Friends and neighbors mingled together, elbow to elbow at long tables stretched out on the front lawn under twinkly lights. But after four successful years the dinners fizzled out. Now, Palisadian Ed Kalotkin has nudged the PCC to bring it back…but with a twist.

Enter the Palisades SmörgåsBurb! A portmanteau of smörgåsbord and suburb, the dinner is inspired by popular foodie events like SmorgasBurg in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Essex Street Market in Manhattan with a community block party feel. With Ed curating the tasting menu and event details coordinated by the PCC board, SmörgåsBurb! promises to be a fabulous evening of tasting specialties by great home chefs of Palisades along with professionals. Attendees can expect a tantalizing array of appetizers, salads, casseroles, veggies, meat and fish entrees, and mouthwatering desserts that showcase the diverse talents of Palisades. But the evening doesn't stop there – guests will also have the opportunity to bid on an assortment of unique items and experiences in a lively silent auction featuring art by Palisades artists, local services, youth classes and activities, theater and sports events and much more.

The PCC is managed by nine volunteer board members who serve as caretakers of the building as well as curating events aimed at raising funds to reinvest in the historic schoolhouse. SmörgåsBurb! is one of a series of fundraisers connected to a “Raise the Roof” campaign to fund various critical and expensive repairs to the schoolhouse. These include the installation of a new roof, masonry work, a new HVAC system, interior plastering and painting, and installation of a new fence before it totally falls down! The PCC receives no taxpayer funding and relies solely on membership, donations and special events to raise funds necessary for repairs and operations. Although the Palisades SmörgåsBurb! is an important fundraiser, it is more than that – it's a celebration of community and heritage. In 1870, it is likely the community came together to literally raise the roof of the schoolhouse. Here we are over 150 years later still caring for this building. Whether you're a chef eager to showcase your culinary talents, a donor with a unique auction item to contribute, or a neighbor looking to connect and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Palisades, your presence and support are invaluable as we “Raise the Roof'” and celebrate all the wonderful things that make Palisades a special place to live.

The Palisades SmörgåsBurb! will take place on Saturday, June 1 at 6:00 pm at the Palisades Community Center. To sign up as a chef, donate an auction item, or purchase advance tickets, please email PCC@palisadesny.com. To see photos of our previous dinners, visit www.palisadesfm.org/market–dinner.html.