Annie Rauwerda is helping to reintroduce an interesting way of bringing people together. Last month she launched a potluck-style perpetual stew event aptly named “Perpetual Stew Club.” Since starting her crockpot, Annie's stew has now surpassed 30 days of cooking. While the concept of cooking stew for an entire month may be a head-scratcher for some, the name “perpetual stew” comes from an actual culinary art that involves continuously refilling a pot with whatever food is on hand. Annie's inspiration for Perpetual Stew Club began during the pandemic quarantine, when she learned of the history of the perpetual stew. At the time, the idea seemed like a fun alternative to the uncertainty in the world. The taste of perpetual stew changes depending on the ingredients used for the day, which means that deliciousness is hit or miss. It's all a part of the community experience. One recipe included 8 potatoes, 4 pieces of celery, 3 carrots, 1 cup of bean sprouts, 1 cup of rice, 1 clove of garlic, and 2 onions. That's pretty tame compared to some of the random ingredients that attendees bring. From bird's eye chili to Cascatelli pasta, it's a veritable community melting pot. The Perpetual Stew Club gatherings have grown from a few to over a hundred attendees. Annie also emphasizes that the majority of stew that’s brought to the park is cooked on the same day. As of now, with the event growing in size beyond its humble beginnings, she has decided to keep it going only until August 9.
