Recap of Feast of Fables
"When we no longer have good cooking in the world, we will have no literature, nor high and sharp intelligence, nor friendly gatherings, no social harmony."
— Marie-Antione Careme
At dusk on February 11, 2017, the Feast of Fables was held in a little bejeweled box in the redwoods. We gathered to witness the power created at the confluence of story, taste, and good company.
Within this magical space, talented collaborators and curious guests gathered sharing in rich stories told through the delicious meal. Every element was woven together into an event that is not soon to be forgotten.
A glimpse behind the curtain:
In preparation for this Feast of Fables, Curated Feast founder and storyteller Liz Birnbaum found some of the oldest tales collectively told, and formed them into dishes in collaboration with Chef Amanda Pargh, who then made the tales a delicious reality. Liz also connected with Sarah and James of lille aeske, who have deep expertise in theatre and events, and whose beautiful venue was the perfect space for a multi-faceted exploration of fables. Sarah and James also transformed the space itself with a temporary installation exploring the Four Loves. They created an emotive exhibition which honored both the season and the theme of the dinner with equal intimacy.
We were so glad to welcome back Carra Duggan of Flowers by Carra, whose talents connected with Viva Flora on this tablescape and chandelier installation. As Liz met with Carra, they envisioned a forest floor, complete with feather and bone. They also dreamed of greenery above reaching down toward the table, which Carra and Sarah executed so beautifully. For the table, Liz hand-frayed each natural linen napkin and embroidered the table runner with a red thread, echoing the concept of a path — like Hansel's breadcrumbs ... or the Chinese red thread of destiny ... or King Theseus' red thread in the labyrinth ... or the kabbalistic talisman of good luck ...
At this Feast, the tales spanned from Aphodite, to Cinderella, to Little Red Riding Hood, and Hansel and Gretel. And each of these courses, while orated by Liz, was accompanied by the über talented Carl Atilano. His musical accompaniment made the whole event an even more elegant affair than what these photos can show.
The guests were dazzled with five courses, each beautifully paired with wines selected by vintage vixen Rae Boghossian, who Liz also worked with once again to pair the drinks to not only the food, but the elements of the tales themselves.
The Menu
APHRODITE’S OYSTER
golden cayenne hot sauce + apple
with Folktale Sparkling Brut
THE CRAB AND THE LAURELS
little gems + crab + avocado + green goddess
with Forge Cellars Riesling
THE SHIFTING OF CINDERS
kabocha + date + bacon + dandelion + pumpkin seeds
with C'est la Vie! Syrah Rose
THE GIRL AND THE WOLF
duck + hen of the woods + fennel + celery root + micro greens
with Painted Wolf Cabernet
THE HEART OF THE FOREST
dark forest cake + breadcrumbs + moonstones + violas
with Offley’s Ruby Port
We began with Aphrodite's Oyster, and the tale of the Judgement of Paris. Here, we noted the connections between this story and Snow White — and we looked at the golden apple of discord in Greek Mythology, and one word: kallisti, to the fairest (of them all).
Next we looked at Cinderella in her multiple versions in the The Crab and The Laurels & The Shifting of Cinders' courses. We began by exploring the traditional Filipino Cinderella variant, and the tale known as Mayyang and the Crab. We followed that with Perrault's late 1700s version, and finally we made it to Disney ... but she was just the last thread we tugged on from in a long line of Cinderellas we found throughout the world.
Alongside the next course, entitled The Girl and the Wolf, we explored Little Red Riding Hood and the sexy, gruesome versions that were once common tales. We found Granny's ears served as tortellini in the older Italian versions, and decided this tale was a bit improved with a different turn. We made it to the Once Upon a Time version with "Red" who herself turns out to be the werwolf and eats her boyfriend Peter (think Peter and the Wolf). We closed the story of this course by drawing on the storied Brothers Grimm themselves, who were story collectors more than grim and sinister characters.
At The Heart of the Forest, we finally reached dessert. Here, we got to meet Hansel and Gretel in both their typical form, as well as in a new vantage, from the witch's perspective, thanks to the amazing Snap Judgement Podcast segment called "The Way Stones". Here where we were reminded that the pathless woods can be a character, too, and that the breadcrumbs and moonstones are not of equal utility if you happen to find yourself lost from your path.
