Sunday, August 24, 5–7 PM
By Yolanda Pinzon, Outreach Director
On a warm summer evening in the hills of Western North Carolina, friends, neighbors, and supporters gathered for a truly unique event: the Cicada Dinner to Benefit Vecinos. Hosted with generosity by Lauren Steiner at her beautiful home, the evening brought together food, community, and purpose.
Six incredible chefs prepared dishes inspired by the season and highlighted by cicadas—an unusual but meaningful ingredient reminding us of resilience, cycles of life, and connection with the land. Each chef brought their own vision and creativity to the table:
First Course: Tomato Salad
Presented by David Toporek and Erin O’Keefe, the salad featured salted slicing tomatoes arranged in tonnato squares, seasoned with salt and pepper, and paired with cucumbers in a shallot-celery vinaigrette. The dish was topped with fried cicadas for an earthy crunch. The chefs explained, “We wanted something fresh and bright to start the evening, with the cicadas as a subtle, surprising accent that connects diners with the season.”
Second Course: Melon Infusion on Koda Tea
Prepared by Chef Luis Martinez, this dish combined melon infused with Koda tea, a traditional Navajo Apache tea popular in the Midwest. A touch of salt, cicadas, and sumac added texture and flavor, finished with a black sauce made from fermented chiles, black chiles, and soy sauce. Chef Martinez shared, “It’s very simple, very good, and honors traditional flavors while introducing something playful and unexpected.”
Third Course: Cicada Bisque
Chef Eric Morris presented a rich cicada bisque accompanied by tempura-fried cicadas. “I wanted to celebrate the boldness of cicadas in a comforting, luxurious way,” he said. The bisque was creamy and aromatic, delighting guests while sparking conversation about this unusual seasonal ingredient.
Fourth Course: Campanella Pasta
Prepared by Graham House & Sean McMullen, this dish featured campanella pasta with smoked Sungold tomatoes, fresh basil, ricotta salata, fried cicadas, and smoked Tri-Tip, served alongside whipped beef tallow and pickled cicadas. The chefs noted, “This dish brings together textures, flavors, and visual delight—it’s a hearty, joyful way to celebrate community and creativity.”
Dessert: Cicada Cake and Forest Ice Cream
Mallory Foster and Jessica Weisman closed the evening with a daring dessert pairing. The cicada cake balanced chocolate, spice, and nutty undertones, while the forest ice cream, made with seasonal herbs and edible flowers, added an earthy freshness. The chefs shared, “Dessert is where imagination can shine. The cicadas add surprise and texture, turning every bite into a playful and memorable experience.”
Adding another layer to the evening’s enjoyment, guitarist Andy Jurik inspired and uplifted the event with his music, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that complemented the gourmet experience for all the guests. His performance brought warmth, rhythm, and harmony to the evening, making it even more memorable.
Beyond the food and music, what made the evening extraordinary was the sense of community. Guests filled long tables under the open sky, sharing stories, laughter, and gratitude. Volunteers and servers moved gracefully between the tables, making sure everyone felt welcomed. The joy of being together was as nourishing as the meal itself.
All of this came together to support Vecinos, an organization that works tirelessly to provide integrated care for farmworkers and uninsured communities across Western North Carolina. For years, Vecinos has stood by those who put food on our tables, ensuring that they too have access to health, dignity, and compassion.
The Cicada Dinner was not just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of persistence, generosity, and hope. It was a reminder that when we gather as a community, we can create something extraordinary: meals that nourish both body and soul, and actions that make a lasting difference.
To everyone who cooked, served, attended, donated, and opened their home: thank you. Your support makes it possible for Vecinos to continue walking alongside farmworkers and families, building healthier and stronger communities in Western North Carolina.