Diners in South Florida can enjoy a variety of delightful culinary experiences at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen at Arc Broward in May. From a lively taco-and-tequila-themed dinner in honor of Cinco de Mayo to a flavorful barbecue and a multi-course gourmet feast, visitors can indulge in a range of culinary delights while supporting Arc Culinary’s goal of using the culinary arts to improve the lives of students with disabilities.
“At Arc Culinary’s exceptional Chef Experiences, guests can savor some of South Florida’s best food prepared by talented chefs in an incredible setting while making a real difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities,” Julie Price says, CEO of Arc Broward. “You won’t find another dining experience quite like it – one that feeds the soul and transforms lives while you dine.”
The upcoming Tacos & Tequila Fiesta at 7 p.m. on May 3, just in time for Cinco de Mayo, will showcase a four-course menu featuring the flavors of Mexico. The menu will include red lentil tacos wrapped in a fresh yuca tortilla, a vegan option served with creamy guacamole and a sprinkle of house-made toasted chocolo powder. The taco pollo al pastor, made with succulent grilled chicken, onions, cilantro, and grilled pineapple nestled in a soft corn tortilla, will also be available. Another option is the taco de birria served with rich birria consomme, onions, and melted cheese. The dessert trio will feature concha, flan, and lime paleta. The menu will also have tequila-based drinks to pair with each course.
The Memphis Style BBQ Bash, held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 17, offers a head start on barbecue season. It features four mouth-watering courses, including Southern Comfort barbecue, pulled pork sliders with blue cheese and jalapeno slaw and onion rings, smokey Memphis-style barbecue chicken with creamy mac and cheese, Memphis-style barbecue ribs served with Southern cheesy grits and Southern peach shortcake oatmeal crumble. The event includes alcoholic beverages.
The month concludes with a Gastronomic Adventure at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30. The event includes a Caesar salad with house-made Caesar dressing, fresh baked garlic croutons, and parmesan as the first course, followed by mussels, scallops, and calamari prepared in a delicate broth of coconut and saffron. The main course consists of a roasted rack of lamb served with purple potato mash and crispy fried Brussels sprouts with rum-infused almonds. Finally, a dessert course featuring tropical fruit gateau will be served. The event also offers wine as part of the package.
Arc Culinary’s Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen is a hidden gem in Sunrise that blends mid-century classics and modern elegance. The kitchen boasts a Chef’s Table, a living plant wall, sophisticated seating, refined decor and lighting, a movable glass wall, and an outdoor patio. The venue provides chef experiences, cooking classes, private events, and off-site catering services.
Arc Culinary, a social enterprise of Arc Broward, is reshaping the culinary landscape by offering real-world experience and training to children and adults with disabilities through its nationally accredited Entry-Level Culinary Arts Certificate Program and the state-of-the-art Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen, which serves over 1,200 people annually. Each dish prepared by Arc Culinary showcases the transformative power of embracing inclusivity. The revenue generated from the enterprise supports children and adults with disabilities, guaranteeing they receive the necessary programming to excel.
The Chef Experience offers guests two ways to partake: the Chef’s Table, where they can interact with the talented chefs and communal seating. Chef’s Table tickets cost $99 per person, while communal seating tickets cost $89. The prices include gratuity and alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or tequila-based drinks, depending on the menu).
Amazon sponsors Chef Experiences at Arc Culinary. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen at Arc Broward is located at 10250 Northwest 53rd St. in Sunrise. To purchase tickets, please visit arcculinary.com/chef-experience-dinners/. For more information, visit arcculinary.com or call (954) 299-7515.