Brunch Debut

I love brunch. I have to admit, the guest got the full brunt of my excitement and appreciation of brunch food.  The menu offered a great variety and was filling to say the least.

Starters

• Mini Pecan Sticky Buns
• Local Parfaits with AtlantaFresh Yogurt, Gluten Free Pure Bliss Granola, Honey, Figs

Main

• Farm Veggie Salad - Local Tomatoes, Squash, Bitter Greens, Basil, Shaved Carrots with a Lemon Honey Vinaigrette
• Riverview Farms Melon's with Fresh Basil and Honey
• Stone-Ground Grits with BBQ Pork
• Quiche with Roasted Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, Goat Cheese, and Bacon
• Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
• Breakfast Meat Plate- Applewood Smoked Bacon, Housemade Breakfast Sausage
• French Toast Bread Pudding with Blueberries and OrganiC Mountains Wildflower Honey
• Crystal Farms Heirloom Potato Hash

Favors

• End of Peach Season Basil Muffin

The table was filled with rich conversation.  It brings joy to me when I see people connect, laugh, and savor the moment. Wholesome food has a way of bringing people together. We all know how special of these moments around a meal. We often come to the point are hearts are yearning for nourishment for our bodies and our souls.  So why do we as a culture not take the time to deal with both?

I can only speak for myself, but it is when I get so caught up in work, email, errands, meetings, and the day-to-day grind that I feel so emptied and selfish. I encourage you to create opportunities to be present. Have co-workers over, asking the neighbors in for the first time, or just sitting down at the table with everyone in your household for a family dinner.  Step away from the busy.

-Chef J

Credits: Erin Wood of Paperlily Photography // Jamie Jimenez of Julia’s Poppies - Paper Goods

Urban Garden Gathering Highlights

Contributors: Rachel Iliadis of Heart It Races - Photography // Sherry Donnelly of Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio  - Flower Table Scape // Dana Rohrig of Four Inch Fold Rentals - Rentals // Jamie Jimenez of Julia’s Poppies - Paper Goods

MENU | May Gathering at Matchstic

Farmers Markets are in full swing by May, and we took full advantage by traveling around Atlanta to source the meal. We shared with our guests where the fresh produce came from and challenged everyone to shop local and taste the difference.  We desire authenticity in life through relationships, work and service.  The same standard can, and should, be set for our food. Here's a look of the evening focusing on the meal. For the full recap, please visit Pilgrim Creative. Enjoy!

Locally Sourced: Woodland Gardens, Crystal Organics, Skylight Farm, Tucker Farms, Pearson Farm, Watsonia Farm, Fry Farm, The Capra Gia Cheese Company

Snacks Lemon White Bean Hummus with Fresh Herbs and Black Pepper Lavosh Roasted Strawberries with Local Goat Cheese on Rosemary Cream Biscuits

First Course Tybee Island Shrimp and Seared Scallops with Spring Beets, Bibb Lettuce, Basil, and Orange Vinaigrette

Entrée Braised Rabbit with Lemon Marsala Glaze with Leeks, Spring Onions, and English Peas Carrot Agnolotti with Asparagus and Thyme Roasted Cauliflower and Broccolini With Parsley and Capers

Dessert Lemon Basil Panna Cotta, Poached Blueberries, Coconut Macaroons

Contributors: Paige Beasley of Pilgrim Creative – Photography // Krista Janos of Blue Eyed Yonder - Table Scape Design + Chair Rentals // Jamie Jimenez of Julia’s Poppies - Paper Goods

Open Invitation: Homespun

So what's the story behind these dinners? Chef Jason Jimenez and myself (his new bride) host monthly gatherings at design studios around Atlanta. We have called it "Homespun ATL," since the gatherings started in homes, and continue to carry a simple, unpretentious feel to each dinner. We source the meal from area farmers, markets, and purveyors to keep it as fresh and local as possible.

Each gathering features a locally sourced meal to include: snacks, communal wine, first course, family style dinner, and finished with coffee + dessert.

The invitation is open to anyone and guests can RSVP until the table fills up. Most hear of the dinners through word of mouth or buzz on social media.  We also invite local creatives to contribute to each dinner with their respective craft-whether design, floral, photography, etc.

Most come in strangers and leave as new-found friends. That's the beauty of the table - it is a wonderful opportunity to organically facilitate community and relationships, bringing people together that otherwise may not have crossed paths.

*To receive news and invitations to the gatherings, sign up for our newsletter.

Photo Credits

The Photography of Haley Sheffield - Images 1, 4, 7

Morgan Blake - Images 3, 6

 Whitney Huynh Photography - Images 2, 5

May 2013 Gathering Announced

Photo Credit: Morgan Blake

Mark your calendars. Limited Seating. Location and details coming soon.

February Gathering in West Midtown

Our last gathering was nothing short of intimate...new and old friends, candlelight, wine, and a warm, wholesome meal. Jason prepared the following menu and our creative contributors designed and captured the evening. For more images, please visit Morgan Blake's website.

SNACKS Almond Chocolate Grapes (Recipe Here) Endive Spears with Cypress Grove Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Pistachios

FIRST COURSE Olive Oil Poached Tybee Island Shrimp with Tucker Farms Arugula, Citrus, and Roasted Fennel

MAIN COURSE Slowly Braised Lamb Shank with Sweet Pepper Relish, Spiced Lentils, Turnip and Potato Gratin, and Steamed Brussels Leaves with Meyer Lemon

DESSERT Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Fresh Raspberries

CONTRIBUTORS Morgan Blake - Photography // Juli Vaughn - Table Styling // Mao Thao - Furniture // Jamie Jimenez - Menu