celebrating community + collaboration + cause cuisine
Eat Up Columbus
Eat Up Columbus is a culinary adventure celebrating community, collaboration and cause cuisine. The annual event shares a “dinner party” theme, basking in the spirit of underground supper clubs which debuted Freedom a la Cart to the Columbus dining scene. Eat Up Columbus is a celebratory evening for guests, and supports an important cause in our community: Freedom a la Cart’s work to empower and employ survivors of human trafficking.
This year, Freedom a la Cart will host Eat Up Columbus outdoors, in the heart of the city near our new café + bakery and Freedom Loft on Spring Street. Inspired by the elegant picnic theme of popular “Diner en Blanc” parties around the world, the location of Eat Up 2021 will be kept a secret until the night of the event, and will occur rain or shine. Guests will arrive at a secret downtown location and are encouraged to dress in white. Like a blank, white canvas, the survivors we serve are given a fresh start and a new beginning. Tables will line the outdoor space transformed into an elegant urban oasis where community friends will gather to share a meal, hear stories of impact and raise funds to support Freedom a la Cart.
The evening will center upon engaging in intentional conversation, uniting behind our cause, and enjoying the presence of one another after a long awaited time! The event will include live music, a silent auction, a table decorating competition, options to order dinner from local Columbus restaurants, and much more!
Freedom a la Cart is partnering with local restaurants who will be offering their own Eat Up Picnic Packages for event guests to purchase and bring to the event.
“Freedom has impacted my life in so many ways, I
always know where to turn when in crisis. I know I
am cared for and have many resources available to me
I do not have to do anything alone!!”
– Survivor
Our Restaurant Partners
Our 2021 partnering restaurants included: Eat Champan’s, Woodhouse Vegan, Wolf’s Ridge Brewery, and Cameron Mitchell Premier Events — featuring menu items from Del Mar SoCal Kitchen, Marcella’s, and Hudson29.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code of the event?
The dress is semi-formal. Guests are encouraged to dress in white. Like a blank, white canvas, the survivors we serve are given a fresh start and a new beginning. Examples of dress for the event are a white button down shirt or blouse with white pants/jeans (or khaki pants permitted) , or a white sundress. Have fun! Pull out those white gloves, white bow ties, white hats and white wigs. Please, no casual shorts, t-shirts, baseball caps or tennis shoes.
How will I find out where the event is located?
You will receive a text message the day of Eat Up with the address, parking information, and any other logistics you may need to know.
What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket will include a seat at the Eat Up Columbus outdoor event; entertainment; Freedom a la Cart charcuterie; and your choice of beer or wine.
Will table settings (dishes, glassware and flatware) be included?
Eat Up is an elevated picnic style event this year. You can bring your own dishes, or we are happy to provide them for you as a $15 per person add-on. Table setting packages include: (silverware, white plate, poly napkin, wine + water glasses). All Table and Corporate Sponsorships include the table setting for ticket attendees.
What restaurants are creating Eat Up Picnic Packages?
This year, we are excited to support our friends in the restaurant industry who have supported Eat Up Columbus so generously in the past! Local restaurant partners, including Chapman’s Eat Market, Woodhouse Vegan, Wolf’s Ridge Brewery, and Cameron Mitchell Premier Events (featuring menu options by Del Mar SoCal Kitchen, Marcella’s and Hudson 29) will be offering Eat Up Picnic Packages for guests to purchase directly from their restaurant. These packages feature family style meals for your table, including three-course meals to share around your table. Pickup for these packages will occur at Freedom a la Cart on Saturday, September 4th, from 5:30-6:30pm. Keep your eye on this page the first week of August as we announce menu options and publish links to order!
What restaurants are creating Eat Up Picnic Packages? I’ve signed up for a ticket(s), but do not have a party of 8. How will I know where to order from?
If you have signed up for a ticket and are not in a party of 8, you’ll get the opportunity to meet some new friends! Tickets in parties under 8 will be grouped together. Freedom will send out a group email assignees, in order for you to have the opportunity to connect regarding decorations, ordering your restaurant package, and get to know one another before you prepare for the event! Guests also always have the option of bringing food from home or ordering individual meals from a different restaurant. The choice is yours!
Do I have to order from the participating restaurants?
Though it is highly recommended to purchase an Eat Up Picnic Package from participating restaurants, it is not required. You can order from another local Columbus restaurant and pick it up yourself, or make your own meal to bring. All Eat Up Picnic Packages will be available for pickup at Freedom a la Cart’s café + bakery on the night of the event.
What is the table decorating competition?
This year, we’re encouraging guests to bring decorations for their tables – flowers, plants, lights, food displays – anything you can think of! Much like the blank canvas that the survivors we serve are given, we’d love to see how you turn the blank, white-lined tables into a place of your own. There will be an award for the best-decorated in multiple categories, so have fun with it! Please no open flames or flammable substances.
What are the dimensions of the tables?
For planning your table decor, tables are 60” rounds, seating 8 individuals. White table cloths and chairs will be provided.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Two servings of alcohol will be provided for each event attendee with their ticket. Additional alcohol will be available for purchase onsite. No carry-in alcohol is permitted.
Meet This Year's Sponsors
