"Excellent food, perfect size of attendees, felt as though there were people here I would enjoy getting to know better!" Mara, Wicker Park
Q: What is the cost and what does it cover?
A: An Across the Table individual dinner costs $30. The price of each dinner covers the cost of a three-course meal that includes an appetizer, an entrée, and sometimes, a dessert.
Q: I want to participate but can’t afford the fee. What can I do?
A: You can apply to have dinner on us! Click on the link that says “Have a Meal on Us” on our webpage and that will lead you to an application. If you have any questions about this or would like to have the application mailed to you, please call Lauren at (773) 895-5076.
Q: What do we eat?
A: In order to insure that as many people can enjoy our meals as possible, Across the Table typically offers vegetarian dinners. This also allows us to keep our costs down and this helps to insure that our dinners are accessible to everyone. However, approximately once every other month, sometimes more, we'll dine at restaurants whose menus are not vegetarian friendly and in those cases, we do eat non-vegetarian dishes. To view the menu for each dinner, click on "sign-up" on the Sign Up to Join Us for Dinner page and you'll see all the details.
Q: Where do the dinners take place?
A: Restaurants, cooking schools, art galleries and other event spaces but specifically this depends on the group that you are in so click on the link that says "Sign Up to Join Us for Dinner" or contact Lauren at (773) 895-5076.
Q: How does the conversation go?
A: There is a facilitator for each group who leads the dinner conversation. There is a different topic for each gathering which is listed on the sign up page. If you have any suggestions for topics, email Lauren at: info@acrossthetable.org.
Q: How do you recruit participants?
A: Across the Table has partnerships and relationships with diverse community organizations, mosques, churches, and synagogues. We also do a lot of talking with people all over Chicago, we reach out to friends of friends, schools, we use social media like Facebook and Twitter and drop off our brochures at businesses everywhere that let us! If you want to help Across the Table with our outreach efforts, contact us today!
Q: How do you insure that the groups are diverse?
A: Of course this is a tough one but by working really hard at recruiting participants from a variety of communities, we do the best we can to make this happen. We also like to remember that diversity takes on many forms so even if two people may look the same, their experiences, perspectives and ideas may be extremely different.
Q: How personal are the conversations? Will I be asked to talk about things that make me uncomfortable?
A: You will never be put on the spot and you will only say as much as you would like to.
Q: In what neighborhoods do you do dinners?
A: We do dinners in neighborhoods everywhere! If you would like to see Across the Table in your neighborhood and have a restaurant suggestion, remember our need for a private room and feel free to send along suggestions!
Q: What are the ages of the participants?
A: Participants range in age dramatically. Our programs are catered to adults but if you are younger and are passionate about the discussion and are excited about participating, we would love to have you join us!
Q: What is your cancelation policy?
A: Across the Table does not offer refunds but since most of our dinners have waiting lists, it is greatly appreciated if you can let us know if you are not able to attend a dinner at the last minute.
Q: What if I miss a dinner?
A: We ask that you sign up for an individual dinner or dinner series where this is as unlikely as possible. Our goal is to make sure that all of the dinner series groups are cohesive and that you really get the chance to know your fellow diners well. If you are absent, it makes it more difficult for you to know everyone else and for them to have the chance to get to know you. However, if you must miss a session your payment for the cost of that meal will not be refunded.
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