This event is now full -- just one day after I emailed the group about it! If you sign up for the waiting list, email your phone number to me so I can contact you quickly if there's a last-minute cancellation.

If you are interested in this event it's important to add your name to the waiting list even if you think it's unlikely you'll be contacted to go:
1) There could be last-minute cancellations and the people ahead of you on the list might not be able to go -- or I might not be able to get ahold of them.
2) It gives me a better indication of the interest level, which can help in planning future events.

Jennie Capellaro has a wholesale soup business and has done catering for many years. You can find her soups at Mother Fool's (vegan) and The Alchemy (vegan & vegetarian). Additionally, she is in the process of opening a vegetarian and vegan restaurant called the Green Owl on the east side of Madison. The restaurant's menu is not yet finalized, but our meal is a nice preview of the kind of food you might find there.

This event has a limit of 50 people, which might sound like a lot, but I think it will fill up quickly. Our previous dinner had 60 people attend. So, if you're interested make sure you don't wait too long to sign up.

(Note: The Kennedy Manor is just the location. It is normally closed on Mondays. The food will be from Jennie Capellaro.)

Our entire meal will be vegan and will incorporate a lot of locally grown produce from the farmer's market. That means there might be some slight changes to the menu depending on what produce looks great that weekend.

Appetizers
"Crab" cakes with chipotle remoulade

First Course (Salad)
Tossed mixed greens with roasted beets, caramelized pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette

Second Course (Soup)
Creamy zucchini and spinach soup with garlic croutons and chives

Main Course
Vegan schnitzel cutlet topped with creamy mushroom sauce
Sautéed green beans and red peppers

Dessert
Key lime tarts with vegan whipped cream and fresh fruit

Beverages
Rosewater lemonade
Wine, beer, and limited cocktails will be available for an extra charge

We'll start out mingling with drinks and appetizers for the first 15 minutes or so. Then we'll take our seats for the rest of the meal. Each course will be plate served (not family or buffet style). Then after each course we'll switch tables so everyone has a chance to get to know even more people in the group. You won't be forced to sit apart from your kids or something like that, though. We did this at the last dinner and it worked out really well.

The $15.00 fee includes everything mentioned above (except the alcoholic beverages), as well as tax and the tip. That breaks down to about $11.00 for the meal, plus tax, tip, and a little to cover the meetup.com and PayPal fees. Jennie is giving our group a great deal. A meal like this would normally cost well over $30!

Payment Information:
Pre-payment is required. If you would prefer to send a check instead of using PayPal (payment link above), contact me and I will give you my mailing address.

The $15 fee includes a little extra to cover PayPal's fees (74 cents) as well as Meetup.com's $144 annual cost.

Payment Deadline:
Please pay on or before Thursday, August 6th. At the event, I will have a list of people who RSVPed and a list of people who paid. You must be on both lists to attend. If you have any questions or concerns about this feel free to let me know.

Refund Policy:
If you cancel before the payment deadline you will get a full refund. There are no refunds for cancellations after the deadline or if you do not show up to the event. If something comes up at the last minute you are welcome to find someone else to attend instead of you. The reason refunds are not given after the deadline is that I agree to pay Jennie for everyone who has paid me at that point.

What about kids?
Kids are welcome, but pay full price. Exception: Young children who will only nibble off of your plate can attend at no charge. Include all kids as guests when you RSVP and write their ages in the notes area of your RSVP.

Can I RSVP now, but wait to pay?
Yes. As long as I receive your payment by the deadline there shouldn't be a problem. And it will actually help others gauge the interest in this event if you sign up right away. However, if the event fills up, I will remove the RSVPs of people who haven't paid so that others who are interested can attend. (RSVPs can be changed until the payment deadline, if necessary.)

Why can't I RSVP as a 'maybe'?
Meetup.com counts 'maybe' RSVPs as part of the total attending. Since this event has a maximum number, 'maybe' RSVPs could prevent someone else from going. I've made repeated suggestions for them to change the way they count 'maybe' RSVPs, but until they update their software, I won't include the 'maybe' option for events that have a maximum number.

This is a vegetarian group. Why is the dinner vegan?
As a vegetarian, it's not unusual for me to be at an event where there is little (or nothing) for me to eat. This group has members who are vegetarian, vegan, and just interested (among others). Everyone is welcome. I think it's important for our events to have a menu that not only has something for everyone, but where everyone can eat everything.