Madison Arts Night Offers a New Spin on Dinner and a Movie
How would you like to pay a flat fee and dine on food from 20 different restaurants, followed by enjoying a movie? If that sounds like a good night out, you might want to pick up a ticket for the Madison Exchange Club's eighth annual Madison Arts Night, which takes place next Thursday.
"This year we have 11 new restaurants, all upscale, coming from as far away as New Haven and Old Saybrook," said Ashton Edwards, a member of the Madison Exchange Club.
A walk in downtown Madison will bring participants through a smorgasbord of tastes and treats that ends with more than just dessert. The event culminates with a showing of the comedy Tortilla Soup. Participants aren't limited to watching Tortilla Soup-they can eat it, too, along with a variety of Mexican dishes.
"It's really a good flick and some of the restaurants have adapted their food to be more appealing in the Mexican tradition," said Edwards. "Cuckoo's Nest is actually doing tortilla soup."
Aspects of the event that have proved their success year after year include live entertainment by the Mo Johnson Band, wine and beer tastings, and a silent auction.
"We're having the same great band that we have every year," said Edwards.
As for what's new, a special guest will add to this year's excitement.
"We have Jacques Pépin as our honorary chairman for the night," said Edwards, who noted that the famous chef will present a talk at 8 p.m. before the movie.
The Exchange Club is also hoping to attract more people than ever before.
"We've made the other towns more aware of what we've been doing," said Edwards, who commented that last year 250 people attended. "This year we're hoping to stretch it a little bit higher."
Restaurants range from Madison Arts Night mainstay the Stone House to the newly opened Bar Bouchon. Also included are: Aspen Restaurant, L'Orcio, Liv's Oyster Bar, Boom, and more. Some restaurants that couldn't make the event, such as Barcelona and Café Routier, are still participating as sponsors. Three of the 20 different restaurants will be serving food fitting the Mexican theme, which leaves a number of options open.
"There's every kind [of food] in the world," said Edwards, who noted that the Guilford Diner will be preparing baklava as one of the dessert options alongside the Village Chocolatier. "It's whatever they think appeals the most."
The cost of $35 ($40 after today) benefits the Exchange Club's efforts to prevent child abuse.
The Exchange Club of Madison presents the eighth annual Madison Arts Night fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Madison near the Madison Art Cinemas. A reception prior to the movie features fine food, wine tasting, beer, live music, and silent auction under tents and in front of the theater. Tickets are $35 when purchased by Thursday, Sept. 16 and $40 afterward. All proceeds benefit the Exchange Club of Madison's service programs and child abuse prevention centers. For tickets and information, call 203-318-0110 or visit www.madisonexchange.org/madison-arts-night. Tickets are also available at R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road.