Tired of the same old lunch routine? The Moveable Feast, a literary and cultural program featuring lunchtime lectures at a variety of fine South Strand restaurants, provides a fascinating midday meal alternative.

Conceived and designed by Linda Ketron, owner of Art Works in North Litchfield, the program is named for a collection of Ernest Hemingway's short stories.

"Hemingway refers to Paris as a moveable feast, because no matter where you go, you take a little Paris with you," Ketron explains. "For this program, we flipped the name – it's us moving around with the feast, sampling the best this area has to offer."

The program features local speakers selected by Ketron for their interesting backgrounds, occupations, and achievements. On selected Fridays over the past three months, participants have enjoyed lectures by local historian and raconteur Lee Brockington, actor Bill Oberst, and writer Charles Joyner at local restaurants like Monterey, Dave's Dockside Restaurant, and the Sea View Inn.

"This program really enriches the community," comments Florida Yeldell, who spoke about Gullah culture at a November luncheon at Hana's in Murrells Inlet. The Georgetown native, who taught history and geography at a Texas university before her retirement, is an enthusiastic participant in the Moveable Feast. "These luncheons make it possible to strike up new friendships with people who have the same interests."

Grace Eddison, a retired Kentucky physician who now lives in Pawleys Island, agrees. "One of the things I enjoy most is the conviviality of the people who go," she says. "There's a common ground of interests and the exchange of ideas."

From her Art Works gallery in the Litchfield Exchange, Ketron runs CLASS (Community Learning About Special Subjects), a continuing education program with classes on a wide variety of subjects. The Moveable Feast lunch lecture series is part of the diverse CLASS program of arts and humanities courses.

Today's sold-out luncheon at the Hanser House in North Litchfield features Dr. Charles Joyner, author of "Down By The Riverside" and "Shared Traditions". Internationally renowned bass-baritone Tom Fox will lecture about his life in the opera on Friday, December 8th, the final event in the fall session. Fox will also sing holiday tunes and a Broadway melody or two. The event will be held at the Community House in Pawleys Island.

"Many people don't like to drive at night, and they miss out on some wonderful dining experiences," comments Ketron, who works with chefs to select a scaled-down sampler of a restaurant's best dishes for the program. "And the Community House is never open for lunch! This will be a great opportunity for these people to taste food cooked by David Bardari, a master chef."

The cost of each luncheon, including beverage, tax and gratuity, is $25 (alcoholic beverages are extra). Subscriptions to all nine events in the series may be obtained for $190, a savings of $35. The first event of the spring session will be held January 19, 2001 and features Chuck Downs, noted American authority on North Korea, author of "Over The Line", and a snowbird resident of North Litchfield. Other guests for the next session include Shep Canfield, author of "Presidential Lies" (a book about the golf games of past presidents) and John Dopyera, a creator of the resophonic guitar (also known as the Dobro).

"We have so many local treasures – authors, musicians, and artists," says Ketron. "Here's a chance for them to show off!"

On Friday, December 8th, operatic bass-baritone Tom Fox will lecture and sing at the last event in the Moveable Feast's fall session. Luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Community House in Pawleys Island; cost is $25. For reservations, or to inquire about The Moveable Feast's spring session, call 235-9600.