Community Dining will be hosting the first in a series of interactive lunch and learn sessions to give people a forum to discuss how they can become more actively involved in growing our community. Sign up here: https://boholunchandlearn.eventbrite.com Agenda:

• Evaluate past Community Dining events and assess how they can attract more people of diverse interests and backgrounds in order to further unite our neighborhoods
• Develop a list of potential sponsors and hosts for future events
• Build a revenue model(s) to ensure the sustainability of Community Dining
• Distinguish between Community Dining gatherings and networking events to help illustrate what Community Dining can offer
• Create a list of action items that each participant will implement and monitor

  Some questions to consider include:   1.  What types of events would inspire you to donate your time?  Community Dining events have many different types of themes including, but not limited to those described on the website: https://communitydining.com/community-dining-themes/ 2.  Do you have a particular cause, activity, or interest that resonates with you?  Whether you are focused on expressing yourself through food, planning an exceptional meal, bringing attention to a social issue that affects our communities, or simply meeting people in a comfortable setting free of the pressures of networking, Community Dining can serve as a forum to volunteer your time in a way that directly relates to subjects that matter to you. 3.  If you could have dinner with anyone, who would you choose? Do you have a favorite author that you have always wanted to meet?  Or an entrepreneur you have always admired?  Or maybe a celebrity crush?  Volunteering for Community Dining can help your wish come to fruition by working with others who share a desire for community building! 4.  How else can Community Dining offer fun and cool events and activities? I was recently at a dinner hosted by Swell Happenings, a seasonable supper club that gathers to savor and celebrate Slow Food in Chicago started by Turi Henriques.  It was a great evening with interesting company in Turi’s backyard.  One of the guests I was sitting across from mentioned how she always wanted to be a matchmaker.  This conversation gave me an idea:  Why not structure dinners exclusively for single people who want to meet others in an environment already structured around people’s shared interests?  Maybe we can disrupt an entire industry! Another idea I had was to include aldermen and other elected officials as featured speakers in future events where they can discuss and debate issues pertinent to their wards or districts.  I thought it might be fun to give people an opportunity to engage with their representatives over a shared meal.  While some of these issues might get contentious, I’ve been curious to see if a shared meal can provide an atmosphere that helps foster substantive and civil dialogue where all sides listen and learn.  If nothing else, these gatherings will serve as an entertaining social experiment! I’ve also thought about using Community Dining as a platform to connect professional athletes with their fan base, especially in light of the heightened focus on nutrition in professional sports.  I remember going to a restaurant when I was six years old and getting to meet some of the Chicago Cubs.  It was such a fun experience and I hope that with our efforts, we can not only re-create the experience I had, but also enhance it.  For example, Jake Arieta is a big fan of cold-pressed juices, marinated chicken, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and other “foods that will lead to clarity of mind,” as he puts it.   It would be fun to have him as a speaker with a meal centered on these juices and dishes sourced from local purveyors such as Gunthorp Farms! What I’d really like to come out of these lunch and learn sessions is ongoing opportunities for participation.  If I can formulate these ideas alone, imagine what we can accomplish through regular lunch and learn sessions where everyone has the chance to share their ideas as well.   About Bohemian House: Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood at State and Illinois (11 W. Illinois), Bohemian House captures the lighthearted and carefree essence of Bohemian culture. Exposed brick walls and wood timber, eclectic décor, warm earth tones and soft lighting set the backdrop for a comfortable and sociable dining experience. Guests can expect to enjoy an original menu of Bohemian-inspired fare with influences from the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria.  Acquainting Central Europe to the Central U.S., our culinary team maintains cultural authenticity with a fresh approach, utilizing the best of what’s in season. Our menu presents a selection of small and large plates that are ideal for sharing, for dinner, weekday lunch and weekend brunch. At Bohemian House, we take an eclectic approach to traditional European spirits and brews, and our drinks are designed to complement the cuisine. A host of our cocktails feature house-infused spirits and all are crafted with fresh, seasonal and house-made ingredients. Our carefully-curated, extensive selection of beer includes European and domestic artisan brewers. Step out of Chicago and into Bohemia.