It's hard to believe that eating this well is actually all for a good cause.

On February 6, nineteen Galena-area businesses ranging from restaurateurs to winemakers and cheesecake bakers to caterers will gather together at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa from 7-10 p.m. to "Show Their Spirit" for the Galena Art & Recreation Center.

Now in its 19 th year, the ARC Taste of Galena has become a sought-after event that promises an evening of pleasure for your taste buds. A preview of what awaits: braised veal roast with apple ginger sauce, hearty grain rice with wild mushrooms, boeuf bourguignon, Crab Louis salad, Grecian pork tenderloin kabobs, Greek salad, spanakopita, locally produced wine, and assorted pastries. And there's sure to be chocolate…and lots of it.

Your taste buds won't be the only thing thanking you. Your feet will thank you, too, as they may be keeping rhythm to the catchy beat of the Rob Martin Quartet, a live jazz ensemble, who will perform throughout the evening. Music is sponsored by The Grape Escape and Inter7.

See 2009 Taste Menu link for featured exhibitors and their menu items.

If you purchase tickets online they will be held and distributed at the door the evening of the event. In addition to online sales, tickets may also be purchased at the Galena Art & Recreation Center, 413 S. Bench Street, and at Galena State Bank, U.S. Bank (Galena branches) and the Galena Territory Owners' Club. Cost is $30 per person.

"If you've never been to the ARC Taste of Galena, this is the year to 'Show Your Spirit!'" said Sarah Petersen, the ARC's executive director. "We have lots of fun things planned to celebrate the ARC's 40th anniversary, including a special digital presentation of photos through the years, a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. I recommend purchasing your tickets early as this event has sold out in the past."

The ARC Taste of Galena is a core fundraiser for the Galena Art & Recreation Center, a not-for-profit organization that provides programs for all ages. The funds raised at the ARC Taste are included in the ARC annual operating budget and will assist with the ongoing process of balancing the budget and achieving financial security.

In 2009, the Galena Art & Recreation Center will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Forty years strong…and still growing. www.galenaarc.org

Respectfully,
Sarah Petersen, Executive Director
(815) 777-2248
executivedirector@galenaarc.org