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Spring 2012 Schedule:
Specialty Dining, Workshops
and Bus Tours

This page lists our Spring 2012 event schedule starting with Specialty Dining, followed by our Workshops and Bus Tours section. Scroll down to see all of the wonderful offerings on tap for our Spring 2012 season. To register for an event, 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. Click here to register now. We look forward to seeing you soon at Southern Exposure!

Travel Note: For information about our overseas adventures to Africa, England and Machu Picchu, please click here now. Bus tours in Michigan and Chicago are listed below.


Spring 2012 Specialty Dining

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!

SE-100, Friday, March 23, 6:30 p.m., $55
MARDI GRAS: A Taste of New Orleans!

New Orleans is known for its rich cultural heritage, love of living, festive celebrations, and delicious cuisines. Join us for a New Orleans’ celebration, Mardi Gras, Southern Exposure style. Guests will enjoy the rhythm of New Orleans’ music and festively decorated tables complete with Mardi Gras confetti, with beads and masks. Come prepared to have a great time, enjoy fantastic food, and meet new friends. Register Now!

  • New Orleans’ Spicy Shrimp Remoulade
  • Jazzy Spring Salad with Chef Elsie’s House Dressing
  • Fat Tuesday Salmon with Creole Sauce
  • Chef Elsie’s Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Spring Green Peas with Mint
  • Bourbon Street Pie
  • Mardi Gras Hurricane
  • Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

SE-200, Friday, March 30, 6:30 p.m., $55
SPRINGTIME IN PARIS

Close your eyes. Let your imagination flow. Feel the splendor of Paris …surrounded by romance and passion. Come join the Southern Exposure staff in creating a night of simplicity, romance, and passion while dining in the splendor of an illuminated table setting. The ambience and exquisite French menu will make you feel as if you are dining on the famed Champs-Élysées. Paris turns to magic when night falls, and so will your evening turn magic when you dine with us. Register Now!

  • Chef Elsie’s Smoked Trout on Cucumber Rounds
  • Spring Mixed Green with Blue Cheese, Raspberries, Mango, Almonds
    and a Raspberry Vinaigrette
  • Roasted Cornish Game Hen with Orange-Teriyaki Sauce
  • Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts and Currants
  • Roasted Mixed Vegetables
  • Chef Elsie’s Crème Brûlée
  • Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

SE-300, Friday, April 13, 6:30 p.m., $65
THE RENAISSANCE: Great food, great wine, swells of laughter!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Let it be known that extended to all loyal gentry is an invitation to join us for a banquet of fine food and good cheer. Whilst spirits thus are gently moved, you shall dine in glorious surroundings upon sumptuous cuisine fit to be laid upon the table of the King himself. Register Now!

  • Spicy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms with Boursin Cream Sauce
  • Salad of Radicchio, Endive, and Butter Lettuce with Sun-dried Tomato Vinaigrette
  • Beef Tenderloin served with Red Wine and Mushroom Sauce
  • Gratin Potatoes
  • Orange-Dilled Glazed Carrots
  • Chef Elsie’s Chocolate Crème Brûlée
  • Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

SE-400, Friday, April 20, 6:30 p.m., $65
GRAND SAVANNAH: A Taste of Tradition!

She is elegance and intrigue wrapped in romance. She is mysterious. She is Savannah. Georgia’s first city is represented tonight in a dining experience that captures her charm and celebrates her grand traditions and refined tastes. Register Now!

  • Gruyere Cheese, Onion, and Bacon Tart
  • Maple Pecan Spinach Salad
  • Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
  • Roasted Stuffed Pepper with Goat Cheese
  • Herb Mashed Potatoes with Chives
  • Chef Elsie’s Southern Apple Pie Ala Mode
  • Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

SE-500, Saturday, May 5, 5:00 p.m., $85
CHURCHILL DOWNS: Off and running!

Get ready for the "most exciting two minutes" in sports. Then prepare to set your taste buds racing because dinner is an odds-on-favorite for a winner right out of the gate! Ladies and gentlemen are encouraged to wear their elegant hats! Register Now!

  • Kentucky Derby Bruschetta with Bleu Cheese and Roasted Peppers
  • Spring Asparagus with Smoked Salmon and Gribiche Sauce
  • Winner’s Circle Salad with Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Roast Prime Rib Au Poivre
  • Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
  • Oven Roasted Vegetables
  • Secretariat’s Key Lime Pie
  • Louisville Mint Julep
  • Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

SE-600, Sun., May 13, 1:00 p.m., $60
THANK YOU, MOM: A trip down memory lane!

In these busy, hectic lives we lead, too often we forget to be thankful to the person to whom we owe our greatest debt of love! Register Now!

  • Chef Elsie’s Herb Tomato Bisque Soup
  • Baby Spinach and Field Greens with Applewood Smoked Bacon and a Red Wine Vinaigrette
  • Herb Marinated Medallions of Pork with a Fruit Sauce
  • Herb Mashed Potatoes
  • Haricot Vert (Green Beans) with Almonds
  • Chef Elsie’s Chocolate Mousse Pie with Raspberry Sauce
  • Glass of wine selected by our Sommelier

Spring 2012 Workshops and Bus Tours

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!

SE-01, Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., $55
MAGICAL LIGHTED SPHERE with CANDLELIT DINNER:
To light up your life

The grandest garden decor often has the simplistic elegance of nature herself, like this intricately-woven, rusted Barbed Wire Ball all-aglow with glittering white lights. Hang it from a tree limb, light up an entryway, or place it in your garden as the delightful centerpiece. These illuminated, rustic spheres are popular in European Gardens all year round. Using your splendid yet rustic sphere, you will attach white lights to light up your garden to display throughout the year. Upon your arrival for this perfect evening, you will enjoy a scrumptious, candlelit dinner prepared by Chef Elsie. Register Now!

SE-02, Thursday, March 22, 6:30 p.m., $55
SUCCULENT BIRDHOUSES with an ENCHANTING DINNER:
This really is “for the birds!”

Your feathered friends will be saying, “What in the blooming world will they think of next?” Whatever your style, you have taken the time to create a garden, and only true gardeners know the enjoyment of finding the perfect garden ornament. Birdhouses are classic garden ornaments which give our feathered friends a home to raise their young. This workshop is really “for the birds” and focuses on what attracts birds to birdhouses, and you will also learn proper birdhouse maintenance. Additionally, you will “shingle” your own personal wooden birdhouse with spring grasses that attract and help your feathered friends to feel right at home. Chef Elsie will prepare one of her signature dinners complete with Hummingbird Cake. Register Now!

SE-03, Saturday, March 24, 9:00 a.m., $65
FAUX BOIS ANGEL with EUROPEAN BREAKFAST:
You don’t need to be told when something’s a classic!

While traveling abroad and touring an assortment of private Parisian gardens, we stumbled across a wonderful technique called Faux Bois. The Faux Bois statuary added an old world appearance to the gardens we visited. Most pieces today are handcrafted and will fit into any garden theme, inside or out. Weather staining, moss, and lichen gently age Faux Bois and settle the piece into your landscape. Faux Bois can be irresistible. The term, which literally means false wood, is used to age statuary, making it appear like ancient wood. In this workshop, you will replicate this technique using a 19” concrete angel statuary from an early twentieth century mold. To begin this exciting workshop, Chef Elsie will prepare a charming, tasty and hearty European breakfast to help “jump start” your morning. Register Now!

SE-04, Saturday, March 24, 1:00 p.m., $65
EUROPEAN BIRDBATH with PARISIAN LUNCH:
Bathing is for the birds!

Your feathered friends will dine and bathe in whimsical style soon after you arrive home with this beautiful concrete birdbath. A “forgotten” concrete birdbath partially hidden under a dogwood tree was the inspiration for this workshop. The birdbath had a wonderful old patina of white, beautifully scoured by Mother Nature. Using a thirteen-inch, one-piece birdbath, you will learn the art of white pickling and glazing, a technique frequently used by French garden architects. Chef Elsie is featured at the beginning of this experience with her rendition of a Champs-Élysées Café luncheon. Register Now!

SE-05, Sun., March 25, 1:00 p.m., $85     
SIT AND SMELL THE ROSES with EUROPEAN GARDEN LUNCH:
Recreate old world elegance!

Co-owner Scott Stokes recently noticed a lovely European bench in an antique shop displayed as a coffee table. It was rich with color and patina as if it had been exposed to decades of wind and rain. Scott asked the merchant about its age, and to his amazement learned it was new. Enjoy an afternoon with Scott re-creating this European garden bench by learning the techniques of distressed paint, glazing, and antiquing garden statuary. We have selected an embossed ivy concrete bench (14”X23”) for you to age by applying methods used by European gardeners. Upon your arrival, Chef Elsie will prepare a European Garden luncheon that will inspire your creativity. Register Now!

SE-06, Wednesday, March 28, 6:30 p.m., $55
GARDEN SUNDIAL and LOUISIANA CAJUN DINNER:
Create a timepiece for your garden!

During a visit to the French Quarters in New Orleans, Scott Stokes saw a beautiful sundial in the center of a private garden. Naturally, his inquisitive and extroverted personality had to know all about this sundial. Before there was clicking, buzzing, chiming, and ticking of time, there was the sun and shadow to mark the passing of the day. Using the earth’s rotation to track the passage of sun across the sky, sundials are still effective and reliable timepieces which can easily become the focal point of your garden. Using a “thirteen-inch” concrete sundial top” with embossed, elegant flowers and a hummingbird, you will create a personal sundial that will be aged using Scott’s secret aging methods. At the beginning of this delightful experience, you will enjoy a timeless, authentic Cajun luncheon prepared by our own Chef Elsie. Register Now!

SE-07, Thursday, March 29, 6:30 p.m., $55
IVY WREATH with MARDI GRAS DINNER:
Where beauty and grace depend on simplicity!

The ivy wreath is symbolic of friendliness, fun, and cheerfulness. Ivy grows across Europe and has been cultivated to climb along trellises and to provide ornamental accents to wreaths. Brighten your home or office with this high quality, natural looking artificial ivy wreath decorated with silks, twigs, and Spanish moss. This simple but elegant ivy wreath will make a spectacular accent for any event or can be simply displayed in your home. To set the tone for this exciting affair, you will enjoy a Mardi Gras style dinner complete with beads and Curtis’ Hurricanes. Register Now!

SE-08, Saturday, March 31, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., $175
SCOTT’S “EASTERN” JUNQUE BUS TOUR:
Smart style for a tight budget!

Perhaps it’s something discovered on a dusty shelf of an antique shop or buried in a box at a flea market. Or maybe it was bought with a winning bid at auction or found through a dealer. One of the joys of collecting is the thrill of pursuit. We plan to go east this season making stops in the Saginaw and Bay City areas of Michigan. Southern Exposure’s Scott Stokes will show you where to find bargains, how to shop vintage sales with confidence, to spot a good buy, dicker and deal, and he will share examples of how to transform newfound treasures into decorative, useful objects. Spend a day discovering creative foraging as only Scott can offer. The cost of the tour includes: travel to and from junk locations only Scott knows about; Chef Elsie’s European on-board breakfast and lunch; dinner at the infamous Atrium in downtown Bay City on the return trip; and Curtis’s many on-board refreshments and snacks! And of course, you can put your priceless “finds” in the storage compartment under the bus. Register Now!

SE-09, Wednesday, April 4, 6:30 p.m., $55
VINTAGE BLUE WILLOW CHINA WATER-CATCHERS with DINNER:
Vintage plates add history and versatility to your garden!

Blue Willow is the most famous china pattern ever designed. Its classic blue and white color scheme went a long way toward contributing to its success, as did its ability to captivate the imagination. A Chinese myth of two lovers and their epic journey lavish this historical tableware. The old French art of “pique-assiette” offers a unique opportunity to recycle china into a wonderful garden ornament for our feathered friends. You’ll learn how to turn Grandma’s chipped heirloom china into a true garden keepsake. Using the provided vintage Blue Willow china, you will arrange in a mixture of reinforced concrete an adorable water-catcher for your garden’s thirsty visitors. Upon your arrival Chef Elsie will prepare her famous Teriyaki Chicken entrée while you sip a glass of wine from Curtis’s cellar. Register Now!

SE-10, Thursday, April 5, 6:30 p.m., $55
ENGLISH GARDEN TROUGH PLANTERS with OLD WORLD DINING:
An inspiration from the old country!

An old English technique of constructing garden troughs from an “old world” recipe (called hypertufa) is the focus of this workshop. Hypertufa looks like stone, but it weighs less and takes whatever shape you desire. Starting with a pre-made form, you will learn how to create a trough planter made from a combination of concrete, vermiculite, water, and peat moss. Accent a garden path or patio with your English planter which is reminiscent of antique planters that adorned European gardens of the past. After taking your creation home and brushing it with yogurt or buttermilk, mosses and lichens will grow enhancing the “antique” look. At the beginning of this workshop, you will be treated to an “Old World” London Broil dinner prepared by Chef Elsie. Register Now!

SE-11, Friday, April 6, 6:30 p.m., $55
THE LURE OF CHOCOLATE with DINNER:
Nobody knows the truffles I've seen!

Each year, we eagerly look forward to opening our home and hearts to those who have helped make the past year special. Is there any better way than sharing fabulous chocolate desserts…especially when they are paired with Curtis’s 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 chocolate connoisseur…just like our own special guest instructor and chocolatier, Elizabeth Haines. To "inaugurate" this scrumptious, mouth-watering event, we will begin the festivities by serving you a magnificent, delectable dinner where chocolate takes center stage. Register Now!

SE-12, Saturday, April 7, 6:30 p.m., $70
UNCORKED & SIZZLING:
A balancing act you will remember!

A good summer wine is the ultimate party accessory. Place the right vintage white wine in your guests’ hands and they feel well dressed. On a balmy spring night with good friends, these vibrant, soothing wines will make a bold fashion statement. Now add a culinary masterpiece, meticulously prepared and artfully presented. This pairing rounds out the perfect dining and wine experience. Mouth-watering food and delightful wine belong together, and the gratifying part is the tasting! While Chef Elsie prepares her famous Herbs de Provence Salmon dinner, Curtis will introduce six hand selected wines, including the variety and characteristics of each, with special emphasis on wine and food pairing. The only thing standing between your taste buds and six amazing glasses of wine is a cork. We intend to make the cork history. Register Now!

SE-13, Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 p.m., $55
SPRINGTIME FLORAL DESIGN with an IRISH DINNER:
Using the earth and sky as your canvas!

The world comes alive in the spring. This represents a new beginning. Greet the new season with spring-themed floral arrangements. All you need to create breathtaking bouquets to grace your home are the “perfect picks,” cut from your own private garden. Spend an evening with floral designers Scott Stokes and Micah Stanislowski as they share their secrets for keeping your vases filled throughout the season. In this workshop, you will create a spring floral arrangement to take home. Throughout the evening, Scott and Micah will discuss and demonstrate their established techniques for planting and maintaining a private cutting garden. At the beginning, Chef Elsie will treat you to an authentic Irish dinner highlighting traditional Irish recipes. Register Now!

SE-14, Thursday, April 12, 6:30 p.m., $55
EUROPEAN HANGING BASKET and NANTUCKET ISLAND FEAST:
Mark the start of spring with a new tradition!

Containers brimming with plump, vigorous plants turn just about any nook and cranny into an inviting retreat. When suspended from a porch ceiling, lamppost, or even a tree, hanging planters positively dazzle – adding a whole new dimension to your home. Enjoy a wonderful Nantucket Island feast prepared by Chef Elsie followed by a delightful evening planting a hanging wire basket filled to the brim with edible flowers, herbs, and scented botanicals. Whether you snip the plants for aromatic garnishes in drinks or mince them for desserts, this attractive and multi-purpose basket will be enjoyed all season long. Register Now!

SE-15, Saturday, April 14, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., $205
NORTH CHICAGO FOOD TASTING & CULTURAL WALKING TOUR

If you like exciting activity and consider yourself a foodie, this day trip to Chicago is designed with you in mind. Spend a day with Southern Exposure as we take you to Chicago’s North side in search of the ultimate Chicago food and cultural experience. You begin the day by enjoying one of Chef Elsie’s on-board European Breakfasts while sipping several of Curtis’s special morning refreshments. Upon arrival to the North side of Chicago, you begin a guided walking tour, enjoying delicious ethnic foods and diverse musical and entertainment venues which exist within Chicago’s liveliest and historic neighborhood. Besides tasting great food, you will learn about history, culture, architecture, and neighborhood entertainment offerings. After a three hour journey which includes visits to an award-winning Chicago-stuffed pizzeria, a top spice & herb specialty shop, a gourmet foods store and cheese shop, an authentic Jewish deli, a balsamic vinegar & olive oil specialty store, a specialty loose tea & tisanes merchant, and a chocolate confectioner & fudge shop…you’re free to shop and enjoy some of the most beautiful areas of Chicago. Before we begin our trip home, we’ll meet for dinner at a local Chicago restaurant. The cost of the trip includes: bus fees, breakfast on board, tickets for the walking/tasting tour, dinner in Chicago, and the many refreshments to and from this exciting destination. Bon Appétit! Register Now!

SE-16, Sunday, April 15, 1:00 p.m., $55
THE CIRCLE OF LIFE and SPRING FEAST:
Wreaths that say, “Welcome”

Capture the magic of spring with a vibrant, living wreath. This miraculous, garden-inspired wreath will impart a relaxed feeling wherever displayed, making any space, inside or out, feel part of nature. Living wreaths are composed of living botanicals which change with the seasons as the plants grow and, in most cases, bloom. Experience spring all season “round” with a wreath made with wire, herbs, pansies, moss, and willow. Chef Elsie will herald spring’s arrival by creating a wonderful spring feast where happiness and indulgence will be discovered in every bite. Register Now!

SE-17, Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m., $60
FLOWER FOUNTAIN with DINNER and LINZERTORTE:
More than a splash of color!

Brighten your garden or patio with a magnificent container composition which is created by stacking smaller terra-cotta pots into larger ones. Terra cotta literally means “baked earth” and was originally from the Mediterranean and used for storing olives, wine, and water. Scott saw these dramatic flower fountains in Vienna and instantly knew their function and charm would be a great addition to your garden or patio. In this workshop, you will plant and design your charming flower fountain to enjoy for the entire summer. Chef Elsie will mesmerize you with a delectable dinner and a favorite Venetian dessert which Scott enjoyed while dining in a quaint, old-world Venice Café. Register Now!

SE-18, Thursday, April 19, 6:30 p.m., $55
STRAWBERRY PLANTING JAR with DINNER and STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRIS:
Southern Exposure’s Spring Classic!

A recent vacation to an Italian villa near the Mediterranean Sea was the inspiration for this workshop. The setting was a small sidewalk Bistro where strawberry jars adorned the streets with the color and scent of fresh herbs. Throughout the evening, fresh herbs were picked and added to the menu selection. Spend the evening creating a portable garden using a strawberry jar, which is perfect for the kitchen window, balcony, or an outdoor table. During this workshop, you will fill your strawberry jar with edible flowers and culinary herbs including basil, rosemary, thyme, and many other cooking delights. As Chef Elsie prepares a luscious dinner, Curtis will be making his legendary strawberry daiquiris to keep you refreshed and cheery. Register Now!

SE-19, Saturday, April 21, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., $185
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN BUS TOUR:
All aboard for those who love antiques and gardening!

The Chicago Botanic Garden is actually many gardens in one. From the romantic English Walled Garden to the vibrant Circle Garden, these specialty gardens show the diverse beauty of nature. Scott Stokes invites you to the annual “Antiques & Garden Fair” where the best in classical and contemporary garden furnishings, botanical art, and home and garden design from more than 100 exhibits from the United States and Europe will be on display. This is the Midwest “show of shows” that features rare and one-of-a-kind garden accents or antiques. Heaps of plants, flowers, and small gardening gifts are also available. Scott’s bus tour leaves Southern Exposure Farm at 8:00 a.m. and returns at approximately 11:00 p.m. The cost of the tour includes: Travel to and from Chicago; Chef Elsie’s European breakfast and lunch; Admission to the Botanic Gardens; Dinner at Tosi’s Italian Restaurant in Stevensville on the return trip; plus many refreshments on-board! Don’t worry about the purchases you’ll make throughout the day. You can fill the large storage area under the bus. Register Now!

SE-20, Saturday, April 21, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., $75
A DAY AT THE FARM WITH LUNCH:
It’s time for a dirt manicure!

It’s springtime and all gardeners feel the ancient pull -the unshakable desire to thrust one’s hands into the soil to plant, nurture, and discover “Mother Earth.” Spend a day with garden expert and designer Scott Stokes as he gives practical advice and demonstrations in creating your own personal “Garden of Eden.” We will discuss top picks for: Perennials/Annuals/Grasses, Culinary Herbs, Shade Gardening, and charming old-world sand-cast sculptures. At noon, Chef Elsie and her team will set up an old-fashioned garden party luncheon using summer décor and the season’s trendy summer foods and desserts. At the conclusion, you will take home six plants as a remembrance of this special day. Register Now!

SE-21, Sunday, April 22, 1:00 p.m., $65
CHICKEN WIRE GARDEN FOLKS and LUNCH with JULIA:
Friends to melt your heart!

This “folksy” addition to your garden is sure to bring smiles to all that see it! During this workshop, you will assemble a sixty-inch high “Garden Folk” constructed from chicken wire and stuffed with straw. Afterwards, your new “friend” is ready to go home to be assembled and placed in a special setting. Your new garden sculpture can embrace a container full of plants, a birdhouse, or support your favorite climbing vines. In the winter months, it can be used to hold a bird feeder or your holiday décor. To jumps tart this afternoon of fun, Chef Elsie will prepare a lunch of Beef Bourguignon, inspired by her culinary mentor, Julia Child. Register Now!

SE-22, Wednesday, April 25, 6:30 p.m., $55
THE WONDER OF WHITE with a MEDITERRANEAN-FEAST:
The many moods of white gardening!

Whether you are looking for freshness and sparkle or calmness and elegance, white is right. An oasis of peace, a garden of white is a place both eyes and spirit long to linger. After all, white flowers glow at night and sparkle by day. They set off other colors beautifully and are more likely to be fragrant. Their symbolism will even add meaning to your garden: purity, truth, light, simplicity, and freshness. After enjoying a Mediterranean style dinner prepared by Chef Elsie, we will discuss the many different varieties of white gardening plants, plus you will take home two plants as an additional motivator. With so many attributes, you will be sure to find several spots in your garden for white flowers. White, it seems, is always right! Register Now!

SE-23, Thursday, April 26, 6:30 p.m., $60
EUROPEAN TUTUER with MONTICELLO WINE and DINNER:
The stakes are high here!

Artful metal shapes for training and growing roses and vines have a refinement all their own. Recreate the elegance of a European garden with an attractive six-foot metal garden obelisk crowned with a decorative finial. An obelisk will undeniably add charm and purpose to your garden’s décor. Built for its durability, an obelisk will support and display your favorite climbing vines in the summer and support and display a bird feeder during the winter months. As you tour our gardens, you will learn about twirling, alluring vines, climbing plants and building walk-through arbors. Thomas Jefferson was known for gardening and making wine. During dinner prepared by Chef Elsie, we will pay tribute to our third president by enjoying either a white or red Jefferson Vineyard wine inspired by his passion for wine making. You will also take home a scarlet runner bean from the Heritage Collection at Monticello. Your obelisk can be folded for easy transport into a six -foot bundle, so please drive a vehicle that can accommodate your creation. Register Now!

SE-24, Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m., $55      
FOUR GARDENS and a LUNCH:
Inspired by four former first ladies!

Spring is here and life is lush and full now as the longer days settle into their own gentle rhythm. Like a song’s first note, spring begins with one bloom at a time. Spend an afternoon learning about four different specialty gardens: hummingbird and butterfly; culinary herb garden; colorful perennials; and the top ten annuals for 2012. At the conclusion, lunch will be rich in historical lore. Chef Elsie has picked recipes from garden luncheons hosted by four former first ladies. Lastly, you will take home four plants of your choosing. Register Now!

SE-25, Sunday, April 29, 1:00 p.m., $55
THE SECRETS OF LANDSCAPE GARDENING with a TUSCAN LUNCH:
Natural, creative, inspired!

The use of landscaping to design and decorate gardens has been prevailing since the Babylonian civilization. The basics of landscape design planning are an essential part of creating an outdoor living area that will be enjoyed by all. Creating a successful landscape requires more than just a green thumb. A beautiful garden is the result of dedicated energy and knowledge. Spend an afternoon with master gardeners Scott Stokes and Jeff Van Nortwick as they share tried and true methods to make your landscape the private, personal space you’ve always wanted. You will also enjoy a scrumptious Tuscan lunch prepared by Chef Elsie. At the end, you will take home four plants as you embark on your new landscape adventure. Register Now!

SE-26, Thursday, May 3, 6:30 p.m., $65
SECRETS ON THE GRILL:
This summer’s hot spot is in your own backyard!

Warm weather signals one thing to us - it's grilling time! Summer cooking just got more fun. Ditch the silverware and use your creativity to give timeless recipes a playful spin. Our goal is to get you “fired up for the summer season” with grilling recipes for the upcoming season. A wonderful dinner will follow to include the grilled items, so come hungry. Oh …did we mention Curtis and his “summer beer and wine selections” would be part of this wonderful experience? Grill baby grill! Register Now!

SE-27, Friday, May 4, 6:30 p.m., $65
LET IT FLOW, LET IT FLOW:
With a Cinco de Mayo Twist!

Thirty four billion gallons of beer are consumed each year worldwide. Pharaohs of Egypt developed the art of brewing on a large scale to give a supply to their armies. The summer is peak season for beer and ale. During this workshop, you will learn the history of each beer and taste an assortment of beers and ales, the classics from around the globe. To ensure this evening’s success, Chef Elsie and her staff will prepare authentic Mexican cuisine to help celebrate this fiesta holiday. Following this workshop, you will amaze your friends with the knowledge of remarkable beers and winning foods to compliment any special summer event. Register Now!

SE-28, Thursday, May 10, 6:30 p.m., $55
SUMMER IS SERVED:
The cure for winter weary spirits!

The sun is shining, the bees are buzzing, and everything’s coming up grilled, al-fresco, and flavorful. We know what you’re craving: terrific new recipes that showcase summer’s sweet return. Our intent is to arouse your senses with an audacious display of invigorating summer dishes, exhilarating sides and bubbly beverages. You will visit Chef Elsie’s kitchen, be tempted with Curtis’s trendy, new summer beverages, discover how to prepare for a summer party and learn about quick and easy mouth-watering dessert ideas. Come hungry because you will first enjoy a specialty dinner, and then continue with a progressive summer food event, complete with recipes. This promises to be an exciting evening because…..summer never tasted sooooooo scrumptious! Register Now!

SE-29, Friday, May 18, 6:30 p.m., $60
Ahhhhhhhh MARTINIS:
Sip something hip!

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 fun ideas presented at our martini party! Some of us like them dry, some like them dirty (with blue cheese-stuffed olives), and some of us like them sweet. Whatever your tastes are, you will have a fabulous evening at our martini stations complete with Hors D’ Oeuvres. “Ahhhhhh Martinis” will discuss techniques for hosting a trendy martini party including how to make great martinis. In this workshop, you will learn “Martini-lingo,” plus enjoy “Martini-friendly” hors d’ oeuvres. So, come enjoy the “Martini Buffet” that will astonish even a seasoned martini connoisseur. Register Now!


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:

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

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