As someone who is passionate about bringing beauty to life, hosting this unforgettable dinner experience was so rewarding. Imagine a beautiful yet simple dinner table. Flavorful dishes prepared with the utmost care. The voices and laughter of people who are not quite ready for the evening to end. So the joy continues…
This is Sobremesa. In Spanish it means dessert. To thousands of people it stands for the intangible sweetness of intimate dinners with interesting people, in different locations around the world. Last month it was held in Portland, Oregon with a portion of the proceeds benefitting The Hunger Project, a global program dedicated to overcoming hunger and poverty. The theme was “Winter Harmony & Balance.”
Dinner was served at KABINETT PDX, a stunning vintage furniture and housewares store. The decor provided a rare backdrop with a calming contrast to the winter season left outside. Cocktails greeted every guest, made with Freeland Gin, from the best whiskey and gin distillery in the US. No bar is complete without Freeland Spirits. This brand is woman owned and unmatched. The recipe is below so you can enjoy too.
The meal was prepared by Mona & Jaret of Tournant, who specialize in experiential farm to fire cooking guided by the seasons. The evening began with a Tapenade Butter and Winter Crudité appetizer, followed by a first course that consisted of Cauliflower Soup with Rose Dukkah and Preserved Lemon (recipe here!). Guests feasted on the main, second course. The Braised Beef with Parmesan Polenta was incredible, served with Charred Radicchio and a side of crusty bread with compound salted, rosemary butter. The third course - dessert- was Poached Pears with Mascarpone.
This warm, rich, and comforting meal included refreshing elements that served as an ode to the balance between light and dark. Winter, as with all seasons, should be celebrated with harmonious food and joyful people.
Hope this inspires you to gather feast with friends. Share your moments with me and @venuereport on social!
Thank you to these event partners for bringing this feast to life:
Chefs: Tournant | Venue, furniture, vintage glassware: Kabinett | Spirits: Freeland | Linens: Matteo Linen | Ceramics: Natasha Alphonse Ceramics
