Let me begin by saying that if there is one thing I learned from Table For 1200, it’s that EVERYONE, and I do mean everyone, looks ravishing in white.
The event was equal parts culinary and design genius, coming together to create an innovative event that won’t soon be forgotten.
Sadly, it didn’t break the record for the world’s longest dinner table, but the best and brightest from the design and architectural communities took charge decorating the tables as the table captains, with amazing results.
The location wasn’t revealed to guests until just hours before the dinner, but upon arrival, it was obvious why they chose the Esplanade Riel, for both it’s length, and its architectural beauty.
There were duos of musicians playing string instruments all along the line of tables, and servers constantly walking by to bring out food. The whole meal was all on point, with notable mentions to the Manitoba brisket and the beet salad with watermelon, feta, mint and romaine (both not pictured, but seriously…perfectly cooked brisket for 1200 people?! That’s unreal).
All tables came with two bottles of wine and a few samples of Farmery beer to share amongst ourselves. One of the best things about this experience had to be getting to know the people I shared a table with, which is easy to do when you are passing food around and pouring each other wine – all part of the authentic ‘pop-up’ experience.
There were even souvenirs; a tiny chair with a piece of paper attached to it, all with different facts about Winnipeg on them.
The afterparty was at Union Sound Hall, and they had guest bartenders from all over the city making specialty cocktails, with Tim Co-op and DJ Hunnicutt spinning some nostalgic tracks. Seeing that I adore Peasant Cookery, I had to try the drink that resident bartender Mike Fox dreamed up, the S&B: gin, St.Germain, cedar (yes- the tree), Boston bittahs, soda, and grapefruit zest. I’d just like to say that if this becomes a permanent drink on the Peasant Cookery cocktail menu, I would gladly go more regularly for happy hour.
Overall, I feel that Table For 1200 genuinely achieved what it set out to do, which was to “highlight Winnipeg’s emerging design scene by bringing together architecture, design and the culinary arts to create an evening of entertainment and stimulating conversation in an absolutely unique setting” (Source: tablefor1200.ca).
With everyone in attendance dressed in white, it almost felt like a big summer wedding, and in a way, I guess I did fall in love with Winnipeg again that night.
All photos by Raegan Hedley.
This review first appeared on http://www.gowpg.com/, a hotspot database for info on nightlife, restaurants, cool events and more.
