Fall 2008 Schedule - Listed in Alphabetical Order

This page lists our Fall 2008 schedule alphabetically starting with Specialty Dining, followed by our Workshops and Bus Tours. Scroll down to see all of the wonderful offerings on tap for our Fall 2008 season. You may also register online at any time. For the printed version of our Fall 2008 schedule in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, click here.

All events (except bus tours) are held on the grounds of Southern Exposure. Space is limited, so we strongly encourage you to register online now. We look forward to seeing you soon at Southern Exposure!

Prices for Specialty Dining events include all food, valet parking, 18% gratuity and tax. A full service cash bar is available for your enjoyment. Make your reservations today!

THE CAMELOT: Romantically Inspired! (Specialty Dining Code SE-600)
Saturday, Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m. $65.00

The dictionary defines Camelot as an idyllic place or period, one of great happiness, and the legendary site of King Arthur’s palace. King Arthur not withstanding, this evening stands as proudly defined. Click here to register online.

• Black Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Cilantro
• Romaine, Endive with Tangy Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
• Roast Prime Rib Au Poivre
• Orange-Dilled Carrots
• Mashed Potatoes with Green Onion and Parmesan
• Chocolate Pecan Supreme Pie with Caramel Sauce
• Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

THE CHARLESTON: Serenity meets surprise! (Specialty Dining Code SE-400)
Sunday, Oct 26, 1:00 p.m. $50.00

Delicious, charming, wonderfully engaging. Are we describing an evening in Charleston or the experience of dining at Southern Exposure? Join us tonight and you be the judge. Click here to register online.

• Old Charleston Style Potato-Leek Soup
• Baby Spinach, Apples, and Cheddar Cheese Salad
• Roast Pork Loin with Port Sauce
• Baby Beets with Caraway Seed
• Southern’s Gratin Potatoes
• Southern Apple Pie with Caramel Sauce, à la Mode
• Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

THE MOUNT VERNON: Then...Now...Forever (Specialty Dining Code SE-100)
Friday. Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m. $50.00

Bring your appetite, drop a napkin in your lap, and prepare to be delighted by favorites recalled from 18th Century Virginia. Click here to register online.

• Spicy Corn-Crab Chowder Soup
• Colonial Caesar Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
• Roasted Cornish Game Hen with Orange-Teriyaki Sauce
• Couscous with Currents and Pine Nuts
• Pineapple-Glazed Acorn Squash
• George’s Cherry Pie à la Mode
• Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

PLYMOUTH ROCK: The moment when life tastes delicious! (Specialty Dining Code SE-500)
Sunday, Nov. 23, 1:00 p.m. $50.00

How wonderful to come together to enjoy each other and the goodness of the earth. On this day a “bountiful feast” is set before us with all the flavors, textures and traditions we all enjoy. Click here to register online.

• Baked Winter Squash Soup
• Mayflower Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate Seeds, and Goat Cheese
• Turkey with Cranberry Dressing
• Mashed Yams in Orange Cups
• Fresh Peas with Pearl Onions and Mushrooms
• Old Fashioned Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
• Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT:  Eat, drink, and make memories! (Specialty Dining Code SE-300)Friday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. $60.00

With only twilight intervening between sunlight and moonrise, the time has come to gather with us and dine under the lantern of the Harvest Moon!  Weather permitting we will be dining under our large white canopy, or nested under candlelight in one of our historic dining rooms. Click here to register online.

• Gruyere Cheese, Onion and Bacon Tart
• Autumn Orchard Salad
• Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
• Roasted Stuffed Pepper with Goat Cheese
• Herbed Mashed Potatoes with Chives
• Chef Elsie’s Crème Brûlée
• Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

A TASTE OF TUSCANY:  As Italian as amore! (Specialty Dining Code SE-200)
Friday, Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m.  $45.00

One of the most exciting and incomparable flavor palettes in all of Italy will delight you from il primo to il dolce – first course to the satisfying end. Click here to register online.

• Herb Tomato Bisque
• Tuscan Salad with Olives, Green and Cannellini Beans
• Grilled Roma Tomato with Pesto
• Tortellini with Mushrooms in White Wine Sauce
• Chocolate Mousse Pie with Raspberry Sauce
• Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

Fall 2008 Workshops

Prices include all supplies (if applicable), a beverage, dessert and tax. Some workshops include a full meal; please read the descriptions below for more details. Make your reservations today!

AU NATUREL HARVEST BASKETS with DESSERTS and CHAMPAGNE:
Picked from the good earth! (Workshop Code SE-07)
Thursday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m., $45.00

Jack-be-pumpkins and the best seasonal trinkets are some of the ingredients which make this personalized basket perfect for the front door, garden gate, or over your fireplace mantel.  As you mix and mingle with friends and other guests, we intend to uncork your creativity with a sideboard of festive, bite-sized sweet temptations and champagne.  After our dessert party, we are not going to be shy about mixing texture, tone, and color intensity for your basket.  This versatile decoration can be changed to celebrate all seasons….and we will show you how! Click here to register online.

BASKET O’ GREENS & IRISH LUNCH: Let the color of green inspire you this season! (Workshop Code SE-35)
Sunday, Dec. 14, 1:00 p.m., $45.00

This attractive willow basket designed and filled with generous amounts of pine, holly, and boxwood placed outside your entry door will convey a traditional Irish greeting to your guests.  These baskets can be used as portable gardens, outdoors or indoors for the approaching holiday season.  Before creating your container, you will enjoy an authentic 18th Century Irish lunch prepared by Chef Elsie. Click here to register online.

BOXWOOD TOPIARY AND HOLIDAY COSMOS:  They’ll think a decorator did it! (Workshop Code SE-28)
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 6:30 p.m., $45.00

The ancient art of topiary was brought to this country by the early colonists.  English boxwood shrubs, prized for their densely-packed light-green leaves, are commonly used in topiaries.  You will create a beautiful topiary using a form covered with bright green boxwood sprigs and berries. The gracefulness of your topiary will positively add to your holiday festivities.  We will kick off this event with Curtis’ Holiday Cosmos – for a festive spirit inundated with joy. Click here to register online.

CHEF ELSIE’S FALL FLING:  What makes a recipe timeless? (Workshop Code SE-04)
Thursday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., $45.00

It’s the time of year for taking stock and giving thanks, for gathering friends around us and for sharing in the simple comforts of good food, laughter, and candlelight.  As the world outside becomes quiet and cool, we invite you to spend an evening with Chef Elsie in this unforgettable, not-to-be missed treasury of recipes, tips and how-to’s for creating mouth-watering meals. Come hungry, as a vast array of food and hospitality is on the menu. Curtis will demonstrate wines that are compatible with the foods being served.  Enjoy this evening and once again make the kitchen the heartbeat of your home. Click here to register online.

CONCRETE LEAF BEAUTIES and STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRIS:  A garden accent that achieves rare grace! (Workshop Code SE-01)
Thursday, Sept. 4, at 6:30 p.m., $40.00

A splash of color and a playful mix of patterns can energize a garden path.  Concrete leaf impressions are a great way to add an inspirational touch to your garden as a water-catcher, or inside your home as a decorative accent.  Scott has placed large botanical leaves into a mixture of reinforced concrete and allowed it to cure.  As you sip Curtis’ Strawberry Daiquiris, we will demonstrate how to create a concrete leaf impression, as you clean your own personalized concrete beauty to take home.  These leaf impressions are adorable water-catchers for your garden’s thirsty visitors, and will bring wonderful charm to your garden for many years to come. Click here to register online.

THE GRAND FINALE and LUNCH:  A fantastic finish to the season! (Workshop Code SE-05)
Sunday, Sept. 21, 1:00 p.m., $40.00

There’s a hint of fall in the air – a cool wind, and the golden glow of leaves.  You’ve spent time and effort to have the garden you enjoy, so it’s important to preserve it for the cold months ahead.  After experiencing one of Chef Elsie’s culinary delights, you will learn about pruning, cleaning, and splitting plants in your gardens.  Creative ideas will be shared to keep your garden a focal point throughout the winter months.  You will leave with ornamental grasses, Siberian irises, and bulbs to place in your garden to help bring it to life in the spring. Click here to register online.

HEIGHTS OF GLORY with MOJITOS: The perfect tower for growing ivy!  (Workshop Code SE-09)
Thursday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m., $45.00

It’s like finding the perfect fashion accessory and planning your outfit around it.  We have selected a wonderful 20” decorative wire tower and container to create a wonderful ivy display for your home.  This adorable topiary form placed in a patina-aged terra cotta pot is the perfect support for your ivy plant.  This creation will be the focal point of your fall indoor display and versatile enough to transform and decorate throughout the holiday season.  At the beginning, you will enjoy one of Chef Elsie’s favorite desserts while “sipping” one of Curtis’ million-dollar Mojitos. Click here to register online.

HOLIDAY DECORATING ON A SHOESTRING: Let’s make your home merry and bright! (Workshop Codes Below)
Wednesday, Nov. 5, to Friday, Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m. each evening, $35.00

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  There will be parties for hosting, sweet yummies for sharing, and dressing up your home for the holidays.  This is the time of year to really pull out the stops, trying new recipes, and merging time-honored traditions with something new and different.  With some creativity and a dash of style, you can make old and new, traditional and contemporary, funky and refined all work together beautifully.  Scott will astound you with his imaginative and inspiring holiday décor ideas.  The purpose of this workshop is to demonstrate creative ideas, sample Chef Elsie’s recipes and enjoy a glass of wine.  With over 150 decorating ideas, your home won’t be the only thing that lights up the holidays! Click here to register online.

SE-13, Wednesday, Nov. 5
SE-14, Thursday, Nov. 6
SE-15, Friday, Nov. 7
SE-16, Saturday, Nov. 8
SE-17, Monday, Nov. 10
SE-18, Tuesday, Nov. 11
SE-19, Wednesday, Nov. 12
SE-20, Thursday, Nov. 13
SE-21, Friday, Nov. 14
SE-22, Saturday, Nov. 15
SE-23, Monday, Nov. 17
SE-24, Tuesday, Nov. 18
SE-25, Wednesday, Nov. 19
SE-26, Thursday, Nov. 20
SE-27, Friday, Nov. 21

Because this is our most popular workshop of the season, please register early to ensure your desired date is secured. Please dress appropriately since we will be moving inside and out. 

HOLIDAY GIFT MAKING & BREAKFAST OR LUNCH: Let them think you spent a fortune! (Workshop Codes SE-33 and SE-34)
Saturday, Dec. 13, 9:00 a.m., $55.00
Saturday, Dec. 13, 1:00 p.m., $55.00

In our heart of hearts, we know that Christmas doesn’t really begin until a plump wreath is hung on the door, a fragrant garland is draped across the mantel, and your favorite ornaments are dangling from the tree. With this in mind you will delight your family and friends with personalized gifts designed and crafted with your own hands.   This workshop will be exhilarating because you will make four gifts to get you started.  You will create: a holiday teacup candle; a twig star; holiday flavored vinegar; and, a fresh holiday green bough.  At the beginning (or conclusion) of the workshop, you will relax and enjoy the perfect holiday breakfast (or lunch) prepared by Chef Elsie. Click here to register online.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 8:00 am – 11:00 pm, $160.00
HOLIDAY SHOPPING BUS TOUR featuring CHICAGO’S MAGNIFICENT MILE: The most popular destination at the most wonderful time of the year! (Workshop Code SE-30)

When you visit a city, how do you go about it?  Do you take in the sights, or soak up the scene?  Most importantly, do you bring home a souvenir or take away a lasting memory? Spend a day with Southern Exposure at Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile is a shopping district of 460 world-renowned stores and boutiques comprising a diverse mix of American and international style… and visiting it is the best way to “jump start” your holiday shopping.  After you've shopped “til you drop,” we will meet to revive ourselves at Chicago’s Rainforest Cafe where food and shopping are wild and tropical. Once refreshed, we’ll take some time to see Chicago's famous skyline as we begin our journey home.  Our bus tour leaves Southern Exposure Farm at 8:00 am and returns at approximately 11:00 pm. The cost of the tour includes: travel to and from Chicago, Chef Elsie’s European breakfast, dinner at the Rainforest Cafe, and of course refreshments along the way.  Don’t worry about the purchases you’ll make throughout the day.  We have a large storage area under the bus. Click here to register online.

LET IT FLOW, LET IT FLOW: The taste is on the palate of the beer-holder! (Workshop Code SE-06)
Friday, Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m., $48.00

Have you ever been to, or hosted, a beer tasting? Here's a good excuse to have a great time and learn more about beer.  The cardinal rule of a beer tasting is that it must be fun. It is our whole-hearted belief that beer doesn’t merely touch the palate, but it awakens the mind and soul!  You will taste an array of beers and ales, each paired with Chef Elsie’s Hors D’ Oeuvres.  Following this workshop, you will amaze your friends with the knowledge of remarkable beers and winning foods to compliment any special event.  Add to that some wonderful memories of a special evening with friends, and you now have no excuse for not hosting a beer tasting. Click here to register online.

MARTINI MADNESS: So much fun….it’s illegal in most states! (Workshop Code SE-03)
Friday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m., $50.00

We intend to “shake up your fall” with this fashionable workshop.  Your body is a temple, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have a little fun!  You’ll be shaken and stirred with the creative ideas presented at our martini party!  Some of us like them dry, some like them dirty, and some of us like them sweet.  Whatever your tastes are, you will have a fabulous evening at our martini stations.   We will discuss techniques for hosting your next trendy martini party.  In this workshop you will also enjoy “Martini-friendly” Hors D’ Oeuvres.  So, come enjoy the “Martini Buffet” that will astound even a seasoned martini connoisseur. Click here to register online.

MICHIGAN WINERY, ORCHARD, and ANTIQUE BUS TOUR:  Eat…Drink…and Antiques! (Workshop Code SE-12)
Saturday, Oct. 25, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., $150.00

Here is an opportunity to expand your wine repertoire beyond Boone’s Farm.  Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan are fertile wineries producing award-winning Michigan wines enjoyed throughout the world. Our proximity to Southwest Michigan’s vineyards makes it easy to visit at a relaxed pace in just a singe day. While our bus tour drives through picturesque wine regions, you owe it to yourself to sit back, take in the scenery, and chat with your companions.  We plan stops at Fenn Valley Winery where you will visit their elegant tasting room to Crane Orchards where you will see spectacular orchards, eat lunch, and shop.  Then, we are off to Saugatuck, MI where you will leisurely stroll through some of the finest specialty shops and galleries in this beautiful city, or visit the 175 antique booths at the Blue Star Antique Pavilion in Douglas, MI.  As we return, we make one final stop for dinner at Tosi’s Restaurant in Stevensville, MI.  Our bus tour leaves Southern Exposure Farm promptly at 8:00 am and returns at approximately 9:00 pm. The cost of the tour includes:  bus fees, Chef Elsie’s European breakfast, winery tour charges, lunch at Crane Orchard, dinner at Tosi’s Italian Restaurant, and refreshments along the way.  Please sign up early as this is a popular bus tour. Click here to register online.

O TANNENBAUM: Why not rethink your holiday tree? (Workshop Code SE-29)
Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., $40.00

This delightful little tabletop tree is created by stuffing aromatic herbs, dried flowers, and tiny lights into an artificial evergreen. This eye-catching, everlasting centerpiece will provide fragrance and beauty throughout the holiday season and winter months ahead.   Using the art form of balance and simplicity, this wonderfully modest tree will leave you and your guests inspired. Click here to register online.

ONE WREATH - FIVE WAYS with BUFFET: Hospitality, with a hug or handshake, begins at your front door! (Workshop Code SE-31)
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m., $45.00

Fragrant evergreen, pine, and cedar gathered from the farm are woven into a beautiful, hand-wrapped wreath.  This seasonal decoration which can be displayed five ways will bring versatility, charm and warmth to your home.  At the beginning of this workshop, you will enjoy a hearty holiday buffet before creating the wreath which you will be proud to share with family and friends as you prepare for the holiday season ahead. Click here to register online.

PUMPKIN PANACHE with COCKTAILS: Boo!  Do you scare easily? (Workshop Code SE-11)
Thursday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., $40.00

Carving your Jack-O-Lantern the same way again?  Now that’s a scary thought!  Unique, inspiring, and sophisticated, our ideas for decorating your home with pumpkins go way beyond the basic Jack-O-Lantern.  Using fall’s definitive fruit, you will take home three pumpkins: one carved to hold candles, one filled with autumn flowers and herbs, and a painted white pumpkin, woven like a French bulletin board.  As the colors change and falling leaves herald the arrival of autumn, bring the season’s calling card indoors with this exuberating, fun-filled workshop while Curtis unveils his legendary Pomegranate-Apple cocktail. Click here to register online.

SEDUCTION BY CHOCOLATE:  Save the earth…it’s the only planet with chocolate! (Workshop Code SE-10)
Thursday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m., $45.00

Each year, we eagerly look forward to opening our home and hearts to those who have helped make the past year so special.   Is there any better way than sharing fabulous chocolate desserts…especially when they are paired with Curtis’ dessert wines?  Spend the evening as Chef Elsie’s favorite chocolate dessert recipes take center stage.  This workshop will be full of new ideas to help you become a connoisseur just in the “nick of time” for holiday preparations. But to “inaugurate” this scrumptious, mouth-watering event, we will begin the festivities by serving you a magnificent, delectable dinner. Click here to register online.

THREE FALL ARRANGEMENTS AND LUNCH: Inspiring ideas announcing autumn! (Workshop Code SE-08)
Sunday, Oct. 5, 1:00 p.m., $45.00

Autumn arrives ablaze in color.  Celebrate the changing of the leaves by using pumpkins, gourds, and the last of the flowers from our gardens to create stunning arrangements.  This timeless trio of scent and symbolism will be a testament of the season well into Thanksgiving.  You know these seasonal players: gourds gone wild, pretty pumpkins, hardy mums, and colorful leaves …all ready for your fall decor. Celebrate the harvest season by making nature’s bounty the star for your fall decoration.  To kick off this delightful afternoon, you will enjoy a wonderful fall harvest lunch prepared by Chef Elsie. Click here to register online.

TOAST THE SEASON:  Tis the season to savor the flavor! (Workshop Code SE-36)
Friday, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m., $60.00

Dom Perignon, upon the discovery of Champagne, stated, ”Come quickly, for I am drinking the stars.”  Toast the holidays with an array of bubbly!  Relax, unwind, and sample wonderful wines and fabulous treats while you mingle and make new friends.     As the holiday season approaches, you will enjoy an abundance of good food, good wine, and great company.  Come hungry and enjoy one of Chef Elsie’s legendary dinners complete with 4 courses that complements each of the featured wines.  The wines featured this evening will also make the perfect stocking stuffers! Click here to register online.

URN OF PLENTY AND HOT TODDIES: A garden accent that achieves rare grace! (Workshop Code SE-02)
Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m., $50.00

Bring on the brisk!  Now is the perfect time for this elegant, over-sized arrangement inspired by the onset of cooler weather.  We intend to create some drama by your front door with this bold and lively urn display.  Using a 13” concrete urn, you will create an energetic arrangement using fall botanicals with striking, bold fall colors.  A pumpkin will be the centerpiece of this display.  Remove the pumpkin to make this decoration last well into the Thanksgiving Holiday. Come with an open mind to create your own masterpiece, plus enjoy distinctive hot toddies prepared by Curtis. Click here to register online.

WILLIAMSBURG TRADITIONAL WREATH: A fresh take on a traditional idea! (Workshop Code SE-32)
Thursday, Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m., $40.00

Nothing captures the spirit of old Williamsburg better than rich green boxwood, shiny lemon leaves, and fresh apples wrapped into a wreath.  This special holiday wreath is designed to recreate the Williamsburg Wreath, a tradition many generations have embraced.  Proudly displayed as a centerpiece or gracing a door, this wreath will simply say “welcome” to your holiday guests. Click here to register online.

How to Register for a Workshop:

We strongly encourage you to register online using a major credit card. It's fast, easy and fully secure to protect your privacy. To begin, click on the button below:

To register by phone, please call the Southern Exposure office during normal business hours at (269) 962-1255.