A Taste of Italy in Rural Kansas

Tons of interesting things happen in Kansas, and I miss a bunch of them because I'm already committed to something else. Here is one of those things... and although I'm going to miss it because I'm already committed to another cool thing... there's no reason you should. Besides, you'll be able to support a great cause while you have a fabulous time.

If you've read here any amount of time you know I'm a devotee of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, which promotes the preservation of rural culture in Kansas. Kansas has a treasure in the work done by this organization. It's phenomenal what Marci Penner and crew have done to put Kansas on the map. I've been a fan for a long time and last year got to meet a number of people working in the towns when they were working on a website that features rural Kansas.

You also know it's pretty rare I put up a "commercial" for something. I'm fiercely protective of blog readers' time and energy. I appreciate that you share my life with me and never want to abuse that trust. So, you only see this sort of thing when it's something I think is really, really, really cool and am either attending or wishing I could attend.

I can't make it to this one, but there's no reason you should miss out! Here's an opportunity for you to get involved in a meaningful and fun way. Wish I could see you there... I know it's going to be a great evening.

A Taste of Italy in Rural Kansas!

Saturday, June 26,starting at 6 p.m.
La Torre, 158 Chisholm Road, Inman

There's an Italian Villa near Inman in McPherson County, in the middle of wheat territory. It's the home of John and Chris Hershberger and they have invited the Kansas Sampler Foundation to do a fundraiser at their home where they serve meals by group reservation only. They are booked months ahead of time.

Chris comes from Italian descent but it's her husband John that is the Italian chef. He's so enamored about Italian cooking that he's even taken a cooking class in Tuscany. Chris is an artist and, well, you'll just have to come on June 26 to see how rural Kansas can be transformed into an artistic slice of Italy, in Mennonite country.

They will serve an outdoor sit-down five-course meal, including fine wines. The first course will be pizza from the outdoor wood-burning stove. Guests may walk around to see the yard during this time. At 7 p.m., the meal will be served.

Reservations are $75 a plate. The proceeds will go to special projects of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The KSF mission is to preserve and sustain rural culture.

If you want to be part of a really special evening, send $75 to KSF, 978 Arapaho Road, Inman, KS 67546 or call 620-585-2374 with a credit card number. You will receive further details by e-mail or letter prior to the event.

It's designed to be a simple evening in a "wow"ful place. Great food, great outdoor setting, and people all interested in helping rural Kansas be the best it can be.