Bon Anniversaire to Tyson and I! Today marks our first anniversary and you can bet we’re celebrating with cake and champagne!
If there was one thing our guests could not stop talking about, it was the food! Inspired by our engagement in Tuscany, it was important to me and Tyson to create a really lovely dinner party…one filled will innovative delights and overflowing with wine, champagne, exquisite food and service. Our friends at The Kitchen For Exploring Foods mesmerized palates with a Mediterranean-influenced meal served à la russe. With fifty guests, surrounded by enchanting florals, candlelight, and a live jazz quartet under the stars, it was a dream come true dinner.
What was on the menu? I worked closely with The Kitchen’s Brent Sherman and Vanessa Phelps for an unforgettable meal.
Appetizers
Quinoa Tabouli Salad In Cucumber Cup
Meyer Lemon Aioli
Sauteed Big Shrimp
Dried Lime and Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
Watermelon Cube, Feta, Blue African Basil
Aged Balsamic
Spanakopitas
Miniature Grilled Gruyere Cheese Sandwich
Pear-Fig Compote, Fig Slice and Fresh Thyme
Assorted Wood-Fired Pizzas
First Course
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Red, Yellow and Green Tomatoes, Burrata Cheese Tomato Granita, Light Pesto and Micro Basil
Family Style Second Course
Tuscan Roasted Organic Jidori Chicken Breast
Lemon Beurre Blanc and Grilled Lemon Halves
Chermoula Marinated Sea Bass Or Halibut
Melted Sun Gold Tomatoes, Pea Shoots and Micro Cilantro
Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpeas with Cumin
Champagne Rice
Vermicelli and Toasted Almonds
Grilled Late Summer Vegetable Platter
Herb Flatbreads, Crusty Baguettes and Breadsticks
I can’t forget the cocktails! Guests were welcomed with Sunstone’s Brut Rosé Champagne and fresh berries. Post ceremony, Pomegranate Margaritas (Tyson’s choice) and a Rosemary Aperol Spritz (my select), were served on the terrace behind the villa. A tequila toast by my Dad was a must, followed by a selection of our favorite Sunstone wines for dinner. The cherry on top was The Kitchen’s homemade Limoncello for dessert!
As featured in Flutter Magazine Issue No. 12
Photography: Jose Villa | Venue: Sunstone Winery | Event Design: Joy Proctor | Floral Design: Amy Osaba Events | Flowers: Florabundance | Roses: Rose Story Farm | Flower Vessels: Campo de’ Fiori | Candles: Creative Candles Ribbon: Silk & Willow | Tabletop Rentals: The Ark | Furniture Rentals: Revelry Event Design | Furniture Rentals: Barn Relic | Chandeliers / Lighting / Draping: Bella Vista Design | Linens: La Tavola | Votives + Lanterns: Theoni Collection | Stationery / Illustration / Calligraphy: Monvoir | Catering: The Kitchen for Exploring Foods | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab
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