the sanctuary.
community.
we know food brings people together.
friends, family, lovers...
but how about dining with strangers?
i have to say, the idea was tossed in my mind for quite some time. it would be risky but it would be worth it.
it could be awkward, but it could be great,
and there was only one way to find out...
three courses later, my five guests were just finishing dessert,
and i knew something incredible just took place.
it was simply... magical.
at each of my dinners, i've always felt a euphoric surge of emotions, equal parts joy + relief. but this one was even better. the feeling of bringing people together, creating something new, an opportunity for new thoughts, new conversations struck, new relationships... that was something else entirely. it was free, uninhibited, and wildly new to my guests.
no awkward old friendships, no expectations, and no demands. just people. amongst a joyous meal.
more of these to come this Winter!
three courses:
citrus-fennel salad
orange / grapefruit / pistachios / honey-balsamic vinaigrette
squid-ink pasta
scallops / saffron white-wine broth / tomatoes
grapefruit olive oil cake
honey-citrus glaze / pistachios
in their words.
"At first, I thought it was a social experiment. Putting strangers in a room, with food being the only thing bringing us together - it still sounds weird when I put it that way. But the experience was extremely well designed. Not only was entire meal super delicious (it was a three-course dinner), but I walked away with knowing a different side of four people who I didn't know before. We've seen this in literature (in novels such as Like Water for Chocolate), but seeing it in real life is something much more profound - cultural and social wonders can happen when great food intersects with an empty stomach and an open mind."
- Harry Gandhi, Medella Health
"I walked away with knowing a different side of four people who I didn't know before..."
"Dining at the Sanctuary, it felt like an upscale restaurant with a set dining table, great music, and candles creating a relaxing ambiance. Entering this dining experience with no expectations, I was amazed at the service provided along with the unique three-course meal that I was lucky enough to indulge in. The concept of this dinner was “Community”, allowing strangers (including myself) to dine and get to know each other. From this, I got to meet incredible people with each their own back-stories. This is one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had."
- Kareen Wong, Pharmacy student
the first dinner.
and the journey is underway! a few days ago I received a message asking if I could prepare dinner for a couple the next day. oh yea, it was also their anniversary.
asdfasdf. the pressure was on.
thankfully, they loved it. i'm incredibly glad to have served them on their special occasion!
vanilla, coconut rum Semifreddo with roasted peaches
"I can only sum this up as an amazing dining experience. My boyfriend and I were hoping to do something unique to celebrate our one year anniversary and we ended up coming for dinner. We clearly made the right choice because the food was absolutely amazing! I particularly enjoyed the steak entrée, which was not only cooked perfectly, but also incredibly savoury and flavourful. Thank you for such a special evening, I know we’ll be back soon!"
- S.L.
marinated flank steak with carrot-ginger purée
four courses:
smoked salmon
avocado purée / toast
foie gras
vanilla roasted peaches / mixed greens salad / honey-balsamic vinaigrette
marinated flank-steak
house-made blood-orange marinade / carrot-ginger purée
vanilla semifreddo
caramelized peach compote / toasted coconut