About a year and a half ago, I visited the the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro. They are an excellent nonprofit organization that provides homes for big cats that have been abandoned or abused, whether they are reclaimed from a zoo or given up by owners who can no longer care for the exotic creatures. Tigers, lions, lynx—it doesn't matter what species of big cat. The Carolina Tiger Rescue tends to them all, and they have never been busier, often unable to take in new animals because their cages are full.
That's great, the Gourmez, you may be saying, but what does this have to do with food? Well, it's nearly time for the Carolina Tiger Rescue's annual fundraiser, and it is of definite interest to area foodies.
The Black Tie and Tails Ball will be held on 2/23 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Washington Duke Inn, and if you know me, you know I love the food by Chef Jason Cunningham. The theme this year is the Many Faces of Thailand, and the menu is as follows:
Appetizers
Beef satay w/ southwest Asian sauce Thai curry and coconut soup shooters Grilled & marinated chicken satay w/ chili peanut sauce Spicy lime and herb tofu in lettuce cups Vietnamese spring rolls w/ Chile sauce
Starter Course
Artisanal baby lettuces, toasted walnuts, poached pears, feta cheese, champagne vinaigrette
Entrees (Choice of 1)
Grilled and smoked beef tenderloin, rosemary, and horseradish, potato, roasted asparagus and baby carrots, braised mushrooms, red wine glacage
Pan-roasted grouper, lobster and chive risotto, garlic, spinach, and cured tomatoes, with vin blanc sauce.
Baby turnips, beets, and carrot Anson Mills Carolina gold rice risotto, braised rustic kale, toasted pumpkin seed pesto, sweet onion and sweet potato jus.
Baskets of assorted naan for all.
Dessert
Chocolate melting cake with coconut lime ice cream.
I don't know about you, but I'm salivating reading that list. It sounds amazing! In addition to dinner, there will be both live and silent auctions including vacations and wine and dine packages. Now, this is a fundraiser, so it's not cheap. Early bird prices are $110, then tickets rise to $125 after 1/31. But honestly, for a phenomenal dinner and fundraising? That's not so bad. If you're interested, get your tickets here. I'm not sure I'll make it yet, but I sure hope I can.
