We had the amazing chance to attend our first Forage dinner on Sunday evening. Forage is a local dinner club put on by Justin and Megan, a incredibly creative and hospitable couple. They curate themed dinners for 20 guests on consecutive weekends with a focus on local food and a meal experienced with all five senses. Last night the property was dressed to the nines in whimsical, thrifted and foraged décor that fit the night’s theme: The Cleaver’s Cookout.
While the dinner is bring your own alcohol, we started the evening with a crafted cocktail: an intricate blend of sorbet, apple brandy, Potter’s Craft Cider and mint, among other secret ingredients.
Most guests came in costume. My mom is a HUGE fan of Leave It To Beaver and suggested I wear a blouse, high-waited skirt and tons of pearls. I had a cardigan I added when the sun set. I wonder if June clever would have had a solution for pump heels sinking into the lawn? Matt, who escaped the camera, wore a plaid shirt and brown pants, hiked up as high as modern design would allow.
Everything about the menu was a modern twist on something June Cleaver might have prepared. From homemade Ritz crackers and deviled eggs to a salad inspired by the famous mid-century green bean casserole (crunchy onions and all!) to the Baked Alaska we had for dessert, I think June would have been pleased. In fact, I think she would have thought our food was the best she ever had ; )
The company and conversation were as lovely as the meal itself.
We sat down to dinner and cracked open some of our wine. I loved being able to taste bottles others had brought as well.
We donated our yeasty potato rolls from Great Harvest to suit the theme.
We dined outdoors among beautiful trees, but as the sun set all of my lighting disappeared. {Photography is encouraged at these dinners to capture the evening, so I wasn’t shy with my camera.}
The dinner menu was absolutely fantastic.
Grilled Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Butter
Potato Salad with Celery Root and Day Lily Root
Stuffed Tomatoes
This was the best flank steak I’ve ever had – Megan said it was heavily marinated fresh oregano, rosemary and garlic. I loved the two sides too – I want to make my own roasted tomatoes soon!
After dinner we warmed up the chill of the evening with some French pressed coffee
And two dessert courses!!! Love.
The first was a Wild Berry Pie with a Raspberry Jello. Love that they incorporated Jello mold into the meal! This one was obviously not from a box – it was smashing.
And finally, Baked Alaska.
Torched on the spot!
A lovely end to a delicious evening.
I hope we can attend another Forage dinner soon. It was truly an evening to remember.
Anna says
Wow – what a fantastic idea! The food looks amazing and I’m loving the concept – I need to make dinner parties a more regular occurrence in my life.
Julie says
What a fun theme for a dinner! Looks like you had a wonderful time!
Liz @ The Shrinking Owl says
This looks awesome, and this weekend’s weather was perfect for this sort of thing. Love the themes.
Just curious, did Forage invite you as their guest, or was this something you sought out and financed yourself?
KathEats says
We paid. I would have disclosed if I was there to cover the event as a blogger
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
See, WHY can’t I find people around here up for stuff like that!? That is totally up my alley and everyone I know likes to either buy their dinners from Costco or dump stuff from a box. It stinks having the entertaining gene and no one to appreciate it. (Except my Mr of course) I’m moving closer, hope you don’t mind! 😉
Kavi says
What a fun and creative event! Love that you and Matt dressed up for the theme!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
I LOVE all the cute and rustic decorations they had! What a great theme and it looks like you had a fabulous time :). Looking gorgeous as always!
Ashley @ Hudson on the Potomac says
What a fun idea!!! I love the addition of prosciutto to deviled eggs — really takes them up a notch!
Jessica says
That looks amazing! Kath, you are such a beautiful woman and you lead such an interesting life! 🙂
Kat @ Kat's Health Corner says
This is quite possibly the cutest idea I’ve ever seen for a dinner party.
Kori says
Oh.My.Gosh. that looks spectacular!! I love themed dinners, and you look gorgeous, Kath. Your description of Matt with his pants “hiked up as high as modern design would allow” made me laugh. 😉 The next time Kaci and I visit Cville, I would love to try and coordinate it around this event, if possible. Thank you for sharing!
Katherine says
this looks like a magazine! love it 🙂
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
Myshak says
What a fun event! I love your outfit. Especially the ring on your right hand is so beautiful. Do you mind if I ask you where you purchased it from?
KathEats says
Thanks, it’s a family heirloom
Myshak says
Thank you for the answer. It is beautiful one of the kind.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
What an amazing experience! And I love anything themed, especially when everyone plays into it!
Janelle says
So cute! Now I want to throw a themed dinner…
Becky says
Those look fun. Sunday night was downright CHILLY!
Sarah says
Oh, this is just so fun!!! I love the theme and all the foodie pics. 😀
[email protected] says
Oh wow that is amazing! Someone worked very hard on that dinner. It looks perfect! Gorgeous photos by the way
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
How fun and creative!!!
Livi says
french press….mmmm nothing better on a lazy morning or late night with friends!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
What a cool event! Love all the variety in dishes and the awesome scenery as well! Such a great concept for getting a group of friends together.
Tonya says
Someone is ROCKIN’ that throwback outfit. You look like you feel as good as you look. 🙂
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
What a great idea for a dinner party! Sounds like a really fun evening 🙂
Love your outfit!
Jessica says
How fun and creative! I love your outfit, your waist is to tiny! Perfect for the 50’s theme.
Anna @ Fitness à la Anna says
I LOVE theme parties/dinners, and this one looks like it was amazing!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Barca Mama says
What a great theme! Yor blog often makes me want to visit Cville.
Christine says
They sell little heel caps to prevent sinking into the grass. I bought them for my wedding and they worked great! p.s. Great outfit, you look great!
https://www.thesolemates.com/
Mom says
My great-aunt had them for strolling the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland many years ago.
[email protected] says
this looks fabulous! and you can’t go wrong with baked alaska!!
[email protected] says
Sounds amazing….love the outfit as well! I’m a big pearl fan! The green beans looks divine!!!
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner says
Oh, I love parties like that! Looks like a ton of fun.
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
How fun! I love the idea of a dinner club and wish that someone I knew would create one.
Elyse says
What a fun and delicious event! Also, you look terrific–love the outfit and jewelry!
Erika @ fortheloveofpeanutbutter says
Sooo freakin’ stinkin’ cute! Such a cute idea. This seems like something you and Matt would put together…you guys would have the cutest decorations, food, bread, and beer! 😀
Natalie @ FreshLifeFindings says
I love your outfit! You look amazing! Such a cute dinner event.
char eats greens says
That sounds SO cool and the design that went into it is fabulous!!
Emily @ Life on Food says
What a fantastic night. It sounds so fun and DELICIOUS!
Alex @ Kenzie Life says
This looks like such a great time! My friends really like theme parties where we all dress up but we have to make into an actual dinner party.