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Join us as we discover Hanover Avenue.com's Dream Kitchen with The Café Sucre Farine.com recipes!
One thing I love about life is that you just never know what a day will bring.
I definitely find that true right now in my "blogging life". It keeps me busy as a bee, and it seems there's never a dull moment - always something new to learn, a fun idea to try, an intriguing possibility to explore and often, a fun new friend right around the corner.
A perfect example occurred one morning earlier this summer as I was checking emails. There were a few important ones and lots of delete-right-away types, but one of them caught my eye. The subject piqued my interest. It read: We used your cookies in the coolest way!
What in the world? I opened up the email to discover it was from an interior designer based out of Richmond, VA, Anne Tollett.
Hi Chris,
I had to write to show you this! One of our readers won a free virtual room makeover, and we used your cookies in the space! They just seemed so perfect to go with the teacups (and the whole room, really . . . . )
They are soooo yummy and we have gotten a great response over these little gems - how could we not? - they're are adorable! Almost as perfect as any accessory in the room. *wink*
Anyway, I just thought you might get a kick out of this? Here is the link to the whole room below. You are right there in the Buying Guide - whoop!
Cheers!
Anne
I could hardly wait to see which cookies she was talking about. When I clicked the link, it turned out that she had come across my Pansy Shortbread Cookies and had used them in her beautiful blue and white design scheme.
Anne and I emailed back and forth a few times that morning. I found out she has a design studio and website called Hanover Avenue. We ended up talking on the phone later that day, and things just "clicked". Our imaginations seemed to ignite each other, and it wasn't long before we came up with an idea to collaborate on...
Anne's work involves "virtual interior design". What does that mean? I had no idea, but was quickly introduced to a fascinating new concept. Harper's Bazaar did an article on virtual interior design and said:
If you've always dreamed of a glamorous home makeover experience, but haven't had the interior designer budget to go along with it, then you're in luck. The two of you (you and the designer) work together (virtually) to create the perfect curated space based on your budget.
What this means is you can send Anne a picture of a room in your home that you'd like to decorate (or redecorate) and she will come up with a virtual plan with every detail as perfectly laid out as in the photo above (down to the cookies!). This is all done for a flat fee and Anne provides a buying guide for you to go with the room. How cool is that?
The idea we decided to collaborate on was an affordable dream kitchen and a virtual birthday celebration for family and friends. Anne of course, worked on the kitchen design, but requested my input along the way. We had lots of fun working together.
My job was to come up with a party menu that would be served in this lovely kitchen. One would be suitable for kids and adults alike, and would be fairly simple to put together. We both got busy and it's been awesome to see the results. I'll share pics of the kitchen first and follow up with my menu.
Anne is sharing lots more details about this delightful kitchen today over at Hanover Avenue. We did a little video together so you'll actually get to meet Anne in person and see why I was so smitten with her vibrant, fun personality!
And here's my menu. If you click on any of the pictures below you will be linked to the recipes.
I've given four favorite Café appetizer options, but you could easily serve just one of these and everyone would be quite happy.
I kept the main course fairly simple and chose items that would be universally appealing. There are options to make the menu child-friendly without having to make a whole separate menu for younger palettes.
So there you have it! If you're planning a party or a get together, this is a wonderful menu since much of it can be made ahead. I really believe that's the secret to successful entertaining. Whether you work outside the home, are involved in the community or have young children to care for, it's essential to organize your time. Choose your recipes, then make a schedule for yourself. I like to try to make one recipe a day for the week or so preceding the get-together. This works well for things that can be made in advance and stashed in the freezer like the Lemon, Rosemary and Thyme Focaccia and also for recipes like the Best Ever Super Easy Salsa where the flavors mingle and keep get better.
Are you wondering about dessert? Of course, it's a party right? The dessert menu is to-die-for and also completely make-ahead. But you have to wait, we'll be sharing a whole other post next week featuring the desserts. There's a fun surprise too, but I can't tell you about that yet. Sworn to secrecy!!
We'll be back tomorrow to look at a few other aspects of this dreamy little kitchen. We'll even peek into the drawers where you'll see some of my favorite kitchen tools!
Oh, and on Wednesday.. well, you know I can't stay out of my "real" kitchen for long. There'll be a fabulous new recipe - Mexican Street Corn Salad. It's my current obsession, and I can't wait to share it. I know you'll love it too!
Danielle' Crawford says
Chris the cookies are beautiful works of art and the Kitchen Gorgeous fun a dream kitchen. I am enjoying your blog so much. I love all your advice tips and everything is photographed lovely. Taking so much attention to detail.
Chris Scheuer says
You're so welcome Danielle'! We have a lot of fun here at the Café!
felicia@ingredient1 says
Everything on this menu is sure to be a hit at our next gathering. Especially excited by that pineapple-sriracha freezer jam. Recent studies have found that spicy foods may promote better health, so we will definitely add that extra bit to keep it hot!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
So...where exactly will this party be happening at? Cos I cannot sit here drooling any longer - I NEED to get me a taste of that avocado salsa, those pecans, that jam....oooh...I cannot go on without drool spilling all over!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Those cookies are fantastic and the post is wonderful! How creative and beautiful 🙂
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
What a fun post and project! I love all of your entertaining recipes - they are true crowd pleasers! BTW - that kitchen is stunning!!!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Well firstly I am so very envious of that kitchen. I think it would be my dream and I'm assuming that door on the side leads to a butler's pantry. Well I'm going to assume it does anyway and picture it as as amazing as the kitchen. That is so cool that they used your food in it. It practically makes it your kitchen!
cheri says
Hi Chris, what a wonderful collaboration, as always a perfect line-up of recipes that all would look good on those beautiful kitchen counters. How fun, you never know where a path will take you.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Oh my gosh Chris, what fun! I love interior design and the idea of designing a menu to go in a dream kitchen is such fun. Of course your choices are your signature, beautiful flavorful options all will love.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Toni! It's been a lot of fun collaborating with Anne and her team!
Anne Tollett says
This was a ball start to finish! Chris you are a gem and a true collaborator - now we just HAVE to meet in person, heehee! xoxo
Sandra says
Modern technology is truly amazing! What a fun project to be included in and the possibilities are endless!
Chris Scheuer says
It is Sandra! And yes, it was fun and work all at the same time!
Sarah's Book Shelves says
I'm a book blogger and friend of Anne Tollett...I collaborated with her on A True Reader's Library in much the same role you did for the kitchen. I stocked the library with books! Anyway - I love the kitchen you all designed and the menu! The mexican street corn salsa looks especially good and creative...I love mexican street corn, but have never seen it in salsa form!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sarah! And welcome to the Cafe! We really had fun putting this all together. Yes the Mexican Street Corn is so versatile and can be used in so many different ways!
Sandra @ Heavenly Home Cooking says
Fantastic! I love this story. So cool the way you two met and collaborated!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sandra! You never know what's around the corner in this crazy business!
Vicki Bensinger says
How fun Chris. You just never know when a great opportunity will present itself. Nice menu and very pretty kitchen.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Vicki. Some of the ideas I was able to contribute were because Scott and I just did a redo of our own kitchen.
Susan says
What a great idea, Chris! I love the pansy cookies and can she why Anne chose them 🙂 The idea of a virtual makeover is so intriguing and I do love the kitchen you worked with. Great menu too!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Susan! So much of interior design, up to this point, has been out of reach for the majority of us. This opens a whole new option!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
This is such an exciting post, Chris! I'm fascinated by Anne's business, --- what a creative way to take interior design into the 21st century!
Chris Scheuer says
It is Sue, and so unique that we connected. I love the whole concept and Anne is a super creative mind to work with!
Barbara Ruka says
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog! I discovered it about 9-12 months ago. I follow about 15 blogs and I have to say yours is my favorite. You and your husband are down to earth and similar in age to me, so I can relate to a lot of what you blog about.. Food is very important to me as I run a bed and breakfast inn and am always cooking up great breakfasts! Your food is always gorgeous and the photography is second to none. I LOVE your style!. Great job!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
What a great menu! And those pansy shortbread cookies look surreal and beautiful! And that's indeed a dream kitchen, Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Angie, it's been a fun project!