Crown & Bubbles: A Sparkling Dinner Under the Stars
Gather your crowd for a truly inspired evening! Crowded Table's Crown & Bubbles is an unforgettable experience that combines the magic of a lakeside setting, delicious food, and perfectly paired sparkling wines. Let us guide you through the creation of this magical evening, where you can connect with loved ones and celebrate life's special moments.
The Power of Intentional Gatherings and the Cosmic Connection:
At Crowded Table, we're passionate about creating more than just meals – we craft intentional gatherings that foster connection, spark conversation, and leave a lasting impression. We believe in the magic that unfolds when loved ones come together to share a table, not just food. These shared experiences create cherished memories that we carry with us long after the last bite is savoured.
Our Crown & Bubbles dinner takes this philosophy to a whole new level. Imagine yourself whisked away to the breathtaking shores of Moyie Lake in British Columbia. Fresh mountain air, stunning scenery, and the gentle sparkle of the lake set the stage for an unforgettable evening. This isn't just a dinner; it's an immersive sparkling wine experience designed to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses.
This dinner actually marks the third chapter in our ongoing Crowded Table saga – the Cosmic Dinner Collection! We're on a mission to explore the astrological zodiac through curated dining experiences. This year, we're focusing on the fire and air signs, crafting menus, activities, and an overall atmosphere that reflects the unique characteristics of each element.
Anna Hull, our resident astrologer, plays a vital role in ensuring the authenticity of each Cosmic Dinner. She works closely with us to weave the astrological themes into every detail, from the introduction to the conversation prompts. Our goal is to create an experientially relevant experience that allows guests to gain a deeper understanding of the personalities and energies associated with each zodiac sign.
So, if you're seeking an evening that goes beyond the ordinary, a journey that blends culinary delights and a touch of astrological exploration, then join us in creating the Crown & Bubbles dinner! It promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling connected, inspired, and with a newfound appreciation for the power of intentional gatherings.
Setting the Scene for Lakeside Luxury
Our lake house transformed for the Crown & Bubbles dinner. The centerpiece, of course, was the lake itself, its vastness mirroring the expansiveness of the evening. Bathed in the golden light of sunset, we draped the table in sunshine yellow linens. Sparkling glassware danced with the fading light, each piece catching a fleeting glimpse of the fiery sky. To echo the natural beauty around us, we incorporated elements straight from the land. Imagine flickering candlelight casting a warm glow on the table, where peonies and irises, freshly picked from the property, added a touch of rustic elegance. The scene was both luxurious and inviting, a perfect harmony between sophistication and the simple beauty of nature. For more details on recreating this Dining Like Royalty experience in your own home, check out our blog post or have a look at what's On Our Table.
Mise en Place: The Art of Preparation
French for "put in place," mise en place is a culinary term that refers to the preparation of all ingredients and equipment before cooking begins. This ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking experience, allowing you to focus on your guests and enjoy the evening. For our Crown & Bubbles dinner, we used the days leading up to pre-prep all the ingredients for each course. This included chopping vegetables, marinating proteins, and preparing sauces. By the time our guests arrived,everything was ready to be assembled, leaving us more time to socialize and enjoy the stunning scenery.
A Sparkling Journey for the Senses
The heart of our Crown & Bubbles dinner is the expertly curated pairing of sparkling wines with each course. We start with an incantation, a special Crowded Table tradition that sets the intention for the evening and allows us to connect with each other on a deeper level.
The first course features delicate seared scallops, perfectly complemented by "Lakeside Cellar's Bubbles" with its citrusy notes and zippy acidity. Following this, we delve into the world of astrology with a brief presentation prepared by our resident astrologer, Anna Hull. Guests then have a chance to explore their own astrological charts and share insights with each other.
For the appetizer course, a luxurious Lobster Thermidor is paired with Baillie-Grohman's Tête de Cuvée, a sparkling wine with hints of red fruit and crisp acidity that beautifully complements the lobster's flavour. We also offer a BBQ tenderloin basted in truffle butter and a pan-seared halibut fillet for those who don't eat red meat. These dishes are paired with a Blanc de Noir from Tantalus Winery, its delicate rose-gold colour and fruity notes perfectly complementing the bolder flavours of the meat and fish.
No meal is complete without dessert, and our Crown & Bubbles experience concludes with a delightful Raspberry Rosewater panna cotta topped with a passion fruit coulis.
A Note on Recipe Tweaks
At Crowded Table, we're passionate about creating the best possible experiences for our gatherings. We believe in the "tested and approved" approach, and the Crown & Bubbles dinner was was no exception. One key takeaway was the need to adjust the cooking time for the Lobster Thermidor. Initially, the recipe called for 20-25 minutes, but we found that this wasn't enough time to ensure a perfectly hot dish, especially after being stored in the fridge. We've updated the recipe to reflect a cooking time of 35-40 minutes, guaranteeing a delicious and piping hot lobster for your next gathering. Additionally, we received mixed reviews on the strength of the rosewater flavour in the panna cotta. To cater to a wider range of palates, we've reduced the amount of rosewater from ¼ cup to 1 tablespoon.
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Crowd your table, feed your soul! Let's create memories that will last a lifetime, together.
We hope this behind-the-scenes look at our Crown & Bubbles dinner has inspired you to create your own magical gatherings. For more information on Crowded Table experiences, including downloadable menus, astrological resources, and stunning tablescape inspiration, you’re in the right place!
