The Dinner Party Guide: Provence Edit
because you should invite some friends over for dinner
our september inspirations for a simple dinner with friends
This month we are exploring Provence. To me, autumn is the most romantic season. So as much as I'm sad to watch summer drift away, I'm equally invigorated by the crispy mornings and amber nights. Provencal food really manages to be both breezy and sultry, fresh and complex and bridges these two seasons perfectly.
Halibut en Papillote is the star of the menu. Pairing this gorgeous fish with fresh, yet satisfyingly rich cuisine of Provence makes our September menu very special.
NOTES ON PROVENCE—
The region of Provence in southeastern France has so much to love: the French Riviera, lavender fields, epic landscapes like the Massif des Calanques, and rich cities like Avignon and Marseille. And then there’s the food! Provençal cuisine is famous for its powerful flavors and simple ingredients. Somehow the simplicity of the food speaks to thousands of years of beautifully lived.
Recommended Reading -
Peter Mayle's A year in Provence“There is magic in Provence. Lavender, olive trees, sunflowers, Van Gogh, Cary Grant & Grace Kelly in “To Catch a Thief.” Provence has so completely captured our imaginations that even if you’ve never been it feels like you have.”
to set the mood
MOVIE RECS
The movie sets the mood. Whether it’s for date night or silently playing as the backdrop for a dinner party. I'm currently (and always) obsessed with Luca Guadagnino's self-described Desire Trilogy. Fair warning- these are sultry. And they will also help you soak up the last bits of summer with their gorgeous Italian settings. I suggest pairing each movie with a month of our Autumn Series.
I Am Love (2009), A Bigger Splash (2015), Call Me By Your Name (2017)
PLAYLIST
The playlist might be even more important than the food. Find autumn tunes here.
MOODBOARD
And you know I had to make a moodboard for the month! See my September Pinterest board here.
for the table
DRAWING ON THE TABLE
I'm pretty obsessed with two versions of this idea. One- to use table paper as name cards, menu, or love notes to your guests. The second is to subtly leave cray pas out and allow your guests to add to it as they wish. A few wine stains and a little candle wax later and you will have a pretty great keepsake.
Here is a lovely watercolor paper and oil pastels.
DINNER CONVERSATION
Download our September conversation deck or play Rose, Bud, Thorn with your guests.
on the menu
There is an early run in September for Autumn Halibut, one of the greatest treats of the year. From our Socca Crêpe with Braised Lamb to the Tarte Tropézienne (a dessert named by Brigitte Bardot!) your table is going to be bursting with abundance from the French Riviera. And if you haven't tried Brandade de Morue, be excited because it's life changing!
Order the September menu or sign up for The Autumn Series to enjoy three months of cozy menus.
MEMBER GIFT— Culinary Lavender
This month our members will receive Culinary Lavender from Jen of Shop Senti + a lavender crème brûlée recipe! The difference between French vs English lavender: English lavender is paler in color, has a more pronounced lavender aroma, and is heartier. French lavender has a longer bloom time, is brighter in color but the flavor is closer to rosemary.
One note to mention: dried lavender is much more potent than fresh, so use sparingly.
BREAD— Fougasse
We are serving Fougasse for our Provencal menu. Its intricate design, resembling a leaf, has both charm and purpose. The slashes in its shape allow for more crispy edges as it bakes, this was a necessity as it was originally baked in the ashes of a hearth. It’s a perfect loaf to place in the center of the table and allow your guests to tear and pass pieces throughout the meal.
recipes for you
Castelvetrano Butter
These Kermit-green buttery olives are so good. Meaty, mild and ultra buttery. They make a delicate and unique compound butter that really adds an extra treat to this menu.
This month we’re making Castelvetrano Butter. It’s incredible. Sign up for Insiders and never miss a recipe.
Tarte Tropèzienne
An Icon of the French Riviera named by an Icon of the French Riviera. The Tarte Tropézienne is a pastry hailing from Saint-Tropez, named by Brigitte Bardot. It looks like a hambuger(!) and captures the essence of the Mediterranean with its tender brioche and velvety lemon custard.
Fish en Papillote
With this recipe, you'll embark on a culinary adventure that merges flavors and aromas within an elegant, sealed envelope. Your Fish en Papillote will undoubtedly become a showstopper at your dining table, showcasing your culinary finesse and love for gourmet experiences.
Lavender Crème Brûlée
As an aromatic, lavender has a sweet fragrance with citrus and floral notes, and is used as an herb in desserts, dressings, salads, and teas. Although it can be associated with soap, when used in moderation it's a lovely floral addition to food or drinks. It's particularly good in cream-based desserts like crème brulèe.
to drink
Our favorite local sommelier, Bill Summerville writes,
“Why is rosé the perfect partner for Provencal food- those figs plucked directly from the tree? It could be the nature of a wine that is neither white nor red. Maybe it’s the association with Provence or that we just want it to be the perfect wine. Perhaps it’s nostalgia. I’m not sure it matters. There is a magic in Provence and so it’s no wonder that this wine was born here.”
Read Bill’s full Sommelier Notes for September and learn why he loves Clos Cibonne Tibouren.
Also check out France 44’s wine selections for our September menu here.
Zero-Proof Pairings
For those choosing not to imbibe, our friends at Marigold have curated an incredible list of non-alcoholic pairing for our September menu.
Zero-proof beverages are on the rise- read our Q&A with Melissa Ruebl of Marigold.
“There is a magic in Provence and so it’s no wonder that this wine was born here.”
pdc on the road
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept 9 with Erik Anderson in The Penthouse — tickets
A Members Only tasting menu experience by Jamie Malone & Erik Anderson SOLD OUT
Sept 17th at Twin Cities Flower Exchange — tickets coming soon
MIA AFTER DARK
Spend an evening in the museum after hours! Ticket includes tasting menu experience and a private, curator-led tour of the exhibits. See all Mia After Dark tickets.
Sept 6 —Jamie Malone & Special guest chef Erik Anderson has
Sept 13 — ReVisión: Art in the Americas
October 17th — Guest Chef Jorge Guzmán
November 15th — Guest Chef Tim McKee
November 29th — Guest Chef Sean Sherman
want to dinner party with us?
Skip all the prep and shopping, we deliver.
Allow us to transform your home into a luxurious gathering space for you to feast, converse, and allow time to stop!
It’s really pretty here.
Stay tuned!
“Instructions for Living : Pay attention, be astonished, tell about it.”