Clugage is interested in how individuals connect over food and in the parallels between today and the Gilded Age (1870–1910) that relate to the unequal distribution of wealth. Although wealthy Gilded Age individuals built many libraries and museums, these institutions struggle today to open their doors to the public in a welcoming manner. Clugage sees food as a remedy to this dilemma. To that end, she hosts salon dinners themed on the economic models and culinary styles of diverse periods in art history. Clugage strives to enact radical hospitality at her dinners through games, lectures, and culinary interactions, thus creating a welcoming space for all.