44,000 calorie day

   As if an incredible & ginormous 4-course lunch wasn't enough, tonight I had a ticket to a 4-course dinner! (Yeah, I skipped breakfast today in case you were wondering.) It was the Team Lucy Beer Dinner & SIlent Auction, an event to help raise money for Lucy Weber's medical expenses. Lucy is a 1 year old who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I don't know the family personally, but Lucy attends the same daycare as my friend/coworker Lexie's daughter. The cause was so compelling, as was the menu and the company (Lexie & Ryan, Olivia & David), that I couldn't resist. 

   This photo gives a good hint as to the event's location.

The beer was flowing all night long, and we had some neat views of the facilities, too:

   Chef Michael Smith (of the self-titled restaurant as well as Extra Virgin, a Mediterranean tapas delight, and one of my personal favorites!) prepared a 3 course dinner paired with fine Boulevard beers. Beer isn't generally my drink of choice, but it's amazing how good it tasted with the pairings. Mmm... heirloom tomato salad with basil, sprouts, watermelon & cantaloupe:

(Not pictured: wild mushroom risotto with Maryland blue crab)

Roasted pork loin with summer ratatouille & homemade hash browns:

   ...Followed by the 4th course: dessert by Christopher Elbow. Salted pretzel flavored Glace ice cream + beer float paired with Elbow chocolates.

   By the end of the evening, the dinner & silent auction had raised $25,000 for Lucy's medical care, and I was skirting the edge of a food-induced coma. What an awesome event. If you're the praying type, say a few words for little Lucy:

   Update: Unfortunately, on 11/20/10, this little lady lost her battle with cancer. Her parents' post on CaringBridge was eloquent. When it was evident that she was slipping away, they unhooked her from all the machines that had been working round the clock to keep her stable, and her Mom & Dad simply held her. No doubt the way they wanted to hold her for her whole life, but this was for the last time. It's not fair. But she inspired a lot of people and will be remembered for the sweet little girl that she no doubt was, if only she'd been given a chance.