‍January is decidedly not high season in Maine. The small towns along the coast are sleeping through the season’s short days and the weather forecast is anything but welcoming to outsiders. Mainers embrace the beauty of this time of year, though. They pull themselves out into the elements to enjoy every bit of the season, no matter what it brings.

In the heart of Minneapolis' chic and historic North Loop neighborhood, a winter supper unfolded, transforming the Neu Neu into a culinary haven inspired by the Minnesota Prairie. Renowned Chef Yia Vang

From the smiling guests in Santa hats to alpine snacks to Chef Josh serving the table and the endless conversations and laughter throughout the night, we were simply delighted to be a part of such a wonderful evening to finish off our your of gathering. It was a joy to bring it home here, in our new home state of Maine!

We arrived at the stunning Alila Ventana Big Sur resort with plans for a dinner in the redwood grove just down the hill, a first for the property and a magical setting for Supper. But, Big Sur is a place where you listen to the land, and the land (and sky) had other ideas. The day of the Supper emerged grey and rainy, with temperatures in the 30s — not at all ideal conditions.

As the crisp, wintry winds sweep across the enchanting landscapes of Minnesota, there's a unique tradition that warms the hearts and palates of those who embrace the cold season with open arms. The long, dark nights of winter in the Land of 10,000 Lakes were illuminated by our Supper that brought a table

With adventure in our hearts, a few of us packed up just a few items and headed to the Gorge to reset and take some time for nature and an epic lunch! We roasted up some winter citrus brined game hens, which we enjoyed with brie crudités and finished with pears poached in chai!

A celebration of the winter season and the hidden gift of delicious foods it brings along. Winter itself is very mysterious—it’s cold and dark, the tree branches are bare and everything looks barren and dead. But covered with that sullen exterior, everything is still teeming with life, just waiting for the first breath of spring to burst forth.

Wintertide was held at Suttle Lodge near Sisters, Oregon. We had open white skies, warm fires, and jack frost nipping at our nose. Steaming pots of rich and hearty dishes, the sound of muffled laughter being muted by snow, and a trail of footprints leading to a table filled with adventurous friends. We bid farewell to winter with a sumptuous feast, filled with local, seasonal fare and warm drinks by the fire.

Winter evenings are best when lit by candlelight, near embers and flame with a glass of Bordeaux in hand and the sweetest of company around us. That is exactly how we rung in the holiday season, at our White Fir supper, excited for all the gatherings and the love-sharing to come.

Autumn brings about a richer, deeper, and darker harvest. At Noble Rot, we savored the spice of the season and enjoyed the preserved flavors of those past. In the top floor of Alderbrook Station’s net loft, we experienced the comfort of fall, surrounded with warm food, kind company, and inviting sounds of nature.