Meet Our Valentine's Dinner Guest Chef Tim Houghton
Meet our fantastic guest chef who will be cooking up a spectacular 5-course meal during our special Valentine’s Dinner on Saturday, February 10!
Tim Houghton and his wife
Meet our fantastic guest chef who will be cooking up a spectacular 5-course meal during our special Valentine’s Dinner on Saturday, February 10!
Tim Houghton has always had a deep passion for cooking that started with cooking with his mom Vivian. From the time he could reach the stove, he started cooking with his mom. Tim took things to the next level when covid started.
During that time he told his wife to start picking dishes from their travels that he would then would recreate them. Tim loves nothing more than creating elaborate meals for his family and friends and seeing them light up after taking a bite. Tim especially like making challenging meals that require extreme attention to detail and being an engineer, that is right in his wheelhouse.
“It is with heartfelt thanks that I was given an opportunity to design a menu like this by the amazing people at Fork Real Café. They are such an asset to the Rapid City community and we are lucky to have them here.” Shared Tim.
Join Us on SAturday, February 10 for our valentines dinner
Join Fork Real Community Café for a Valentine's Dinner made with love on Saturday, February 10. This special dinner features five amazing courses cooked by guest chef Tim Houghton. This meal will be a night to remember.
Seating times include 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, and 6:30 pm.*
Space is extremely limited, get your tickets today.
Ticket sales end February 7 at midnight, so don’t wait to reserve your seat for this delicious dinner!
*When choosing your seating time, please arrive at the start of the time on your ticket to be seated, similar to a conventional dinner reservation, but there is no rush to leave once you are here. Stay as long as you like and enjoy your meal.
View the full menu and purchase your tickets by clicking the button below.
The Power of Real Food and Real Conversation
We want to share part of an essay that was submitted by Maia, one of my (Rhonda) previous 4th-grade students as part of her college application.
Fork Real friends and family,
We want to share part of an essay that was submitted by Maia, one my previous 4th-grade students as part of her college application. This is the impact that Fork Real continues to make with support from YOU! If you’d like to join our growing list of financial partners, click here.
Thank you, Maia, for your thoughtful words through the eyes of a “student”.
-Rhonda
Maia, volunteering at Fork Real Community Café
“People, food, and conversation. These three things drove my fourth-grade teacher to open the Fork Real Community Cafe in 2017. As a fourth grader, I didn’t understand her vision. The cafe would be entirely volunteer run, would rely on donations for funding, and wouldn’t require guests to pay for their meals. How could this work? My first experience at the cafe was in sixth grade when my best friend and I were completing service hours for her bat mitzvah. I had never volunteered before; I figured I would tag along and be done. I never expected it to be fulfilling. Working together with inmates and people with physical and intellectual disabilities opened my eyes to a very real sense of unity and compassion. The work sparked my desire to connect and serve in the Rapid City community.
Weeks of volunteering turned into months, which turned into years. Regulars became friends; volunteers became family. Whether I knew it or not, I was in for the long haul. Even as school ramped up and my schedule got busier, I still found time to hop on my skateboard and head down to the cafe. I remember celebrating when John, a volunteer through the Inmate Exchange Program, went to work for the best bakery in town. I was inspired to see that John, who’d learned to bake from his grandma and had spent time in prison, could find his place through service. This experience showed me the impact of volunteering; empathy, understanding, and a willingness to connect with others can reveal untapped potential in anybody.
Seven years later, the mission holds true; food insecurity is still a major issue in my local area. I’m honored to be a member of the Fork Real family in building up people through food and conversation. I am forever changed.”
Fork Real Cafe, creating community to combat the food insecurity crisis
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 14% of people in Rapid City live in poverty. With those numbers on the rise, one local organization is looking to combat the food insecurity crisis in the community.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 14% of people in Rapid City live in poverty. With those numbers on the rise, one local organization is looking to combat the food insecurity crisis in the community.
Fork Real Café in Rapid City has created a community, easing the burden people feel from not being able to afford food.
“We have guests who come in who don’t have homes, we have guests who have homes. We have guests who are lawyers and judges and moms and dads, have jobs and don’t have jobs. We want to walk with people, so it’s really about building relationships, but we use food as that key piece,” says Rhonda Percy, the founder of Fork Real Café.
Creative Thanksgiving leftovers: Reinventing your holiday feast
As the Thanksgiving festivities come to an end, many of us find ourselves facing the delightful dilemma of what to do with all those delicious leftovers.
As the Thanksgiving festivities come to an end, many of us find ourselves facing the delightful dilemma of what to do with all those delicious leftovers. Fear not! Rhonda Pearcy has some fantastic ideas to breathe new life into your post-Thanksgiving meals.
From cranberry-infused meatballs to the scrumptious Monte Cristo sandwich, Rhonda shares her creative and mouthwatering ways to enjoy the bounty of leftovers.
Bringing a Turkey 101 at Fork Real Community Café
In this step-by-step guide, Rhonda Pearcy walks us through the process of preparing a mouthwatering brined turkey that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the anticipation of a delicious, juicy turkey takes center stage. If you're new to the idea of brining a turkey, fear not! In this step-by-step guide, Rhonda Pearcy walks us through the process of preparing a mouthwatering brined turkey that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
To embark on this culinary adventure, you'll need a few essential items. Rhonda recommends a large bucket, a gallon of apple cider (not to be confused with cider vinegar), kosher salt, black pepper, allspice and bay leaves.
Fork Real Café's Chef Dinner Auction: A culinary extravaganza for a worthy cause
Fork Real Café is a place where food and community intersect in Rapid City. This unique café has become a cornerstone of the community, serving delicious meals to people from all walks of life.
Fork Real Café is a place where food and community intersect in Rapid City. This unique café has become a cornerstone of the community, serving delicious meals to people from all walks of life.
But it's not just about the food; it's about bringing people together and making sure that nobody goes hungry. And now, Fork Real Café is gearing up for a grand event that promises to be a feast for the senses - the Chef Dinner Auction.
Save the Date: November 4
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 4, because that's when Fork Real Café's Chef Dinner Auction is set to take place. This delectable event will be hosted at the Dahl, running from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Join Us for the 2nd Annual Chef's Dinner Auction
Attendees will have the opportunity to taste delicious food samples, and have a chance to win a variety of food experiences–from full Thanksgiving meals made to order or a 5-course meal made in-home, to a spaghetti splash dinner event, or amazing specialty cakes—all donated by the talented chefs featured at the Dinner Auction.
We invite you to join us for our 2nd Annual Chef’s Dinner Auction fundraiser on Saturday, November 4 at 5:00 p.m. at the Dahl Arts Center, located at 713 7th Street in Rapid City, South Dakota.
All proceeds from this special event go to supporting Fork Real Community Café in our mission to reduce hunger and improve food security in the local area.
2022 Chef’s Auction Dinner
Attendees will have the opportunity to taste delicious food samples, and have a chance to win a variety of food experiences–from full Thanksgiving meals made to order or a 5-course meal made in-home, to a spaghetti splash dinner event, or amazing specialty cakes—all donated by the talented chefs featured at the Dinner Auction.
“This event really highlights the power of community, and we are excited to be back for year two,” said Rhonda Pearcy, founder of Fork Real Community Café. “These chefs donate their amazing talents, businesses come together to sponsor the event, and the guests who attend really make the night a special success.”
There are 13 fabulous chefs who will be preparing an assortment of dishes, desserts, and experiences for attendees to sample in addition to their menus up for bid. In addition to the highlighted talent, Fork Real Community Café will have a Dessert Raffle happening during the evening for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind cheesecakes and desserts paired with locally sourced items.
Dinner Auction Details
We are excited to have Helen Usera back to host our event again this year.
The evening will begin with a social hour from 5:00 pm–6:00 pm where you will have the chance to meet all of our chefs, sample their offerings, and view specialty cheesecakes that are going to be raffled off throughout the evening. AJ Andrew Bearid will be our live music entertainment during the event and we are looking forward to welcoming him back for a second year in a row.
The auction will begin at 6:00 pm where you will have the opportunity to bid on some of the amazing items and experiences. We are so thankful to our chefs and sponsors who have come together to support our mission here at Fork Real Community Café!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Meet the 2023 Chefs
BRENDA PATES
Brenda is the queen of desserts and she will have a sampling of her famous baklava at this year’s chef auction.
SAMPLING MENU
Baklava
UP FOR AUCTION
5 specialty desserts | Available for pickup
DANIEL VORHEES
Daniel has been apart of the culinary world for over 18 years and is The Rustic Chef. He prides himself with creating from local protein and produce as much as possible
SAMPLING MENU
Holiday Charcuterie Board
UP FOR AUCTION
Holiday Charcuterie Board
DAVE PEARCY
Fork Real Community Café | Besides steak & potatoes, Dave has an appetite for anything with an asian flair.
SAMPLING MENU
Fettuccine Alfredo
UP FOR AUCTION
Pick 2 main items from food truck menu • Party in the parking lot for up to 30 people
JASON GOLDEN
Jason is active in the Air Force and has traveled the world trying a variety of cuisine.
SAMPLING MENU
Smoked Gator, Potatoes, and Mexican Street Corn
UP FOR AUCTION
Smoked Gator, Roasted Potatoes, and Roasted Street Corn • Dinner for up to 6 people delivered to you or cooked on site!
This chef is proudly sponsored by ARC International.
JIM GARLAND
Chef Jimmy's mission revolves around giving back and addressing hunger through the power of food. Inspired by the example set by Jesus, he seeks to nourish the body, mind, and soul by fostering authentic conversation that leads to lasting healing.
SAMPLING MENU
Shrimp Boil
UP FOR AUCTION
Shrimp Boil, Baguettes, Slaw, and Peach Cobbler | Feeds up to 20 people • Event hosted at Café
This chef is proudly sponsored by Black Hills Energy.
JEFF SLATHAR, CWPC
Jeff is professionally trained and a certified Chef by industry standard — the American Culinary Federation. His passion is to prepare food properly, creatively, appealingly and safely.
SAMPLING MENU
Flambé bananas foster with crepe
UP FOR AUCTION
5 course dinner for 4 • Enjoy a caesar salad, asparagus, potatoes, prime rib Steak Diane and bananas foster prepared table side
KAREN ANAGNOSTOPULOS
Karen creates stunning, unique and fresh grazing boards & tables for all sorts of special events and parties. • Catered by Karen A.
SAMPLING MENU
Charcuterie Board
UP FOR AUCTION
1 Charcuterie Board • To be Delivered to You!
MIKE JUBIE
Mike is an avid salt water fishermen, which has led his love for Alaskan waters. He has spent the last 26 years fishing and guiding Alaska’s salt water, rivers and streams and enjoys sharing the catch with everyone.
SAMPLING MENU
Grilled salmon bites
UP FOR AUCTION
Salmon dinner for 4 • Grilled salmon, potatoes, and salad
This chef is proudly sponsored by Scull Construction.
Thank you to Scheels for donating a Pit Boss 1100 Grill for this chef’s auction package.
MIRANDA MALEKI
SAMPLING MENU
Brownie Bites
UP FOR AUCTION
Sky-high Picnic for 2 • Enjoy a flight over Mt. Rushmore then enjoy your picnic together after your adventure
THE PSZANKA FAMILY
Cooking and eating together has become a cherished tradition, a celebration of our unity and appreciation for the delicious journey of life.
SAMPLING MENU
Meatballs
UP FOR AUCTION
A Spaghetti Splash Dinner at the Café (up to 40 people)
This chef family is sponsored by Eberl Claim Services.
RHONDA PEARCY
One of Rhonda's love languages is preparing great meals that feed the soul. • Founder of Fork Real Community Café
SAMPLING MENU
Videla Salad & Sage Biscuits
UP FOR AUCTION
A romantic outdoor dinner for 2 with a 1 night stay in a Black Hills Cabin. Dinner includes: Bison with rosemary potatoes, roasted veggies, sage biscuits & seasonal dessert.
TESSIE HAWKINS
Tessie grew up learning to cook and turned her passion into a career. She joined the team at Fork Real Community Café full time in 2021.
SAMPLING MENU
Roasted turkey & mashed potatoes
UP FOR AUCTION
Thanksgiving Dinner of Roasted Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Butter Corn, Rolls, and Pumpkin Pie • Feeds a family of 8 • to be delivered to you on Thanksgiving Day!
This chef is proudly sponsored by Tomac & Tomac.
VINNIE TOMLIN
With over 40 years of award-winning experience, Vinnie is a pastry specialist with an artistic eye.
SAMPLING MENU
A variety of cakes
UP FOR AUCTION
4 fabulous cakes any time throughout 2024
This chef is sponsored by Lusk Construction.
Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Cann
We are a better place thanks to the fantastic individuals who volunteer on a regular basis at Fork Real Community Café. One of those amazing people is Laura Cann
We are a better place thanks to the fantastic individuals who volunteer on a regular basis at Fork Real Community Café. One of those amazing people is Laura Cann.
Laura is a dedicated volunteer who brightens up the Café any time she is here. Scroll down to learn more about Laura!
Laura Cann, and her children
A little about Laura Cann
Laura, a Rapid City native, has been one of our fantastic Volunteers at Fork Real since 2022.
Q: Why do you volunteer at Fork Real Community Café?
A: “A dear friend of ours told us about Fork Real and the amazing work that was being done. I was searching for a place that would allow my husband and I to teach our kids how important it is to serve others and invest our time in the community in which we live. I wanted to find a place we could regularly support by volunteering a few hours a week, where my kids and I could interact with others in the community and learn valuable skills along the way. We've found that at Fork Real!”
Q: What do you love most about being at the Café?
A: “I love how Fork Real gives back to the community in a wide variety of ways; many of which I am still learning about! I have the utmost respect for what their mission is and how they are constantly seeking ways to do more in our community. It is truly humbling and a privilege to serve alongside them.”
Q: What ARE YOUR FAVORITE MENU ITEMS?
A: “That's a toughie because there are so many amazing choices! I would have to say some of my favorites are the crepes, the variety of homemade soups, and of course the cheesecake! The flavors are often unique and absolutely delicious! *And a plug for the Fork Real food truck-the Grilled Chicken Berry Salad is scrumptious!!”
Q: WHEN YOU AREN’T VOLUNTEERING AT THE CAFÉ, WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING?
A: “I enjoy reading, attempting to garden, and spending time out in the Hills with my husband and kids.”
Q: What should people know about Fork Real Community Café?
A: “If you haven't been-what are you waiting for?! You won't regret it! If you are seeking a place to give back to the community and serve others, give Fork Real a call.”
Would you like to become a volunteer?
Volunteering at Fork Real Community Café is a fantastic way to give back to the community, and to help us end food insecurity. Click the button below to learn the ways you can give back through Fork Real.
Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa and Carl Saunders
We are so thankful for Lisa and Carl Saunders! Lisa volunteers with us every single week at the Café, and Carl assists us with special events.
We are so thankful for Lisa and Carl Saunders! Lisa volunteers with us every single week at the Café, and Carl assists us with special events. They are shining lights here in the Café, and we love having them here.
We had the chance to talk with Lisa recently about her experience as a volunteer at Fork Real. Scroll down to learn more about this fantastic individual.
Carl & Lisa Saunders
A little about Lisa Saunders
Lisa and Carl call Rapid City home, and we are so glad they are a part of our community!
Q: Why do you volunteer at Fork Real Community Café?
A: “I have long believed in the philosophy of Fork Real, but what actually got me started volunteering there was so that my granddaughter, Kate Saunders, could volunteer. She was too young to volunteer by herself and needed an adult with her, so I said I would do it.”
Q: What do you love most about being at the Café?
A: “I love working with the staff and other volunteers, I love the atmosphere of the cafe, and I love that people who cannot normally get to eat such great, professionally produced meals at a table with family, can do so; and they can hold their heads high because they work for their meals.”
Q: What ARE YOUR FAVORITE MENU ITEMS?
A: “The crepes with lemon and Nutella, the lasagna, and, of course, the cheesecakes! Don’t ask for a favorite flavor because there are too many to choose from!”
Q: WHEN YOU AREN’T VOLUNTEERING AT THE CAFÉ, WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING?
A: When Lisa isn’t volunteering at the Café, she enjoys reading, running (and walking), gardening, playing with or training her dogs, and playing the ukulele with her granddaughter Kate.
Q: What should people know about Fork Real Community Café?
A: “The name describes the being of the café. It is real and it is about community, both in and for the people who work there, and the people who eat there.”
Would you like to become a volunteer?
Volunteering at Fork Real Community Café is a fantastic way to give back to the community, and to help us end food insecurity. Click the button below to learn the ways you can give back through Fork Real.
Some businesses within the Rapid City community were honored with awards
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - On Tuesday, Elevate Rapid City held its second annual awards ceremony, an event to spotlight the work that local businesses do for the community and local economy.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - On Tuesday, Elevate Rapid City held its second annual awards ceremony, an event to spotlight the work that local businesses do for the community and local economy.
According to Elevate Rapid City’s website, the company strives to embrace the heart and soul of the community. Some of this year’s winners included Black Hills Tire, the Rapid City Medical Center, and Fork Real Community Café. All local, non-corporate businesses.
South Dakota businesswomen earn recognition
SPEARFISH — More than 200 women gathered on May 23 to celebrate accomplished businesswomen at the Pivot Great & Small: Celebrating Women in Business Awards Luncheon at the Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center.
SPEARFISH — More than 200 women gathered on May 23 to celebrate accomplished businesswomen at the Pivot Great & Small: Celebrating Women in Business Awards Luncheon at the Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center.
The 11th annual Outstanding Women In Business Awards was designed to highlight the impact of outstanding businesswomen across the state of South Dakota. South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity West Women’s Business Center recognized the accomplishments of nine finalists for their business acumen and contributions and the four award recipients were announced. Keynote speakers Jennifer Baloun, BankWest and Barb Donat, Mediation Matters took the stage and shared their career and personal stories.
Fork Real Café looks to hit the road with new food truck
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - A pay-what-you-can restaurant in Rapid City is planning to be on the move... but not in the way you might imagine.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - A pay-what-you-can restaurant in Rapid City is planning to be on the move... but not in the way you might imagine. They are hosting a fundraiser to take their restaurant on the road with a food truck.
Fork Real Café is a lot like other restaurants in the area... serving breakfast and lunch. However, there is one difference....they allow customers who are struggling to “pay what they can.”
With this model, owner Rhonda Pearcy says they can focus more on feeding people and building connections in the community.
Fork Real Cafe raising funds to get a food truck
Fork Real Café wants to take its mission to feed people on the road. The café has launched a “30 N 30” campaign to raise money for a food truck or trailer.
Fork Real Café wants to take its mission to feed people on the road. The café has launched a “30 N 30” campaign to raise money for a food truck or trailer.
Fork Real Cafe launching food truck fundraiser
Fork Real Café wants to take its mission to feed people on the road. The nonprofit café is launching a “30 N 30” campaign on Wednesday to raise money for a food truck or trailer.
Fork Real Café wants to take its mission to feed people on the road. The nonprofit café is launching a “30 N 30” campaign on Wednesday to raise money for a food truck or trailer.
Fork Real Café will mark its seventh anniversary in March. The café’s goal has always been to build community through food and conversation with a pay-what-you-can concept, and Fork Real has provided more than 13,300 meals to individuals and families so far.
Fork Real Community Café Launches Food Truck Fundraiser
Fork Real Community Cafe is kicking off a fundraiser to bring real food and real conversation to the streets of Rapid City. We are raising funds for a food truck and seeking help from the public to raise $30,000 in 30 days, starting March 1st to make this happen.
Fork Real Community Cafe is kicking off a fundraiser to bring real food and real conversation to the streets of Rapid City. We are raising funds for a food truck and seeking help from the public to raise $30,000 in 30 days, starting March 1st to make this happen.
Since 2016, Fork Real Community Cafe has been on a mission of building community through food and conversation with a “pay-what-you-can” cafe concept. With strong community support, we’ve been able to provide more than 13,300 meals to families in need.
To expand our community outreach, we believe going mobile is a unique and exciting way to do just that. Your support is the key to helping our community in reducing hunger and improve food security.
With a donation of $500 - $1,000, we have the chance to quickly achieve our goal so that we can get our food truck ready in time for summer events like Family Food Truck Night, Hills Alive, and more. Everyone that donates $1,000 or more, will also have a chance to win a private food truck event with a few of their friends.
“We are so excited to get out into the community in a fun new way and to offer pay-what-you-can options throughout town. There are people in our community that may not be able to make it to our physical location, but with this food truck, we can come to them.” Shared Rhonda Pearcy, founder of Fork Real Community Café.
Anyone looking to get involved and contribute can do so by visiting our donation page, donating to the form on this page, or by mailing a check to 324 St Joseph St, Rapid City, SD. Be sure to add “Food Truck” in the memo. Individuals can also stop by the cafe during the month of March and take a photo inside our “life-size” food truck.
Rapid City’s Fork Real Café receives state recognition for more than just a hot meal
With the legislative session already underway in Pierre, Rapid City’s Fork Real Café was recognized and honored by the South Dakota Retailers Association for the work they do in the Rapid City community.
RAPID CITY, S.D– With the legislative session already underway in Pierre, Rapid City’s Fork Real Café was recognized and honored by the South Dakota Retailers Association for the work they do in the Rapid City community.
Retailers Association honors Fork Real Café
Fork Real Café in Rapid City has been honored with the South Dakota Retailers Association’s annual Community Service Award.
Fork Real Café in Rapid City has been honored with the South Dakota Retailers Association’s annual Community Service Award. The award recognizes a business that goes above and beyond to give back to the residents of the community it serves.
Retailers give annual Community Service Award to Fork Real Cafe in Rapid City
The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) has recognized the Fork Real Cafe in Rapid City with its annual Community Service Award.
The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) has recognized the Fork Real Cafe in Rapid City with its annual Community Service Award. The award recognizes a business that goes above and beyond to give back to the residents of the community it serves.
A True Community Event: Fork Real Community Café's Chef's Dinner Auction
News Center One stopped by the Chefs Dinner Auction at the Dahl Arts Center on November 5.
A true community took place on Saturday, November 5; Fork Real Community Cafe held it’s first ever chef’s dinner auction at the Dahl Arts Center.
Video courtesy of News Center One
Chef's Dinner Auction helps fight hunger - Rapid City Journal
The Rapid City Journal highlights the Chef’s Dinner Auction, taking place this Saturday November 5 at the Dahl Arts Center.
Fork Real Community Café is continuing its mission of feeding people by hosting a mouth-watering Chef’s Dinner Auction.