The Centennial Park Conservancy Hosts the Centennial Circle for a Dinner Odyssey

The word “odyssey” invokes images of meaningful adventures and leaving comfortable surroundings for uncharted waters. The Centennial Park Conservancy’s Centennial Circle Dinner was one such journey. With “odyssey” as the theme for the evening, the neophyte freshman class of the fraternity of conservationists met at the Parthenon for a magical evening of dining, music and fellowship.

Lilting harp music played by Timbre Cierpke filled the air as guests arrived. The locale for the evening set the stage for a Chef’s Odyssey — a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that Centennial Circle members wouldn’t find anywhere else. The culinary mastermind behind the dinner was chef Nello Turco of Mimo Restaurant and Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. Originally from Naples, Italy, Nello drew inspiration for the evening’s menu from the cuisine of Pompeii. 

The meal began with a seed and grain salad and a chicken liver parfait, served with a 2021 Captûre sauvignon blanc from the personal collection of Centennial Circle member Denise Cummins. The second course — ravioli filled with ricotta, blossom pesto and langoustine — was paired with a 2021 Régnard Grand Chablis. The third course was a beef tenderloin, paired with Tenuta di Arceno’s stunning 2015 Strada al Sasso Chianti Classico. Dessert featured a duet of barley cooked with milk and vanilla and an artistic dessert called “The Greek Column,” served alongside a 2014 Santorini Vinsanto.

The Parthenon is a magical place by candlelight. Lauren Lea Manhein from LL Floral set a stunning table with beautiful florals. And under the protective gaze of Athena, shadows flickered, as light from alternating candlesticks and votives cast a warm glow throughout the room. During dinner, the Caloroso Quartet played pieces specifically paired with Nello’s menu. As the photographer snapped a final picture of the group, guests of the evening recognized the uniqueness of the event. And as members said their last goodbyes, all recognized the treasure that is the Parthenon, making them firm in their conviction of support.