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Crafting a Dîner en Blanc Feast with Jordan Rabe of Memoirs

Aloha, Honolulu! We are absolutely thrilled to kick off our preparations for Dîner en Blanc - Honolulu on October 25th by introducing our incredible catering partner for this year: Memoirs! We sat down with Jordan Rabe, the talented owner of Memoirs, to get an exclusive sneak peek into her culinary vision for our magical evening.

DEB: Jordan, we're thrilled to have Memoirs as our official catering partner this year. To start, can you share what you're most excited about with this year's menu offerings?

Jordan Rabe, Memoirs: Thank you for having me! I'm genuinely honored to be a part of Le Dîner en Blanc Honolulu. What excites me most about this year's menu is the incredible diversity we're able to offer. We're curating a wide variety of foods and flavors from around the globe, ensuring there's something delightful for every palate. But beyond that, I'm particularly passionate about our ability to incorporate fantastic farm-to-table elements right from our own backyard here in Hawaii. Think delicious Manoa Honey, ripe Kamuela Tomatoes, sweet Maui Sugar, and other wonderful ingredients from our local producers. It truly allows us to create a meal that feels both globally inspired and deeply rooted in the islands.

DEB: That sounds absolutely exquisite! Dîner en Blanc is all about creating an unforgettable experience, and the meal is such a central part of that. Beyond the official menu, for those guests preparing their own baskets, what are some of your top tips for crafting an elegant picnic meal that's perfect for our event?

Jordan: My philosophy for Dîner en Blanc is all about "elegant picnic" fare. You want dishes that are not only delicious but also travel well and can be enjoyed at ambient temperature. I always advise thinking about the full journey from your home to our secret location!

Consider beautiful, composed plates that can be assembled ahead of time. For example, a gourmet sandwich made with artisanal bread and elevated fillings, perhaps a fig and prosciutto combination, or a delicate chicken salad with grapes and walnuts. These are simple to pack and feel incredibly special. A stunning charcuterie board is always a winner – a selection of local and international cheeses, some cured meats, olives, and fresh fruits. It's perfect for sharing and encourages conversation.

DEB: Our mouths are watering already! It's clear that the culinary experience this year will be exceptional, whether guests opt for Memoirs' curated menu or get inspired by your tips to create their own. Thank you so much for these incredible insights, Jordan. We truly appreciate you sharing your passion and expertise with us and our Dîner en Blanc community. We can't wait for October 25th!

Jordan: My pleasure! I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing everyone there and experiencing the magic of Le Dîner en Blanc - Honolulu firsthand.


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