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November 4, 2014

Honor the 2014 Sages Over 70

Please join dsm and the Community Foundation
of Greater Des Moines as we congratulate this year's Sages Over 70 at a special event

Nov. 11, 5-7 p.m., at The Temple for Performing Arts. We are pleased to recognize Chuck Betts, J.C. "Buz" Brenton, Don Brush, Judy Conlin, Patty Cownie and Stan Reynolds for their significant contributions to the community over the years.

Tickets are $50 per person or $25 for young professionals; purchase them here. Proceeds will benefit the Sages Over 70 Fund, held at the Community Foundation. Money from the fund helps address some of the community's most pressing needs. If you can't attend the event, you can still honor the Sages by donating to the fund here.

Read about this year's Sages in the current issue of dsm here. And in this video

by Dan Welk, the Sages share their insights, advice and fondest memories.

The Chemistry of Memory Making
Wine comes in all sorts of varieties and the spectrum of flavors is wildly diverse; the price per bottle varies...

Read More ť

Board members Heath Lee, Sara Gaskell, Amanda Reynal, Jeffrianne Young, and David Safaris. Not pictured: Liz Adelman.

Art Center Launches New Club

By Belle Du Chene

There's a new club in town we think you'll want to join: Salon 4700, the Des Moines Art Center's new member affiliate group.

Learn about the group at a launch party Nov. 11 at the Art Center (4700 Grand Ave.) at 6 p.m. The event will include cocktails, light hors d'oeuvres and a discussion led by Art Center Director Jeff Fleming on a rarely seen print from the vault. In addition, "an original and exciting program will be revealed," promises Amanda Reynal, president of the group's newly formed board of directors.

Membership is $100 and is open to all active Art Center members at the contributor level ($110) or above. Salon 4700 members will visit artists' studios, tour private collections and take art-focused trips with Fleming and Art Center curators, among other exclusive activities. While offering "social opportunities as a byproduct of attending our events, (Salon 4700) will delve deeper into many exciting aspects of today's art world, both locally and further afield," Reynal says.

Find out more about Salon 4700 here. RSVP for the launch party by emailing salon4700@desmoinesartcenter.org or calling 271-0327 by Thursday, Nov. 6. If you can't attend but are still interested in joining, email Jenna Ekstrom, jekstrom@desmoinesartcenter.org.

Truffles: so plain in appearance, so sublime in flavor.

Sunday Night Extravagance at Baru 66

By Wini Moranville

"Truffles are all about history, tradition--and luxury," says Baru 66 chef-owner David Baruthio, explaining that although the rare fungi were originally discovered by cavemen in the southwest portion of France, over the centuries, they evolved into the food of royalty.

"When Gaul was occupied by the Romans, truffles were often presented in cooking," Baruthio says. "Later, when parts of the country were invaded, they became nearly extinct--found only on the tables of kings."

Truffles remain exceedingly scarce and difficult to harvest; the prized Black Perigord truffle, for example, can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per pound.

And yet, you can enjoy this rare and mystical food at a special Truffle Dinner at Baru 66 on Sunday, Dec. 7. Featuring white truffles from Italy and black winter truffles from Burgundy, the eight-course dinner costs $195 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

"David has offered truffle dinners for private events over the years," says Baruthio's wife and Baru 66 co-owner Sara Hill. "This Sunday event is designed to bring the truffle to other guests, in celebration of autumn and the start of truffle season."

Reservations are required. Baru 66 is at 6587 University Ave.; 277-6627; www.baru66.com. Also note that on this evening, there will be no corkage fee--a great reason to uncork that extravagant bottle you've been holding on to.

fyi: In the Know in the Metro

United Way of Central Iowa has earned its 10th consecutive four-star rating for sound fiscal management and a commitment to accountability and transparency. The rating comes from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest independent evaluator of charities and nonprofit organizations.
Joe Boehm will present "Influences on Interior Design" at The Mansion (2801 Ingersoll Ave.) on Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. The event will focus on trends and include a Q&A session. It is free and open to the public. Boehm is a former senior interior designer for Better Homes and Gardens.
The 12th annual Wild Rose Independent Film Festival will celebrate indie filmmaking Nov. 6-13 at the Fleur Cinema & Cafe (4545 Fleur Drive). Hollywood director John Putch will lead a workshop on film distribution on Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. and a workshop on how to audition Nov. 9 at 9:30 a.m. Email bobbusbee@aol.com to register for the workshops. Admission fees vary; click here for details.
Did you know the November/December issue of dsm is out? Click here to read it online and here to subscribe.

P.S.: Sporty Massage

Whether you're a weekend warrior or an aging athlete, you might want to check out the Athletic Edge sport massage at East Village Spa (601 E. Locust St. #202). A co-worker training for a 5K run tried it recently to ease tight muscles and raved about her massage therapist, Teresa Sage. An hour's massage is $85, or splurge for 80 minutes for $105. Click here for more details.

Belle Du Chene is senior editor of dsm magazine.

Wini Moranville, author of "The Bonne Femme Cookbook: Simple, Splendid Food That French Women Cook Every Day," is a food, wine and travel writer who covers the dining scene for dsm magazine. Follow her at All Things Food DSM - Wini Moranville and catch her food segment on Fridays at 6:40 a.m. on KCWI-23's "Great Day" morning show.