Sometimes when I’m doing giveaways I really, really want to keep the prize for myself. This is one of those times. B and I would love to go to this event for free. It is totally right up our alley. Instead of us getting to go for free one lucky Consuming Louisville reader and a guest will get to go for free instead. To enter to win just leave a comment or send an email telling us which of Louisville’s sister cities you’d most like to visit and why. I’ll choose one winner to receive a pair of free tickets from all the entries I receive by 4PM Thursday October 1, 2009.
For the cost of a single dinner out, fans of international food and drink can enjoy tastes from more than a dozen of Louisville’s top restaurants, as well as live entertainment and a silent auction of more than 100 international gift packages. Tickets to “A Tasteful Affair” Monday, October 5 at the Jefferson Club, 500 W. Jefferson Street, are just $50 per person, $25 for students and $40 for members of Sister Cities of Louisville, and are available online at www.sclou.org or by phone at 502-574-3397.
Chefs will prepare food from:
- Popular restaurants such as Mayan Café, Varanese, Yachings and Palermo Viejo
- Upscale eateries such as 610 Magnolia, Limestone and The English Grill
- Ethnic spots such as Erika’s German Restaurant, Kilimanjaro Foods, Lotsa Pasta, Tequila Factory and Queen of Sheba
- Unexpected or unique locations such as Gumby’s Custom Catering, Slowfood Bluegrass and ValuMarket
The food and beverages served represent Louisville’s eight international Sister Cities, which are Mainz, Germany; Perm, Russia; Quito, Ecuador; Tamale, Ghana; La Plata, Argentina; Jiujiang, China; Leeds, England and Montpelier, France. Sister Cities of Louisville promotes peace, respect and cooperation between the people of Louisville and residents of its international sister cities.
September 29th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Personally, I’d love to visit Perm, Russia. The Perm Ballet and Opera House would be awesome to visit.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:17 am
I would love to visit Mainz, Germany. The Louisville area has such a rich German heritage and I would love to experience the German culture firsthand. Mainz features a number of festivals, including Carnival and the Christmas market, and the celebrations offer the opportunity to enjoy tradition alongside the locals.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I think I would prefer to visit Leeds to see the Royal Armouries since a lot of the stuff at the Frazier Museum came from there.
Although for food, Mainz sounds fantastic…
September 29th, 2009 at 9:55 am
I’d choose La Plata, Argentina. That area is known to be heavily influenced by the Italians who settled there, and there is a great fusion of South American and Italian cuisine. (my two favorite types of food!) Yum!
September 29th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I would love to visit La Plata, Argentina. Ever since spending a semester in Guadalajara, Mexico, I have been enamored with Latin American culture. I would love the opportunity to explore Argentina and once again be immersed in the lovely Spanish language and culture.
September 29th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I would love to visit Montpellier, France. I love that the city is defined by its education and with over 60,000 students and an average age of 25. The architecture is stunning with its own (often overlooked) vibrant energy. I think it would be nice to visit a city that isn’t SO touristy, that is Paris, but (I think) would still have enough to do to be a great vacation spot, much like Louisville. I think that it would seem like a much older version of Louisville. It would seem like the “French version of home”
September 29th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I would choose to visit Jiujian, China. Living in the diverse south end of Louisville has shown me many facets of authentic Chinese food, culture, and traditions. I alway like visiting the Crane House to see their exibits. I would love to discover firsthand the real China. Being a avid hiker I would enjoy challengeing myself on the majestic Mount Lushan located just outside the city.
September 29th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I’ve visited Mainz, Germany in 2006 and fell in love. I’d really like to visit Perm, Russia though. It sounds so diverse and exciting!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I have loved all the Argentinian food that I have tried, so I think I would like to go to La Plata, Argentina to discover new culinary delights!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I would visit Jiujiang, China. I want to experience the sights, culture and the food.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:34 am
My dream vacation would be to go to Jiujiang, China..I grew up in Taiwan and Hong Kong but havent been back for 30 years. I would love to take my 13yo son to experience the culture in a place that is so radically different then his own. I feel that this would change his prospective on so many levels,seeing how people live, work and eat in a place far more crowded and different then Louisville. Also the beautiful landscape,Mt Lushan and it’s hot springs, the Yangtze River and all the beautiful villas on Mt Lushan. I would love to show my son these beautiful sites.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Being a student of Spanish, I would probably choose Quito, Ecuador. I would love to see for myself all of the historical and natural wonders the country possesses.
September 30th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Quito, Ecuador — I have a friend who lived there and would love to try the food there and learn about a new culture. Plus, I’ve never been to South America.
September 30th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Quito, Ecuador – I would love to see the views of the Andes Mtns. and the remains of the Incans. I love Latin American culture and brushing up on Spanish wouldn’t be bad either.
September 30th, 2009 at 11:36 am
I’d choose to visit Tamale, Ghana. After seeing some leaders from the city speak at Brightside’s Environmental Youth Summit several years ago, I have been interested in Tamale. It’s more “off the beaten path” than France, England, and many other countries, which furthers my interest.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I’m in the midst of a Spanish class at JCC and it would be so much fun to visit La Plata, Argentina, to practice both the language and devour the food! Please enter me in your contest. Thanks! Tina
September 30th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I am a runner and have loved running in various areas of Louisville. One of the things I have recently been dreaming of doing is running a race overseas. Of all the sister cities to Louisville, I think that France would be a great location to run in. I read that Montpelier is on the Mediterranean, which means they may have a race that enables runners to enjoy the coastline and historical sites of the city and post race wining and dining.
What a great giveaway. I enjoy reading your blog.
September 30th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I would love to go to Quito, Equidor. I would romance my wife by taking a long walk in the Parque Metropolitano Guanguiltagua which is the largest urba park in South America (400 acres bigger than Central Park in New York) Enjoy the view from atop Pichincha mountain complex at about 13,123 ft and enjoy the coffee shops and restaurants. Enjoying the culture and people of Equidor would be such a wonderful time!
September 30th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I would delight in a visit to La Plata, Argentina. When I was 16, I spent one year living as an exchange student in a small agricultural community in the province of Buenos Aires. It was the most amazing thing I ever did! I am 30 now, but not a day goes by that I don’t recall some wonderful memory of that year and the fabulous people that I met. I am still in contact with my host family and we allow ourselved plenty of fantasizing about our reunion one day. I have a 3-yr. old son to whom I speak Argentine Castellano all day long. My Spanish is my passion and my return to Argentina one day is my “happy thought.” A couple of years ago, when my son was an infant, I was diagnosed with through cancer…thinking about the goal to travel back to Argentina got me through a lot of dark times! It’s so important to have dreams!! (And the food’s not bad, either! HAHAHA–I gained 30 pounds in that one year I spent there!!!)
October 1st, 2009 at 9:31 am
Jiujiang, China, is the Louisville’s sister city I’d most like to visit because I’ve been fascinated by China and – come what may – I will be there within the next two years. I want to immerse myself in the area’s rich history and culture, see the beauty of Jiujiang and Mount Lu, experience a three-day boat ride on the Yangtze River. And then, I want to get to know the lovely Chinese people who thought so highly of Louisville as to make it a sister city!
October 1st, 2009 at 9:32 am
I would love to visit La Plata, Argentina. Ever since an old boyfriend spent a summer in Argentina for an exchange program a few years ago, he can’t stop talking about his experiences there. He loves malbec wine and he’s even made me authentic yerba mate tea in the gourd. I would love to spend time there taking lessons to perfect my tango and immersing myself in the culture.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:00 am
I’d love to go to any of those places! The farthest I’ve ever been out of the country is Cancun, Mexico. But, if given a choice I’d have to say Mainz, Germany would be a dream. I’m of German heritage and have only seen it in postcards and movies. Everytime I see the Sound of Music, which I think was actually based in Austria, I’ve been in love! I’d also look pretty hot in a leiderhosen, I’m sure.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:04 am
I participated in a trip to Leeds England for a sisiter cities trip three summers ago and I had a great experience. I participated in the Breeze Leeds Festival and I got to meet people from all over the world. I would love to go back to Leeds to get to revisit the English students that I got to meet there, but if I had to chose another sister city to go to I would love to go to Perm, Russia. Mostly because it would be so much different than any place I have been. I would like to experience a rich culture similar to that of Louisvilly but varying in language, food, and ideas. A city so far away and similar to Louisville would be an interesting place to vist and experience.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:09 am
We purchased a piece of art last year at the Sister Cities booth at St. James Art Fair. The artist was from Perm, Russia and was present. He signed the back of our framed picture with an explanation of the scene he had painted. How cool is that? It was interesting to hear about his home city and peaked our interest in Perm.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:26 am
I would like to visit La Plata, Argentina. I’ve always wanted to go to South America, and I think Argentina would be beautiful! I studied Spanish in college and had a professor from Argentina – she always raved about her home country, so much so that I can’t help but want to experience it for myself! The things I’ve learned about Argentine history and how its culture is different from that of most Spanish-speaking countries make it fascinating to me. Also, it would be a fabulous opportunity to practice my Spanish (I’m getting rusty!)
October 1st, 2009 at 11:16 am
Perm, Russia seems good to me. I’d like to visit an orthodox church building.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I would most definitely pick Mainz, Germany. I have German heritage and lived near Mainz for many years. I even met a Louisville student now and then and asked politely to bring back the Courier Journal for my reading pleasure. I love the quaint villages, Christmas market at the Domplatz, summer and fall festivals on the Rhine and Mosel rivers, the castles, the food, the Apfelwein which is a specialty only served in that area and of course the beer! I keep trying to influence my Louisville friends that German beer is better. The food is comfort food and so delicious. It’s a wonderful city for anyone to enjoy.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I would like to visit Tamale in Ghana. I had the opportunity to once visit Senegal in West Africa and am fascinated by the strength of my ancestors who navigated the Middle Passage. Ghana, like Senegal, was a major depot in the slave trade. I think it speaks to the strength of a people who are able to endure hardships and still persevere. I would like to visit Tamale and assist in the building of schools. I am an educator and realize that education is one of the keys for unlocking success.
Tamale is similar to Kentucky wherein the residents are farmers. It would be a great opportunity to visit another country and note the similarities between seemingly different people. I facilitate workshops on cultural diversity and stress that we have more things in common than differences. Yet, those differences are what make us unique. We should strive to live harmoniously.
Additionally, it would be great just to experience the culture of others including food, politics, etc.
October 1st, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I have had the GREAT pleasure of visiting Montpellier, France many times – even before I lived in Louisville and was involved in Sister Cities!!! Having hosted many work exchange students as well as high school students and teachers, I think I’m a Montpellieraine at heart!
However, if I could visit another of our sister cities, it would be Quito, Ecuador. As our second oldest sister city, I would love to meet the many people there who have contributed to our continuing bonds. I am equally intrigued to experience life so near the Equator and to feel the rich history of the Andes mountains.
October 1st, 2009 at 3:45 pm
How difficult it is to choose! I LOVE to travel and experience new cultures. My favorite part is meeting the natives and developing friendships with them – it is the best way to experience a new country. I would probably choose La Plata or Quito since I can speak the language and would be able to connect with the people there. Oh – and what better way to connect and make friends than over good food!? Empanadas, shawarma in quito – or asado with chimichurri in argentina – mmmmmmm!!! que rico
October 1st, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I’d love to visit all the sister cities, but first on the list would be Jiujiang, China. I’d like to experience Chinese culture and cuisine before the country is inundated with “Western” tourists. I’d also enjoy the challenge of trying to speak a few words in a Chinese as it is a tonal language). I caused great joy (er laughter) among folks when I tried to speak a few words of thai.
October 1st, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I’d really love to visit Perm, Russia. Would love to see the Ballet, Drama Theatre, all of the arts & cultural attraction in Perm.
I’ve visited Mainz as part of our Sister Cities program – ran 1/2 marathon several years ago.
Would love to visit Leeds also.