Chef Chris Harriman’s “Virginia Wesleyan Chowder,” featuring local seafood, on menu for annual Empty Bowls Charity Dinner on March 16.
By Leona Baker | March 9, 2012
The annual Empty Bowls Charity Dinner, organized by the Ceramic Designers Association and the Virginia Wesleyan College Office of Community Service, will have a tasty new twist for 2012.
Executive Chef Chris Harriman ’91 has cooked up an original soup recipe, appropriately named “VWC” or “Virginia Wesleyan Chowder,” especially for the event, which takes place March 16, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., in Boyd Dining Hall.
Though the exact recipe is still under wraps, the chowder will include fresh local oysters and fish. It will replace the Maryland crab soup served at previous Empty Bowls events. The change reflects the College’s broader sustainability efforts.
“When we decided to change the soup to something VWC could ‘own,’ we decided on a chowder featuring local ingredients,” says Chef Harriman. “A chowder with local seafood goes hand in hand with our commitment to local and sustainable foods.”
In addition to the chowder, Chef Harriman will serve traditional Tomato Florentine, Vegetarian Minestrone, and Turkey Chili. All of the soups are donated by Sodexo, the company that provides dining services for the College, with help from some of their food suppliers.
This is the 14th year of the popular Empty Bowls Charity Dinner. The event typically raises close to $20,000 for charities that help the hungry in Hampton Roads. Organizations benefiting from this year’s event include Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Union Mission, Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, Help and Emergency Response Shelter, Oasis Social Ministries and Samaritan House.
Patrons purchase a ticket and select a hand-crafted bowl made by local potters, partake of a modest soup meal, and shop at an artisan's silent auction.
Tickets for the 2012 Empty Bowls Charity Dinner are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and are available at various outlets, including the VWC Bookstore. Tickets can also be purchased online. For more information, contact Diane Hotaling with Office of Community Service at 757.455.3216 or email dhotaling@vwu.edu