It feels as though I had to wait an entire life time for my second Kinfolk dinner experience to come around. The first for me was the Charleston Kinfolk dinner, held last year in the fall. Since then, I have felt withdrawal symptoms kicking in, eating at me to find the next possible opportunity to dine in the delight of Kinfolk company. I was keen to relish the hearty comfort felt by gathering together with like minded people - those who appreciate a simple, authentic life, filled with culture and most importantly, good food. Finally that opportunity was found. This weekend, I zestfully jumped in my car and drove the 9 hours to Tennessee for the L'esprit De La Mer inspired dinner, held picnic style and under the stars at The Farm on Eastland in Nashville.

The place, the people, the food - felt and still feels like a dream. Always, always, when a beautiful night is found, it goes way to fast. But that doesn't mean that I didn't breathe in and appreciate every little detail and radiating talent that made up the dinner - and I want to share it all with you. Around the side of the old barn that provided our back drop for the evening, there was a wooden bar made by Handy Dandy Productions, hanging on ladders and poles and laying on the table were eucalyptus leaves (that I reminisced over all night), styled by the two lovely ladies of considerthewldflwrs, on top of the long table and inside our bundled gift of linen rested hand made ceramic plates by Hand Made Studio TN, string lights were draped and props were placed by Rebecca Neenan, letter pressed menu cards were designed by one of the sweetest Canadians I now know, Tara Hurst, food, bountifully full of fruits of the sea and seasonal goodness came to us by way of the delightful Evie Coates of Twelve at the Table, hand dyed table linens by Camellia Fiber Company sat ready for the wiping of said food and a variety of herb-full culinary delights kept popping up all night crafted by the wondrous Local Milk - all brought together by our staggeringly talented and welcoming hosts, Beth Kirby and R ebekka Seale.

The weather smiled for us, the farm gathered us, the people inspired us and later on, the bonfire warmed us. Sadly, the night did end. But the surreal feeling of being a part of such a special evening has not. Will not. It will simply linger with me, waiting with me for yet another lifetime to pass until I get to feed and feel the comfort of a Kinfolk gathering once again.

The Menu

bites

spring crudité . trout paté . olive oil . smoked sea salt

gulf oysters . pink perppercorn - majoram mignonette

homemade saltines

to start

grilled fruit de mer . citrus . mint

to pass

west indies crab salad est. mobil, AL 1947

arugula + herbs . homemade saltines

new potatoes . spring garlic pesto

baby gem lettuces . green peas . asparagus . mint

main

market gulf fish en papillote

fennel . leek . preserved lemon

homemade cruze farms creme fraiche with coriander + mustard seed

sweet

chamomile buttermilk panna cotta

the season's fruits

swedish drömmar (dreams) with pink himalayan sea salt