It’s an event that will surely be remembered. On April 11, 2024, Clean Wisconsin’s Epicurean Evening returns to Madison for its tenth year.

This culinary experience is hosted by an organization that focuses on protecting the environment.

Working for a Clean Future

“Clean Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s oldest and largest state-wide environmental advocacy group. Our mission is to combat climate change and pollution in our air, water and land and ensure a healthy future for every Wisconsin community,” explains Jacob Ahrens-Balwit, strategic communications manager for Clean Wisconsin.

Their energy program and legal team work to support new renewable energy development in the state of Wisconsin.

“We have about 30,000 members and supporters all around the state,” he says.

Local chefs create and prepare the unique meals served at the event. Photo courtesy of Clean Wisconsin.

An Opportunity to Connect

Approaching its tenth year, the annual Epicurean Event returns on April 11.

“This is our premier gala event. There’s a beautiful five-course dinner and a cocktail hour before the event. It’s a great opportunity to meet with other Wisconsin environmentalists and to connect with our staff. There’s also an auction and short film. Epicurean Evening is an opportunity to celebrate some of the best culinary options that the city of Madison has to offer, allowing guests to make the connection between good food and a healthy environment,” Ahrens-Balwit says.

Several talented local chefs will be creating and preparing the five-course meal. 

“We have a number of chefs coming back. We find chefs that we really enjoy working with and who share some of the same values that we have,” says Ahrens-Balwit.

Photo courtesy of Clean Wisconsin.

About 350 people are expected to attend the highly-anticipated evening thanks to the memorable meals from previous years.

“Last year we had some excellent vegan offerings from Jardin, there were corn fritters from Chef Juan, house-made pasta by Chef Giovanni from Bar Corallini, a parsnip cake from Bloom Bake Shop, and some seafood offerings as well,” Ahrens-Balwit says.

This year, guests can expect to dine on golden beet carpaccio and seared yellowfin tuna, arancino siciliano, and chilled edamame matcha soup. The full menu can be viewed on Clean Wisconsin’s website.

“We truly believe that you can’t have good, healthy food without having a good, healthy environment. So this is an event that we use to highlight that connection,” he explains.

Photo courtesy of Clean Wisconsin.

Supporting a Good Cause

Clean Wisconsin is always looking for ways to keep its thousands of members informed and engaged.

“Epicurean Evening is a way for us to connect face-to-face with people from across Wisconsin who are passionate about protecting our environment. Clean Wisconsin has a number of communication channels that we use to connect with supporters, but we believe that some of the best communication happens in person, over a good meal,” Ahrens-Balwit says.

Photo courtesy of Clean Wisconsin.

Pattern Energy’s Uplands Wind is proud to sponsor this year’s event.

“Wind energy is a big part of building a clean energy future in Wisconsin. It’s not just about offsetting the air pollution and climate harms that are directly caused by burning fossil fuels. It’s also about sustainable investment in rural Wisconsin communities,” Ahrens-Balwit explains.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Epicurean Evening and you don’t have to be a member of Clean Wisconsin to attend.

To buy tickets and to learn more about the evening, visit Clean Wisconsin’s website.