For Reals Meals hosted by Potluck Creative

One of my most favorite parts of the For Reals Meals series is choosing the hosts. I love asking people that I don’t really know all that well but want to get to know better. The guys from Potluck Creative are the perfect example. Potluck Creative is a co-op that executes beautiful graphic design, photography, and video. I had the chance to work with Sam Jorden on some things I did with RM Champagne Salon, and I worked with Mikey Litchfield on a project with Glossed & Found. They both have an amazing work ethic (a very attractive quality) and are super funny (even better). So I knew they would be a great team to host the next FRM lunch. And man, they took hosting to the next level.

I want to mention that these dudes usually use bacon and butter like I use salt and pepper…plant-based cooking was pretty new to them. But they dug in hard, taking adventures to new grocery stores and doing practice lunches for their lady-friends. Mikey even brewed a special ginger beer for the occasion.

I was so excited when they emailed me their guest list. I had only met one person on their list before, and there were a few I was dying to meet. Their curated crew included Adam Moorman, Kelsey Kreiling, Kate Bernot, Molly Kobelt, and Michael Kiser.

We weren’t going to need any conversation starters with this group, but I still wanted to make a fun ice breaker to get people talking. Each person’s menu included a Rorschach-style print on the inside, and we each went around the table and talked about what we saw. Sometimes it feels so good to get off of the computer and make something by hand, and it always feels a bit more personal too.

After experimenting with a Thai-and-Mexican theme, the guys landed on a light and flavor-packed menu of Sherry Tomato Granita, Corn and Squash Soup, Grilled Greens with Farro, and Horchata Sorbet. Everything they made felt so pulled together, really pro, and very special. And they took the time to explain the inspiration that went into each dish, which made each course even better. And guest Michael Kiser taught me more about beer in one hour than I had learned in my whole life. He’s sort of famous for knowing lots on the topic.

With every FRM lunch I have, I leave convinced that the latest installment can’t be beat. And this one will be hard to top. The effort and research that Mikey and Sam put into it was pretty special. And it didn’t hurt that it was freaking delicious too.

Special thanks to Kate Bernot for schooling us on shrubs. She made homemade blackberry and apple, fennel & tarragon shrub cocktails for our lunch, and I’m still thinking about them.

Later this week, Potluck Creative is sharing their recipe for Corn and Squash soup.