Maybe you think MinnRoast is just a fundraiser, but it can be lots of other things too.

Like vocational training.

Amy Lange of Minneapolis was high bidder for a private in-restaurant dinner for six with wine pairings donated by MinnPost supporters and Citizen Café owners Michael and Seaen Mackay. When the night arrived, just a week ago, the four-course menu included pan-seared wild caught sea scallops with cashew pesto butter; roasted vegetable Napoleon with roasted peppers, portobello mushroom, summer squash and herbed ricotta drizzled with balsamic reduction and basil oil; pan-seared fresh Alaskan dayboat halibut with citrus butter and fresh green beans with spicy peanuts; and fresh strawberries, blueberries and peaches with crème anglaise, berry coulis and chocolate ganache.

Amy’s son Rueben Lange, an aspiring chef, came hours early and helped chef Michael prepare the meal. Rueben’s comment: “It was great to get to spend some time in the kitchen with a true chef. I love that he stays true to the food and doesn’t ‘fancy’ it up too much."

Fancied up or not, it beats Monday night fare at our house -- even when Joel is cooking.

Laurie Kramer is MinnPost's director of membership, special events and outreach.