DISHES is an annual event that brings together the Syracuse community to share a delicious locally-sourced meal, listen to one another’s suggestions for community-based innovative projects, and vote on the idea that has the most potential. A micro-grant of $2,000 and a second $500 prize is then awarded to the audience favorite. The winning team returns to the next DISHES to present their newly-realized projects.

This year’s meal will be provided by the With Love Restaurant’s current “restauranteur-inresidence,” Venus Likulumbi, inspired by Savannah, with hints of her family roots in Congo and the Philippines. Live music will be provided by Taryn Surprenant, an upstate New York singer/songwriter.

By bringing together fresh ideas, food and community, DISHES forges relationships among diverse stakeholders: cultural organizations, community and urban revitalization groups, local businesses, academic institutions, and regional farmers and producers.

The DISHES concept was conceived by Rachel Somerstein, after she was inspired by a similar dinner she had attended in Brooklyn, NY, called F.E.A.S.T.  A team of three, including Briana Kohlbrenner and Stasya Erickson, was formed in October 2010, and thus, Salt City DISHES was born! Full of magic and celebration, the first DISHES dinner debuted on January 23, 2011. The event was an instant success with a sold-out crowd of 175 attendees and nine exciting presentations.

DISHES has helped fund thirteen projects to date, and all dinners have had max attendance. Each fall, ideas are solicited through a Request for Proposals and dinners are held each winter.