The Occasion
I’m not sure there is a better occasion than a Sunday brunch. Any opportunity that allows for people to gather around an over-sized dining room table to share in good conversation, a delicious meal and cocktails, is in my opinion, a perfect way to spend the morning. These past couple of months, I was feeling particularly drawn to spending more time with strong, creative women and took the opportunity to host a brunch- with intentions to inspire and collaborate. An intimate setting and ever-flowing drinks act as an easy ice-breaker. I selected women that inspire me on a daily basis but also ones that I thought would benefit from meeting one another. Most of these women did not know each other, but all were influencers in their own creative industry- from photographers to bloggers, jewelry buyers to PR and everything in between.
The Inspiration
This over-sized 10ft ebony, dining room table was the jumping off point for inspiration. I immediately envisioned a Mediterranean-themed brunch, with shared plates, full of fresh produce and unique flavors. I knew I had to have a mudcloth, in a richly-died indigo hue that would set the tone for the table. I researched recipes from one of my favorite chefs, Yotam Ottolenghi, an Israeli, British-born chef that has the most vibrant and delectable Mediterranean recipes. From varying shades of blue, the food could pop against the simple setup. Place cards were created by a dear friend that read, “Escape the Ordinary” and “Oh baby, it’s a wild world” and topped with tangerines, the leaves still in tact.
The Menu
Arugula salad with blood orange wedges, cubed avocado and balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil
Tomato and pomegranate salad from Chef Ottolenghi
Baked eggplant with buttermilk sauce and fresh pomegranates
Greek yogurt parfait with granola, honey, sliced grapefruit and mint inspired by Jack’s Wife Freda in New York
Variety of wines from the Mediterranean: 2014 Tasca D’almerita Lamuri Nero D’avola Doc, 2015 Castello Di Bossi Rosato IGT and 2015 Mastroberardino Mastro Greco IGT
Photos by Jennifer Coffey Photography
