbar, Senior Director of Development at the Botanic Garden at 918-289-0330 or online at www.BotanicalTulsa.org.

The dinner is the first in a series of events as part of the BOTANICAL! fundraiser.  On Saturday, April 14, a half-day symposium will include speakers discussing the cuisine of France in history ending with The Tasting which will be led by David Robinson, of Formaggio Kitchen - Boston.  Robinson will guide attendees through tasting French artisanal cheeses, honeys, olives, charcuterie and hard ciders.

Food scholar and international speaker, Carolin Young will bring discuss the tales of two 17th c French gardens - what was grown and how was it used - and share the reasons why those specific gardens changed the course of French culinary history.  Ms. Young will be followed by Julia Abramson, PhD, who is Associate Professor at University of Oklahoma.  Dr. Abramson will further the historical discussion by sharing the scenario of the early French immigrants to America and how they influenced the American culinary experience.  Chris Curtis, a nationally recognized artist whose sculpture exhibit: Lifting the Landscape is currently exhibited at the Botanic Garden will be the final speaker  At the conclusion of the speakers there will be a 30 minute question and answer period moderated by a member of the Oxford Food Symposium.

Included in the symposium registration is “The Tasting” a luncheon of French artisanal cheeses, honeys, charcuteries, olives, hard ciders and more that will be guided by David Robinson, cheese buyer for Formaggio Kitchen in Boston.

Limited spaces are available for The Symposium. Pre-registration required. Registration is $200 for Garden members and $250 for non-members. Register at www.BotanicalTulsa.org or by calling 918-289-0330. 

Throughout the day on Saturday, April 14, visitors to the Botanic Garden can shop at the Bazaar at BOTANICAL!  – a French-style street market modeled on the Marché au Puce of Paris. Visitors can stroll through various small tents featuring authentic French antiques; French nosegays, French pastries, and a select amount of rare and unusual plants chosen by Garden CEO Todd Lasseigne. Strolling musicians and a caricature artist will also set the Parisian them. Scattered tables for picnics will be available for enjoying food and drink purchases. The Bazaar will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free with regular admission to the Botanic Garden. Proceeds from the Bazaar will benefit the Garden.

Tulsa Botanic Garden is an all-season oasis blooming in the Osage Hills northwest of Tulsa.  The A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces feature over 8,000 plants with seasonal beds, beautiful Art Deco designs and cascading water features. The Children’s Discovery Garden is a wonderland of interactive fun for the whole family including the iconic Spring Giant, spitting animal fountains, carnivorous plants, Sensory Walk, whirligigs, and the Tree Fort. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Starting March 15, the Garden will stay open late on Thursdays until 8 p.m.  Admission:  Free for members, $8 for ages 13 and up, $4 for ages 3-12, and free for ages 2 and under.  Tulsa Botanic Garden, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  For more information, call 918-289-0330 or visit www.tulsabotanic.org. 

The Gayly. March 22, 2018. 10:41 a.m. CST.