Sm Household Food Exchange @ Al Bawadi Niles, Mar 8 5:30pm

One definition of insanity is repeatedly doing the same thing, but expecting a different outcome “this time.”

On that basis, the Small Household Food Exchange is organized by the insane.

We’ve had many failed attempts — both public and behind the scenes — to meet at the new Al Bawadi in Niles. Either it wasn’t yet open, well beyond the original announced opening date, or it was too crowded once we got there.

So we’ll try again Sunday, March 8 at 5:30.

Since opening, the Niles location has gotten good reviews from LTHers for its Middle Eastern cuisine.

The Small Household Food Exchange, among other things, is an opportunity for like-minded folks to gather, share the ordering power of a group, and describe and show off their cooking skills.

So get to work cooking dishes to share with other LTHers.

Or don’t … everyone’s welcome to join for the three c's — camaraderie, conviviality and companionship.

Note that we cap attendance at 12 with a maximum of 10 people exchanging dishes. Those who exchange dishes will have first priority, but they should post by Wednesday March 4, to allow cooks to plan, shop and create.

The Basics
We’re always interested in fresh blood. Even if you can't exchange, please join us for dinner and conversation! But we encourage all to bring a few samples of the cuisine you enjoy at your home; it’s a great way for all of us to get to know each other better, discuss food and cooking techniques, and ultimately, later, have a meal at home that we might not have thought of making for ourselves.

What is the Small Household Food Exchange, you may ask.
Most importantly, it’s a gathering of like-minded folks at an interesting restaurant for a meal, taking advantage of the ordering power of a good number of people to share and sample a good number of menu items.

The Small Household Food Exchange started so that those of us in 1-2 person households who love to cook aren't stuck eating that big pot of chili for a whole week. Instead, we make 4-10 servings of one dish, and bring home 4-10 different dishes. Exchanging participants bring one pre-portioned serving of their food for every exchanger who has RSVP’d to come that month. The priority will be for entrees, meats, soups, salad, stews, pastas, grains, etc. (Check the Events Board, there’s a separate Dessert Exchange.)

The fine print
Number in the group: We will cap attendance at each gathering at 12, and food exchange participants at 10, so that participants are never making more than 10 servings of anything. Couples can be counted as one serving, or two — if you come as a couple, please specify whether you're bringing one or two dishes to exchange.

There will be no restrictions on the food – we’re an omnivorous bunch. IF ANYONE HAS ANY ALLERGIES, PLEASE LET THE GROUP KNOW.

The containers/delivery system: Everyone in the group should use the GLADWARE 3 1/8 CUP PLASTIC CONTAINERS (7” x 7” square container with a blue lid). Look for this on the label:

You’ll portion your food into those containers to bring and hand out at the gathering. You can freeze them or not depending on your schedule and when you make your food. If you use something else to deliver your food that month (Ziploc bags, plastic wrap, etc.) you should also return the empty containers from the last round so that everyone always has a stash of these containers for the exchange, and no one has to run out and buy more. Ideally, everyone will find a way to label their containers, describing the contents, so we don’t end up staring into our freezers at a field of blue-lidded containers and wondering what’s in each one (not that there’s anything wrong with the occasional surprise …).

Please RSVP your attendance by responding in this thread, ideally about one week before the monthly gathering. If you're exchanging, please post what you're bringing at least three days before the gathering.

The organizer will monitor the thread to see what people are bringing. The organizer will also make reservations for the group at the restaurant where we will be gathering.

Hope to see you there!

Attending:

Dinner and Exchange
nr706 — Flammkuchen
moetchandon — Hearty Mexican Beef Soup
Cathy2 — Stuffed Cabbage with lamb and beef

Dinner and sparkling company
Dave & Merle
diversedancer
maybe you?

Save the date!
Sunday, March 8, 2020, 5:30 pm

Al Bawadi
8501 W Dempster St
Niles, IL 60714

I am there for everything, plus maybe it being International Woman's Day, will be in our favor!

Dave & Merle for dinner and sparkling company.

Hi,

Inspired by a visit to Jerry's this evening, I am making stuffed cabbage. I will make a variant with lamb and beef. I notice Moetchandon usually likes lamb, and so do I.

Regards,
Cathy2

This is a place I definitely want to go to, since my failed visit to the other location (during Ramadan so a limited menu). On my calendar for 4:30 CST.

No reservations, so we'll convene at 5:30 in the waiting area and hope.

nr706 wrote:No reservations, so we'll convene at 5:30 in the waiting area and hope.

They did ask for reservations for the weekend earlier in the week.

A proposed plan B:
Ginza Buffet
310 Golf Mill Center, Niles, IL 60714
PH. 847.929.9375 · 847.929.9376

DINNER
Mon – Fri: 4:30pm – 9:30pm
Saturday: 3:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday: 3:00pm – 9:30pm

Regards,
Cathy2

I’m ok with Plan B if needed.

I’m here and we’re checked in under my cell number. I’m sitting in my car. If the lot is full, you can park in the lot next door to the west.

They’re guessing that we’ll get in at around 5:45-6:00. Place your bets.

For future reference, reservations are accepted up to three days in advance.

Nr706,

My family and I enjoyed the Flammkuchen without lunch today.

My Dad suggested I make it for our family sometime soon.

Thank you!

Regards,
Cathy2