Who or what inspires you in the kitchen? I have a few different sources of inspiration. First is my family’s health, because I want to create new and healthy meals using seasonal, “clean” ingredients as often as possible. Second is my mother, who can make anything homemade and is endlessly creative in the kitchen {in the alternative, I am often caught up in the exact ingredient requirements of any recipe I’m following}! Third is this blog, because I am inspired to create and share healthy recipes with all of you.

On that note of kitchen inspiration, I have an upcoming “kitchen warming” event to share hosted by a local non-profit organization. The Peterson Garden Project is celebrating the grand opening of their new community kitchen this Saturday, January 31st from 6:00-9:30 pm {tickets available here}. The Fearless Food Kitchen is a 3,000 square foot community cooking school. The Kitchen is located inside the Broadway Armory Park building, in the neighborhood Edgewater.

The Peterson Garden Project was founded in 2010. The organization aims to inspire and teach Chicagoans to grow their own food in the community. Gardeners {newbies included!} can join for a low fee {$75}, and must participate in a training before gardening. Gardeners are assigned to a garden plot in the city {more information here}. 

At Saturday’s event, local Chicago chefs will provide delicious eats and share their own kitchen inspiration through a dish that tells the story of who and what inspired them to cook. The event also includes entertainment, wine, and cocktails. Participating chefs include:

• Alvin Yu {Fyusion Dining}
• Amanda Rockman {Nico Osteria}
• Brad Newman & Michael Taormina {Cookies & Carnitas}
• Chris Pandel {Balena, The Bristol, and Formento’s}
• Dave Miller {Baker Miller}
• Erling Wu-Bower {Nico Osteria}
• Joe Frillman {Balena}
• Patty Neumson {Herb Restaurant}

All proceeds from the event benefit Peterson Garden Project’s mission. If you aren’t able to attend but are interested in supporting the Peterson Garden Project, click here!