Side Orders: Lindsay Street Hall now open as gathering venue

The long-awaited opening of Lindsay Street Hall, the former First Congregational Church on M.L. King Boulevard, has happened. I've gotten several calls from people looking for information, wanting to hold events there. Now, it's possible. It's a great space for weddings, holiday parties. Really, most any type gathering you have in mind.

To reserve a space -- and it'd be wise to do it early -- the number is 755-9111.

Wine dinners are always a pleasant way to spend an evening enjoying the best of food and wine. And I can think of no better way to enjoy the best of both than by making reservation for St. John's Restaurant Opus One Wine Dinner, featuring five courses prepared by Chef Daniel Lindley paired with outstanding wines from legendary winehouses Mondavi and Rothschild.

The dinner will be at 7 p.m., Nov. 6, at a price of $175 per person (tax and tip included). To reserve your place, RSVP to 266-4400.

The Ringgold Tiger Band Booster Association has a new cookbook that will be music to the ears of any cook. More than 250 tried-and-true recipes were submitted by band members, parents, grandparents and other supporters of the band to create "Tiger Bites." Love the name.

The book costs $11. To order, send a check or money order to Ringgold Band Boosters, P.O. Box 924, Ringgold, GA 30736. Any questions can be e-mailed to ringgoldband@ringgoldband.org.

Recipes in the book sound delicious, such as this chicken casserole. It's from Joyce Goodman, mother of band members Anna Goodman and Daniel Goodman.

Chicken Casserole for Sunday

2 (10-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup

1 pound Velveeta cheese

1 cup white wine

2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli

Lemon juice

Butter

1 (8-ounce) package egg noodles

Chicken broth

1 chicken, cooked and boned

Parmesan cheese

Combine mushroom soup, Velveeta and wine in top of double boiler to make a sauce. Cook broccoli according to package directions, drain; season with lemon juice and butter, to taste. Cook egg noodles in chicken broth. Layer egg noodles, broccoli and chicken. Cover with sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until bubbly.