Gorgeous setting and upscale food makes recent 500 Festival banquet a winner

The Conservatory at Evergreen was the place to be last week as The 500 Festival committee honored a group of just under a hundred patrons with an unforgettable banquet.

The views at The Conservatory are stellar, owing largely to its location -- a stone’s throw from Eagle Creek -- surrounded by woods and views of the water. So, this afternoon-into-evening banquet was every bit a feast for the eyes as it was for the tastebuds.

Since the 500 Festival Corporation is a nonprofit organization producing almost 50 events and programs annually, it depends on the hard work of a lot of individuals. And that’s precisely why the 500 Festival folks pulled together this fabulous banquet with food and drinks courtesy of Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering.

What better place to begin a fabulous banquet than with butler-served hors d’ouevres? Jacquie’s Gourmet team passed:

• Baby Elotes (Mexican street-food-inspired Baby Corn) grilled with Cotija Cheese
• Spicy Mayo and Cilantro Mini Chicken and Waffles
• Mini Shrimp Tostada with Avocado and Chipotle

This was followed by the first course:

• Jacquie’s Sweet Potato and Apple Bisque with curried pumpkin seeds
• Lime Creme Baby Kale Salad with Beets, Avocado, Pomegranate Seeds and champagne dressing

Guest’s choice of two Entrees included:

• Poached Halibut Cheeks
• Saffron Risotto Cake with shaved fennel and Sicilian capers
• Port and Cabernet slow-braised Boneless Beef Short-rib with Mascapone Pommes Puree
• Acorn Squash stuffed with Cranberries, wild rice, and Soffritto

Entrees were served with locally grown miniature Root vegetables, Jacquie’s own Fleure de Sel, and micro flowers. Everyone’s favorite, Amelia’s breads were also served with European butter.

Towards the end of the evening, our Dessert Station made its appearance, starring Flaming Long’s Donut Holes served with Hotel Tango Rum, Kahlua and LICK vanilla bean Ice Cream. Even our Coffee Station joined in the fun by offering Spanish Flaming Coffee!

The event was a delicious tribute to all those folks keeping the wheels spinning behind the scenes of The Indianapolis 500 Festival.