Marco Island Woman’s Club Lunch Bunch with Chef Laura

Things may seem a little quieter on the island as we launch our way into June, but there are no lazy, hazy days of summer for the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC). This dynamic network of socially conscious women remains steadfast in the commitment to support the local community through fun, friendship, and volunteerism all year long. They recently kicked off the summer with a “lunch bunch” of culinary expertise presented by Chef Laura Owen, General Manager of CJ’s on the Bay. Chef Laura, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, shared her talent, knowledge, and even trivia in a hands-on demonstration. 

While baking is a science, cooking is an art, as Chef Laura so skillfully displayed with her delicious creation of Chicken Divan with rice pilaf, salad with orange poppy seed dressing, and blueberry compote dessert. Chicken Divan has often been perceived as a classic American “quick” casserole with ingredients of jarred mayonnaise, canned soup, and even potato chips. But did you know that the original, far more sophisticated recipe was created by Chef Anthony Lagasi in the early twentieth century? It was the signature dish of the elegant Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City’s Chatham Hotel. This fact was just one of many interesting tidbits of culinary trivia shared by Chef Laura.

She also shared her fond memories of meeting Julia Child at a book signing. Child suggested that Owen, a college student at the time, pursue culinary training in France. Instead, Owen’s destiny led her to the Culinary Institute of America on the banks of New York’s majestic Hudson River. She eventually found her way to Marco Island, and we are certainly glad she did! Chef Laura’s version of Chicken Divan was beyond outstanding!

Although the MIWC members are anxious to try out the recipe in their home kitchens, they just might want to wait until July to purchase those ingredients. Winn-Dixie of Marco Island has generously selected MIWC as their July non-profit in the Community Bag program. The Marco Island Woman’s Club will receive a $1 donation for each reusable community bag purchased for $2.99 in July at the 625 North Collier Boulevard store. 

In the meantime, volunteers from MIWC have partnered with volunteers from the Marco Island Writers Guild to support the Girl Up of Manatee Middle School Summer Book and Writing Club. Girl Up is an international organization developed by the United Nations to advance and develop leadership skills of girls. Members of the local Girl Up club and the volunteers plan to meet four times over the summer to read and discuss The Pearl, by John Steinbeck. 

As you can see, the Marco Island Woman’s Club celebrates fun and friendship in the spirit of giving all year long! Membership is available to all women who live on Marco Island. To learn more, please visit www.marcowomansclub.com .