Another Dine-Around Thursday: Why DISH Is Different

DISH Las Vegas will take place tomorrow, Thursday September 20, at the pool at The Palms.  I know, I know, it seems like there’s another dine-around event every week.  So why should you shell out your hard earned cash for this one?  Well there are a few reasons.

First, 100% of the proceeds from  DISH go to Three Square — southern Nevada’s largest food bank.  I know there are a LOT of good causes out there, but as someone who makes a living in the local food/dining community, this one holds a special place in my heart.  So many of us in this community eat ridiculously well every day.  Hell, I often send delicious gourmet food back to the kitchen after only a few bites because I get so much free food I can’t physically eat it all.  In light of that, it’s hard to imagine that thousands of our friends and neighbors don’t know where their next meal is coming from.  But the truth is, one in six households in Nevada struggles with hunger.  Fifty-five percent of the kids in the Clark County School District (that 177,000 kids!) are enrolled in free or reduced-price meal programs based on their family income.  Without Three Square’s backpack lunch program, those kids might not get three healthy meals over the weekend, when school’s not in session. But every dollar you give to Three Square provides three meals to one of their 650 partner programs, who then distribute them to people in need. Last year that came out to 18 MILLION MEALS!  The fact that  the need is so severe is heart-breaking.  The fact Three Square is doing something about it is amazing.

Second, I’m very proud of the fact that in addition to all of the great hotel/casino restaurants participating in DISH this year, a lot of new neighborhood restaurants have stepped up to the plate.  Chris Herrin’s Meat & Three isn’t even open yet, but they’ll be there giving a sneak preview of their food.  Artisinal Foods, which supplies high-end products to casino restaurants, will be offering charcuterie and other gourmet treats (I’ve heard a rumor of caviar, but I can’t confirm that).  One of the town’s most celebrated pastry chefs, Megan Romano, will be bringing treats from her hot new restaurant Chocolate & Spice.  Rhythm Kitchen will be serving up their unique Cajun cuisine.  And Jadon Foods will be showing off their unique gluten-free desserts.

(On the casino front, the lineup is also pretty damn amazing: Tao, Nove Italiano, Lavo, N9NE, Simon, rm seafood, STK, Top Of The World, The Charcoal Room, Public House, and a very special sneak preview of Bagatelle.)

Third, you get to listen to Zowie Bowie perform while you eat.

And finally, the silent auction items are pretty amazing this year.

DISH runs from 6:30 to 10:00, and of course there will be plenty to drink as well.  Tickets are $150 at the door, but you can get one for a mere $100 if you click here.  Like I said, I know there are a lot of these events — and I’m glad to support all of them.  But I honestly think DISH has something special. Hopefully I’ll see a lot of you there.