Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a winter dinner and gluten-free cooking class hosted by food stylist & photographer, Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle Et Vanille. It was her very first communal table event inside her new studio space in Belltown.
The menu was incredible and inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Everything was gluten-free and Aran was easily able to accommodate my vegetarian diet.
- Cranberry ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- Mushroom tartine on hazelnut pastry
- Salad of bitter greens, beets, lentils, and local blue cheese (prosciutto was left off for me)
- Melange of fish over roasted cauliflower cream and garlic soup (veggies replaced the fish for me)
- Apple and Oregon cheddar scones
- Candied-apple ile flottante with pistachios and vanilla bean
The evening was inspired by my new favorite word, Hygge (prounounced hue-guh), a Danish term: “the art of building sanctuary and community, of inviting closeness and paying attention to what makes us feel open hearted and alive”.
Isn't the table stunning? It was beautifully styled by Jenn Elliott-Blake, who brought in cotton stems from our local flower shop, Marigold & Mint. On each plate was a buttery soft keepsake leather pouch to hold the menu and map of Seattle, lovingly designed by the talented Julia Manchik, who also hand-lettered the Hygge banner that hung that from the ceiling.
It wasn't a traditional cooking class. Instead of Aran instructing us on how to make each dish, we split up into groups of 2 or 3 to focus on just one course. My new friend Lisette and I were assigned the salad. And not to toot our own horn, but it ended up being my favorite plate of the entire meal!
We left with a take-home favor of San Juan Island Sea Salt, satisfied bellies and full hearts. Thanks again, Aran, for inviting us into your warm and welcoming space.
P.S. The professional photos by Dorothee Brand are now up on Cannelle Et Vanille!
