What do you get when you put inspiration and skill together? Well, in this case a garden party for 16. While recently in Boston at the International Food Styling and Photography Conference, my wonderful assistant Anna and I were inspired by a group of farmers and chefs coming together to create a one of a kind outdoor eating experiences.
We decided to do something similar with a small group of mixed friends, an overgrown pasture and our culinary appetites; we had the most delightful 6 course dinner I have had in a long time.
You might say it was hotter then hell the night of the dinner, and we relished in it for in just a few short months snow will fall in Minnesota. As we finally sat down to greet our guests with a chilled glass of white wine and peach infused rosewater tea, you would have never guessed that our table was set just a 15 min drive from a bustling city. The birds were chirping, a slight buzz in the air from near by insects the path down to the pasture passed by a green pond and an array of wild flowers. To say it was charming would be an understatement.
The menu was created by Anna and I, a wonderful colaboration allowing both our personal styles to shine. We started with a seared Parmesan polenta topped with a savory tomato relish, creamy goat cheese and crispy onion straw, followed by a chilled raw corn and cashew soup. Our salad was a delight to the eyes as well as the taste buds, the bright refreshing flavors of tomato and peach with a cilantro citrus dressing were remarkable.
For a palette cleanser we chose a basil lime sorbet. I must say this very simple course was my favorite. The entree was a roasted pork roulade with wild mushrooms, spinach, smoked ham and rosemary served with a stone ground mustard sauce and fresh arugula. Dessert was truly inspired by the chocolate loving Anna, she chose a dark chocolate and coffee essence "cake" with whipped cream and fennel salt. Just when you think it is all finished we had one last little treat, a home made limoncello, it is becoming a tradition with meals served at my house.
The food was amazing, the setting made by nature was perfect. I think of the highlight of the evening, it was sharing it with those I love and meeting new friends. Simply their smiles and appreciation of such a unique experience enjoying the world we have, and the people who make it so very special to us. After all, I continue to realize that it is the food that brings us together but the people around us that make it special.
A special thank you to Chris Bohnhoff a dear friend and colleague for sharing his skills with us and so beautifully capturing the evening. To view more pictures from the evening click here.
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