Nuit
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA | SEPTEMBER 2024
Within the landscape of the impeccably manicured Redeemed Farm, the lawn bursting with hydrangeas in full bloom, we set the table for a sparkling evening painted in shades of blue and gold. As the sun set in tandem with the rising moon, the shining bulbs of chandeliers glinted in the bubbles of champagne glasses, blurring into an image of impressionistic joy.
Following a French-themed cocktail hour presented by Basil Hayden and Roku Gin, Supper was centered on the culinary stylings of Chef Jamie Malone and carefully selected pairings from Rodney Strong Vineyards. Each artistically crafted course was presented in its own special frame by Le Creuset, shades of night sky surrounding the vibrant colors of late summer produce.
The French market inspired florals and caterpillar table stretching from the historic barn were a creative collaboration with Kelly Bollis and Iselin Donaldson of Maven Events, who added their own special style to the evening, making it a starry night celebration to remember.
WELCOME
We started with a sunny afternoon on the lawn sipping French 75s with Roku Gin and Boulevardiers made with Basil Hayden Bourbon.
Next to the bar was a sweet French flower market stall for guests to browse before our big welcome — a champagne tower presentation for some bubbles to take on the walk to the dinner table.
A MENU BY CHEF JAMIE MALONE
Jamie Malone’s Paris Dining Club is a celebration of the Parisian lifestyle, so the James Beard semifinalist was an obvious choice for our French-themed Supper.
Her seasonal menu was perfect for the late summer day, full of fresh local produce and nods to the traditions of French cuisine.
MENU
WELCOME
Gougères smoked salmon mousse & chervil
Potato Leek Croquette caraway creme fraiche
Cocktails
French 75 Roku Gin, Champagne, lemon
French Boulevardier Basil Hayden Bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth
ON THE TABLE
Sourdough Baguette whipped french butter
AMUSE BOUCHE
Tuna Crudo oregano, capers, olives
Wine: 2023 Rodney Strong Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
FIRST
Heirloom Tomatoes & Watermelon Salad mint, basil, espelette vinaigrette
Wine: 2023 Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc
SECOND
Tomato Tagliatelle guanciale, lemon, chili
Wine: 2022 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay, Sonoma County
MAIN
Grilled Beef Short Ribs poblanos, charred onions, crema
Provincial Couscous & Summer Vegetables preserved lemon, olives, Marcona almonds
Wine: 2018 Rodney Strong Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
DESSERT
MARC HEU Citron Cakes
Minnesota Ice Wine
WINE PAIRINGS
Rodney Strong provided perfect pairings for the meal, highlighting Chef Jamie’s French flavors with their elegant California wines, from Rosé of Pinot Noir to cut through creamy tuna crudo to Chalk Hill Chardonnay to brighten the lemon and tame the chili in the tomato tagliatelle.
NIGHTCAP
The evening ended with a highlight, Minnesota ice wine served with individual citron cakes from local pastry legend Marc Heu served in mini Le Creuset cocottes. As an added treat, guests got to take home their own cocotte at the end of the night, an heirloom to remember the joy of these fleeting moments under the late summer stars.
SECRET LOCATION: REDEEMED FARM
The restoration of this 1902 farmstead has been a labor of love for owners Jeff and Julie Gacek. They’ve incorporated historic details throughout the property, including the gorgeous white dairy barn, a historic structure that they moved from down the road to save it from demolition.
Jeff and Julie welcomed us with open arms into their grounds and gardens. We can’t thank them enough for their hospitality, and for giving us such a beautiful canvas on which to create this Supper.
You can’t have a starry night themed gathering without a little bit of painting!
We invited a live painter to use her incredible talents to capture the beauty of our own starry night on canvas throughout the evening.
