I went to a fancy benefit dinner in the name of cats

That's how vegan I am.  And Portlandy.  And a fan of Isa's vegan food and Sweetpea.  

But mostly, cats.

The benefit dinner was to benefit the House of Dreams Cat Shelter, where my friend Sharin volunteers.  I had been having a horrible day and this night out for kitties with friends like the Shiz really helped turn things around.  

Every table was adorned with at least one ceramic kitty to take home - here's a group shot of the ones passed on at the end.  How sad at an event to benefit a No-Kill Cat Shelter, right?

White Bean and Roasted Garlic Soup with Fresh Rosemary

Roasted Shallot and Golden Beet Salad with walnuts and apples

Between courses, I sent my camera all by its lonesome into the kitchen for

 behind the scenes action.

The busy staff.

The entree was an Autumn Plate: Acorn Squash with cornbread stuffing and chorizo sausage, Smoky Grilled Tempeh and Wild Mushroom Ragout over Garlicky Kale

I think about moaning whenever I eat tempeh that Isa has prepared.  I think I have.  It's the woman responsible for bringing homemade tempeh bacon into my life!

Dessert was a bowl of Warm Apples in a Caramelized Maple Sauce with vanilla soy cream, candied ginger and a homemade Gingerbread cat cookies.  

Knowing the chef= an extra cookie!

My table also sent Veganaddict an extra cookie from across the room.  

Check out her blog for more pretty photos!

The Master Chef, hanging out back.  

Check out the PPK blog for her thoughts on the event and some fun photos.  Thanks, Isa!

Squash Prep Station - including blogger Kimmykokonut.

Phew.