Travel the Globe
from Your Dining Room Inspired by
Land Rover's involvement in the
Odyssey: Driving Around the World expedition, I am excited to plan an event highlighting food from cultures all over the world. Now you don't need to have a Land Rover or fully off-road capable vehicle in order to pull together a globally inspired menu in the Twin Cities, but it sure would make the drive around town to pick up all the food and decorations more enjoyable! Stop by
Jaguar Land Rover Minneapolis in Golden Valley to see their 1951 Series 1 Land Rover (one of the first aluminum 4-wheel drive vehicles Land Rover created after the company was founded in 1948) and learn more about all the latest features that make each Land Rover a lifetime investment in quality performance.
For decorations, why not use the expedition theme to create unexpected décor? Create vignettes around your home with groupings of items like binoculars, a compass, an atlas or globe, travel journals, and a Swiss Army knife. Backpacks, sleeping bags and tents can either be stacked in a corner like you are gathering supplies for the trip, or why not set up your tent (inside or outside) and create a tasting station inside it. It's all about being creative with items you already have or can borrow from friends to set the mood. Dress like an explorer or in an outfit that reminds you of a favorite country, and suggest your friends do the same. Then you can have fun guessing what country inspired each person's outfit.
The Odyssey trip traveled through Australia on their journey, and thanks to the abundance of local fresh fish, the Australians love their sushi.
Tiger Sushi offers custom sushi platters for large groups, or you can book a sushi making party right at the restaurant for an educational and delicious evening with friends.
If you want to make your own asian inspired menu, you must visit the ultimate resource for oriental groceries in the midwest:
United Noodles. It is tucked behind two industrial buildings in an out of the way location in Minneapolis, but once you walk in the door to this emporium you realize it was worth the effort. I feel fortunate to be able to pick up fresh kaffir lime leaves for my thai chicken soup, countless varieties of rice, fresh produce and meats, kim chee, kitchenware and dishes, and even my favorite lemon soda I drank every day when I was in Japan. It was a breeze to collect all the food for a Japanese themed party here in one quick trip. From the multiple varieties of rice crackers, to the pickled vegetables, dried squid, and mochi, they had it all.
A great local resource for middle eastern food is
Holy Land Gourmet Grocery, Bakery and Deli. The store on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis is a great resource for everything from goat meat and fresh pita bread to unique eggplant spreads and baklava (my personal weakness). You can pick up ingredients to make your own spread or utilize their extensive catering menu and create a complete meal to impress your guests.
Whether you find inspiration all over the globe, or focus on one culture's cuisine per party, enjoy yourself! Remember, nothing has to be perfect. Your job is to set the tone for the party, and being in a good mood is key.
- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair
