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Tour offers a taste of custom kitchens, delish dishes, for a good cause
Pro chefs to whip up specialties in 5 homes to benefit Teen Pregnancy Prevention
1020KITCHENTOUR3
"Food for Thought — A Tour of Kitchens" gives local patrons a chance to see some of the most beautiful kitchens in Hall County with an accompaniment of delicious treats created by Gainesville’s most talented chefs. The kitchen of Eve Jennings, above and at right, is one of several stops on the tour, which benefits the Teen Pregnancy Prevention of Hall County. - photo by Jennifer Jackson Whitley

Food For Thought: A Tour of Kitchens

When: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: $30 each and can be purchased online or at The Little Ladybug, Green’s Grocery and Riverside Pharmacy. Proceeds benefit Teen Pregnancy Prevention of Hall County 

Sunday afternoons are the perfect time for a scenic drive, relaxing walk or immaculate home cooked dinner.

Often, Sunday dinner tables are a pleasurable mecca of food, offering diners a time to forget dieting and dig in.

This Sunday, Teen Pregnancy Prevention of Hall County hosts an event to combine the prestige of eating out with the aura of eating in — only, it’s in someone else’s home.

"Food for Thought — A Tour of Kitchens" gives local patrons a chance to see some of the most beautiful kitchens in Hall County with an accompaniment of delicious treats created by Gainesville’s most talented chefs.

"We chose to do this event because it creates awareness in our community and raises money for our abstinence-based prevention programs," said Amy Phillips, the marketing committee chairwoman of Teen Pregnancy Prevention. "It is a different type of fundraiser enjoyed by people all over Northeast Georgia."

On the tour, patrons will visit five different homes known for their immaculate kitchens.

"These homes were chosen because I knew they had beautiful kitchens. I asked if we could use them for the tour and the homeowners graciously agreed," said Amy White, the Vice Chairperson of Teen Pregnancy Prevention’s board.

White was in charge of coordinating the houses for the tour — tourists will not be disappointed with her choices. One home, owned by Eve Jennings, is sure to impress.

"I bought this home with entertaining in mind. It is very open and has views of both the lake and mountains," said Jennings. "I have only lived here since May, but my house has already been used many times to host showers and get-togethers."

When asked to offer her home for the tour, Jennings did not hesitate.

"Of course I let them use my home — it is for a good cause," Jennings said. "Plus, I want to do the tour, too. It sounds very interesting."

Being a mother of three, Jennings paid careful attention to the kitchen when purchasing her home.

"I use my kitchen a lot. It is the perfect size for cooking and entertaining. With three grown children, I entertain often — there have been many events here lately," said Jennings.

Board members of Teen Pregnancy Prevention will stay in the homes during the tour to welcome guests and offer homeowners a chance to enjoy Food For Thought themselves.

"The homeowners’ job in this event was giving us permission to allow ticket holders to tour their kitchens. That, and to have their homes decorated and looking fabulous," said White.

Each home will showcase food created by the chefs of 2 Dog, The Holbrook of Lake Lanier, Recess, My Daily Bread and Scott’s on the Square.

"2 Dog and Scotts on the Square were chosen for the tour because they are faithful favorite supporters," said Barbara Hicks, the executive director of Teen Pregnancy Prevention. "The other restaurants are new to the tour and were recommended because of their fantastic reputation."

All five restaurants have an executive chef assigned to a kitchen. Their dishes range from clam chowder to peanut butter pie.

"Each chef is making their specialty," Hicks said. "They’re cooking to promote the tour and our agency’s mission."

Not only will patrons experience good food in an elegant atmosphere, their $30 donation goes to a good cause.

"I am a board member and a true believer in the mission of Teen Pregnancy Prevention. The work our staff does for teens in Hall County is immeasurable. It goes far beyond preventing pregnancy, with self-esteem building exercises and helping teens focus on their futures and take control of their own destinies," White said.

Teen Pregnancy Prevention’s mission is "addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy and its prevention by providing comprehensive and age-appropriate prevention programming, counseling and support services, community education and awareness programs."

"Food For Thought" showcases good eats in awe-inspiring kitchens, allowing tourists to eat well for a good cause. Sunday’s dinner just got a little bit better.