Plates - Mother's Night Out February 2012

Nine NMG moms had an inspiring dinner at the Plates Cafe in early February. Plates Cafe is a program of St. John's Shelter and if you've never heard of it, you should check it out at http://www.eatatplates.com/. The world needs more places like St. John's Shelter, where people (homeless women and their children in this case) are not only given a place to live in their time of need, but also job training and life skills to succeed on their own. Plates Cafe gives these women the opportunity to have on-the-job training in the food industry. 

On the first Thursday night of every month, chefs from some of the best restaurants in Sacramento come to Plates to make a 3 course meal for 120 guests for only $40-45 per person. We were lucky enough to attend on the night when the guest chef was Matt Woolsten of The Supper Club. I had never eaten at his restaurants before but had heard they were really good. 

First, we had the chance to sample three different appetizers that were being passed around -- my favorite was the Thai-spiced lamb pinwheel. As we stood around enjoying sampling the little hors d'oeuvres, we also sampled the wines from the featured winery, Caymus Vineyards. Next, we sat down to enjoy the "soup and sandwich" course. The sandwich, although only about 2 inches square, was a little "Portobello BLT," which was good, but I wish it would have been larger. It was served with a cute little "latte," which was really a creamy mushroom soup that looked like a latte, and was incredibly delicious. After that was the dinner served family style -- steak and a very interesting potato tart. Dessert was a really yummy apple crisp with fresh whipped cream. It was all great -- but thinking back a week later, my favorite part was definitely the mushroom latte. 

As dinner was ending, a few of the program "graduates" told their personal stories, and they were very moving. These women have worked very hard to come back from difficult situations -- but they didn't take the easy way out, and are working hard now to provide for themselves and their children. I was very impressed by the women there -- most of the ones working were quite competent, and our server in particular was very excited to be serving a table of moms. There were "tip jars" on the tables, in case any guests felt inclined to donate -- and I was very proud to see that our table seemed to have the fullest jar. 

We all enjoyed the dinner so much that many of us have already registered to attend in March or April. I know $40 is a large chunk of change to many of us these days, but trust me -- it's worth going at least once, and the money goes to a very deserving charity! Another wonderful NMG Moms Night Out, with some of my favorite ladies.