Franklin Performing Arts Company to Host Culinary Cabaret, 3/8

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Culinary Cabaret on Friday, March 8, from 7-10 p.m. at Clarke, The Ultimate Kitchen Resource and Culinary Center, 393 Fortune Boulevard in Milford. The evening features inspired cuisine and creative cooking demonstrations by area chefs and culinarians, along with wine tastings, a silent auction, and entertainment by Electric Youth and FPAC special guest artists. Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth, an elite ensemble of talented singer-dancers, and their 2013 Asia Tour with performances in Hong Kong.

Culinary Cabaret 2013 marks the return of this signature event following a successful debut last year at Clarke. This year, FPAC is pleased to shine a light on the Franklin Food Pantry (FFP) at the Culinary Cabaret event and help launch the new Sponsor-a-Shelf program. The initiative promotes community involvement in meeting the needs of the Pantry's clients by enlisting the commitment of business and civic organizations to sponsor a shelf at the pantry and help stock particular items for a designated period of time.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Franklin Performing Arts Company for their support," said Erin Lynch, FFP Director of Development. "The Franklin Food Pantry is about so much more than handing out food. It is about giving people hope and nourishing the spirit of our community. Culinary Cabaret is a wonderful example of how the performing arts are about that very same thing."

This year's food and wine event will also showcase Celebrity Chef Christopher Nirschel, featured nationally on CNN, NBC, FOX, VH1, and The Food Network. Chef Nirschel competed on Season 7 of Food Network Star and has been featured in Food and Entertainment spotlights on Dr. Oz and Martha Stewart Radio, among others. His Culinary Bad Boy Productions offers catering services, cooking courses, and demonstrations. Chef Nirschel has worked with acclaimed chefs Bobby Flay, Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri, Robert Irvine, and Paula Dean. He has served as personal chef for Mr. Sean "Puffy" Combs.

Culinary Cabaret event partners include 3 Restaurant, Artistry Boston Catering and Events, The Cake Bar, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Genji Sushi, Panzano Provviste e Vino, Sabine's Cuisine Personalized Chef Services, Tavolino, Tomasso Trattoria & Enoteca, and Whole Foods Market. Clarke's award-winning venue features a kitchen-theater classroom and gallery of designer kitchens, providing an inventive setting to eat, drink, learn, and celebrate.

"Whole Foods Market is pleased to share the spotlight at Culinary Cabaret, a showcase of some of the best culinary and performing arts talent in Boston's MetroWest region, said Rodney Poles of Whole Foods Market in Bellingham. "After a successful launch in 2012, Culinary Cabaret is poised to become the annual destination food, wine and performance event in our area. Our company and participating vendors are proud to partner with Franklin Performing Arts Company in this endeavor and believe strongly in its purpose to support the mission of Electric Youth and the Franklin Food Pantry. Join us as we present Culinary Bad Boy Celebrity Chef Christopher Nirschel, who'll deliver 'fine food with attitude' in what will be an entertaining and educational theater experience."

The ticket price of $75 per person includes flavorful cuisine, fine wines, distinctive craft beer and exciting entertainment. A culinary-themed silent auction will feature quality cookware, wine, and inspired experiences for the food lover. To purchase tickets, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.electricyouth.com.

Pictured: FPAC's Culinary Cabaret will feature Celebrity Chef Christopher Nirschel in an entertaining cooking demonstration on March 8 at Clarke's kitchen-theater venue in Milford.