JUST SEVEN DAYS until The Art of We, our 2nd Annual Meeting and Fundraiser, coming up on Monday, May 11! We’ll keep posting sneak peeks of the fun to come all week. Next up: Michelle Montoya Jensen from Victor’s on Water is cooking up a storm to make sure nobody leaves this event hungry, playing with a summer picnic-inspired theme. Keep reading for a quick (but tantalizing) preview – then be sure to RSVP, so we can be prepared with enough deliciousness for all!
What is your background in cooking and catering?
I started cooking in 1999 in Fort Colllins, Colorado during college. Being in the kitchen stuck, and I have been in the food industry since then. My biggest influences have been Lee Jennings (CO) and Lucia Watson (MN). I have worked in several restaurants in Minneapolis since 1998 – Lucia’s, Auriga, Eli’s, Grand Cafe, Fabulous Catering, 6Smith, and presently Victor’s on Water where I am the Events Manager, service manager, and occasional server and bartender.
Can you give us a sneak peek at what you’re planning for the May 11 menu?
Carolina pulled pork, grilled tofu, vegetable crudite with creamy pesto dip, cabbage slaw, barbecue baked beans, kettle chips, and a dessert bar. I’ll be preparing these dishes with support from Victor’s on Water and Fabulous Catering. Franklin Street Bakery is kindly donating rolls, Surdyk’s Liquor & Cheese Shop is generously providing Campuget Red, and Upstream Arts will be providing additional wine and beer options, plus a variety of non-alcoholic options. I also hear rumors that the Leprechaun Dreamcycle will have ice cream available from 8-9pm!
What inspired you to be part of The Art of We?
We have a personal connection with Upstream Arts and are happy to be able to support The Art of We in this way.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Victor’s on Water is a locally-owned business, led by Managing Partner Janel Olson, General Manager Matt Bolles, and Owner Eric Paulson. Every Monday in June, Victor’s will donate funds from each entree sold to selected charity. This is a new, but revisited, event. Our spring menu was released just last week and has received great praises. Our chefs and staff take pride in serving fresh, local, and handcrafted items. Our Executive Chef, Phillip Becht, has a beautiful sensibility for Italian food. Great time and care goes into his dishes, and his staff is very versed in the execution.
Enjoy delicious food by Michelle at The Art of We, Upstream Arts’ 2nd Annual Meeting and Fundraiser on May 11 at Bloomington Center for the Arts! This event is FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY, and OPEN TO ALL – click here to learn more and RSVP.