Valentine's Dinner: Saturday, February 10, 5:30 p.m.
Cajun Cook-Off: Tuesday, February 13, 5 p.m.
Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second Street, Davenport IA
While there are fascinating nights to behold in the Figge's many art exhibitions, the museum will soon be housing fantastic smells and tastes, as well, in both February 10's culinary event Valentine's Dinner with Marilyn, and in February 13's sixth-annual Cajun Cook-Off.
A special, romantic, Monroe-themed evening, the Valentine's Dinner with Marilyn event will begin with Some Like It Hot hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary glass of bubbly in the Figge Café, which will feature a special display of Marilyn Monroe-themed collectibles. A seated candlelight dinner will be in the Grand Lobby, beginning with the traditional Cobb Salad from the Brown Derby in Hollywood (Marilyn’s favorite haunt) followed by “Chanel #5,” a combination of lobster, shrimp, artichokes, prosciutto and ravioli in a garlic cheese sauce, with vegetarian and non-shellfish options also available. And for dessert, Gentlemen Prefer Blondies with cinnamon ice cream and an artisanal Marilyn-themed chocolate. A custom wine or cocktail flight is available with dinner or you can order beverages from the Figge Café menu, and all net proceeds will benefit a new endowment fund at the Figge established by William D. Homrighausen and Shirley J. Davis to support the museum’s publications.
Taking place, as always, on the Mardi Gras celebration day Fat Tuesday, the sixth-annual Cajun Cook-Off will feature eight Quad City chefs cooking Cajun-inspired dishes in the lobby for guests to sample and vote on for their favorite. This year's participating chefs are Robert Day (the Faithful Pilot), Paul Inskeep (the Figge Café), Preston LeMaire (Isle of Capri), Aaron McMahan (Davenport Country Club), Greg Sanders (Thunder Bay Grille), James Steffen (Crow Valley County Club), Jason Stewart (Zeke's Island Café), and Patrick Trainor (Biaggi's), and in addition to the delicious food samples, the Cook-Off will feature specialty cocktails, Mardi Gras-themes photos, and a live auction.
Tickets for February 10's Valentine's Dinner with Marilyn are $60 (not including beverages, tax, and gartuity), while tickets to February 13's Cajun Cook-Off are $35-40, and reservations to both events are available by calling (563)326-7804 or visiting FiggeArtMuseum.org.
