Crowded Table by design Newsletter - September Edition -

🍂🌟Hello, September Superstars!🌟🍂

As we bid farewell to the warm caress of summer and step into the colourful embrace of autumn, we are filled with gratitude and excitement. It's with immense joy that we welcome you to the September edition of our newsletter. We want you to know just how much we appreciate each and every one of you, and how grateful we are for the opportunity to connect with you on a monthly basis.

This season, we are gearing up for our highly-anticipated Fields and Flavours Harvest Tasting, and we are thrilled to share that the response has been overwhelming – it's officially full! Your enthusiasm and interest in our community events inspire us every day.

In this edition, we've prepared a delectable Recipe Spotlight to tantalize your taste buds, a comprehensive update on all things Crowded Table, and a selection of our favourite things that we can't wait to share with you.

Thank you for being a part of our community, for your unwavering support, and for making each moment special. Let's dive into the delights of fall together and celebrate the beauty of connection.

Recipe Spotlight: Our Favourite Basil Vinaigrette

With basil flourishing abundantly in our gardens and gracing the shelves of grocery stores, we couldn't resist the opportunity to share one of our all-time favourite vinaigrettes that showcases this incredible herb. As the vibrant green leaves sway in the late summer breeze, we invite you to join us in savouring the exquisite flavours of basil with this delightful recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 c. fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 c. red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend Basil: In a blender or food processor, combine the packed basil leaves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey (or maple syrup if preferred). Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Season to Taste: Season the basil vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust to your taste preferences. Blend briefly to incorporate the seasoning.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the vinaigrette is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more olive oil (1-2 tbsp.) and blend again until you achieve your desired consistency.
4. Taste Test: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the acidity (vinegar) or sweetness (honey or maple syrup) to balance the flavours according to your preference.
5. Serve: Pour the basil vinaigrette into a glass jar or airtight container for storage. Use it immediately as a dressing for salads, drizzle it over grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or fish. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavours of this homemade basil vinaigrette to elevate your salads and dishes! Of course the wine pairing... Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine is a classic choice for herbaceous dishes. It has bright acidity, citrusy notes, and herbal undertones that harmonize well with the basil vinaigrette.

Design Feature: Our Barn Makeover

Prepare to be enchanted by the decor at our upcoming Fields and Flavours Harvest Tasting! We're thrilled to announce that Tomi Janes Boutique, known for their impeccable taste and style, has embraced our request to join forces in crafting an unforgettable event, infusing it with those exquisite details that transform mere moments into cherished memories. In addition to our own collection, we will be utilizing a selection from their stunning treasure trove, we will be embarking on a journey of rustic elegance and the enchanting splendour of autumn, fashioning our venue into a visual masterpiece that perfectly reflects the exquisite beauty of this season. Stay tuned for an exclusive glimpse of the breathtaking decor, along with all the photos and excitement from this unforgettable event, featured in our October edition of the newsletter. It's coverage of an event you won't want to miss!

October's Pop-Up is The Samhain Alchemy Feast

This gathering will adhere to the customs of a Dumb Supper. A Dumb Supper is a solemn and symbolic meal with a rich history, often observed within various spiritual and pagan traditions, most notably during the festival of Samhain. It is a ritualistic dinner where participants gather in silence to honour and commune with the spirits of the deceased. The term "Dumb" in Dumb Supper signifies the absence of spoken words during the meal, as it is believed that this silence helps facilitate communication with the departed.

The history of the Dumb Supper can be traced back to ancient Celtic and Druidic practices, where Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was a time when the veil between the living and the spirit world was believed to be at its thinnest, allowing for easier contact with departed loved ones. Participants would often set places at the table for deceased family members and ancestors, leaving offerings of food and drink. The silence during the meal was seen as a sign of respect and a way to encourage the spirits to join in the feast. Today, the Dumb Supper remains a meaningful and contemplative tradition, a way to remember and honor those who have passed on, and a connection to the ancient spiritual roots of Samhain.

We have chosen to keep this pop-up event private, as it aligns with the deeply personal and intimate nature of the tradition. However, we are excited to share the details of this event with you. Two weeks before Samhain (Halloween), you will find the complete plan available in our shop, enabling you to host this meaningful gathering with your trusted circle of friends and loved ones. We believe that preserving the sanctity of this tradition while providing the tools for you to create your own cherished experiences will help keep its spirit alive.

Menu for Fired-Up Food Fest Available in Our Shop

Okay, folks, the moment we've all been waiting for is finally here – the Fired-Up Food Fest Menu is ready to dazzle your taste buds! Yes, you guessed it – we're sticking to our tried-and-true tradition of serving our delectable barbeque dishes in courses. If you're curious about our unique philosophy behind serving menus in courses, and you missed our blog post where we delve into the delicious details, make sure to check it out, Crafting Culinary Stories. We're all fired up with excitement to share this culinary journey with you, course by course.

Crowded Table Connections Blog

Over at Crowded Table Connections Blog, we've been busy uncovering fascinating stories and insights that are bound to captivate your curiosity. In recent posts, we've delved into the world of Orange wine, exploring its rich history and the exciting emerging trend. Our spotlight shines on our local gem, Baille-Grohman Estate Winery, and their exquisite L'Orange. Additionally, we've shared some heart-to-heart moments in our 'Crowded Table Confessions,' offering a candid look at the personal journeys and experiences of our vibrant community. Plus, join us as we pull back the curtain on my entrepreneurial journey, sharing the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs. Stay tuned as we continue to serve up thought-provoking content, connections, and stories that bring us all a little closer together.

Your Input Matters!

Please feel free to connect with us via email or social media with your thoughts and ideas.

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In closing, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible community. Your unwavering support, engagement, and enthusiasm are the driving forces behind everything we do at Crowded Table by design. It's you who make this journey so rewarding, and it's your presence that lights up our gatherings. Remember, you are not just members; you are a cherished part of this family. You are loved, valued, and deeply connected to us all. Thank you for being a part of our ever-growing Crowded Table community, where every seat is a special one. Until next time, take care, stay connected, and keep those hearts full of love and laughter.

Warmest Regards,

Crowded Table by design

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Westview Rd, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G8
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