The Dinner Party Guide: Loire Valley Edit
Our May inspirations for a simple dinner with friends.
because you should invite some friends over for dinner
ON THE MENU
Dining al fresco is not just for summer! Spring is a magical time to dine outside and observe the changing scenery as the greens become greener and the blooming flowers pop. The glow of the evening will warm up the crisp night air as you linger with loved ones until the sun begins to set.
Picture yourself on the banks of the Loire with a glass of rosé in hand and an apéro of crisp asparagus, savory shortbread, and pork rillettes spread in an airy pocket of fouée. The pithivier transports you to Orléans, crafted with chicken and game bird and encased in pate brisée. Then, linger in your backyard with the caramelized tarte tatin until the sun sets. Tchin tchin!
Jamie’s Menu Highlight —
We did not publish them on the menu— because they are finicky to get in— but we are sneaking morels into the boxes this month!
Morels, asparagus, ramps! Here we go!
THE INSPIRATION
THIS MONTH WE ARE INSPIRED BY THE LOIRE VALLEY.
The Loire Valley, known as the Garden of France, is lush with the abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards, and artichoke and asparagus fields lining the banks of the Loire River.The Valley is among the central regions of France in Pays de la Loire and Centre-Val de Loire. Because it's not a popular tourist destination, the area has retained much of its traditional French character. Chateaus, old villages, and French castles dot the countryside creating a picturesque scene. And of course, it's one of the most well-known and respected wine regions in the world.
CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD
The Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture and one of the most recognizable castles in the world. It is the largest château in the Loire Valley, featuring 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 84 staircases.
Chambord is renowned for its double helix staircase that spirals elegantly within the heart of the château. Possibly influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, this staircase allows two people to ascend and descend without ever meeting.
During WWII, the château played a pivotal role in the preservation of art, serving as a safe haven for precious collections— this included the Mona Lisa and other works from the Louvre.
Chambord is a work of art in itself and is profoundly inspiring, to say the least.
RECOMMENDED READING
A Good Year by Peter Mayle is the perfect “beach read” — light, easy, fun. This novel offers a delightful escape to the vineyards of Provence where Max Skinner uncovers the delights of winemaking. It’s a perfect read for anyone enchanted by the French countryside.
If you’re not in the mood to read a whole book (we get it!), it was also made into a movie with Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard!
“I only drink Champagne on two occasions: when I’m in love and when I’m not.”
(Coco Chanel was born in the Loire Valley)!
SET THE MOOD
THE MOODBOARD
Well- here we go on another fairytale! This May moodboard speaks to a region that boasts otherworldly beauty. In Bill’s wine notes, he mentions that castles of Loire having inspired Walt Disney and he has a fabulous quote - “Joan of Arc, Enzo Ferrari, and Walt Disney did not follow the herd.”
And Britt brought to our attention the Château de Chambord in Loire, which deserves its own moodboard. Anyways, Loire is gorgeous and I wish I was there right now, but I can't be. So I’ll settle for pinterest and pithiviers;)
RECOMMENDED WATCHING
La Bohème is playing at the Ordway Music Theater and it’s a top priority that you go see live opera this month. PDC peeps get a special discount — get tickets here.
“Finding love. Choosing family. On a bitterly cold winter’s night in the heart of Paris, a young woman’s search for a candle light fatefully sparks one of the most enduring love stories of all time. But can a love so great be sustained?”
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
Our Spring Playlist! Press play & let it loop :)
J’s MAY ALBUM PICK
I have been really into instrumental bands for the last couple of years and recently discovered Tres Hermanos. Their newish album El Bueno y El Mano gets daily play in my world. From morning coffee to evening strolls, the vibe seems to always fit.
ON THE TABLE
L’ART DE LA TABLE
My favorite tip for a springtime table- use a simple tablecloth (I like linen) and serve your bread unsliced, right on the table, no plate or vessel. Very French, very inviting!
Ps. Always set your table with handwritten menus. And have a little fun with our conversation deck.
PLATING
Our amuse this month is a ramp custard served in an eggshell (my favorite!). If you don't have egg holders, fear not! A little salt or a few coffee beans in a little tea cup will hold the egg as is perfectly charming.
FLOWERS
I wanted the flowers this month to be very carefree and simple, like spring! So I got a few bunches of chamomile and popped them in little jars for a breezy, springy table. It’s still a little chilly for dining outside, so I also made some nice tea with the fresh chamomile.
CANDLES
Heirloom tomato candles coming soon to a table near you ;)
THE BEVERAGES
BILL’S WINE NOTES
“The Loire is home to one the world’s most iconic grapes, Sauvignon Blanc.
Grown the world over it can be argued that the best sauvignon blanc hails from the Loire Valley, specifically the appellation of Sancerre… Sauvignon Blanc is a chameleon-like grape taking on unique qualities depending on where it is grown.
In California in can be more fruit forward, in South America it often has a bell pepper or even a jalapeño note and in New Zealand it will have gooseberry. These are all generalizations, but they have a degree of reliability… continue reading”
PAIRINGS
Each month, our friends over at France 44 create a simple selection of 3-4 wines that pair beautifully across the menu. See May selections here.
Similarly, our friends at Marigold thoughtfully pair a few non-alcoholic selections. See zero-proof pairings.
THE COCKTAIL
Spring is for spritzes— Rosé Spritzes. Do you really need a recipe for this? Probably not. Is it even a cocktail? Also no. It’s a lifestyle. And we love to share what we love to drink. Get the recipe here.
“You live but once; you might as well be amusing.”
RECIPES FOR YOU
Tarte Tatin
You can make this recipe with any stone fruit during the spring and summer months. It’s an impressive but easy dessert to celebrate the bounty of farmer’s markets.
Cheese & Rosemary Sablés
In French sablé means sandy, which is the texture of these savory cookies. Double the batch and have a log in the freezer for your next cheese and meat board!
Pickled Apricot Mostarda
A great condiment to have on hand for impromptu — or planned — cheese & meat boards, adding a little zing next to store-bought ingredients.
Buerre Blanc Compound Butter
Beurre Blanc is a white wine emulsified butter sauce, but we’ve made it into a compound butter — similar to our red wine butter. Once again, we’re headed to the farmers market to use this butter to glaze vegetables! You can read more about glazing techniques here.
(DINNER) PARTY WITH US
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“Instructions for Living : Pay attention, be astonished, tell about it.”