hi, welcome!
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hi, i’m mandy.
i haven’t had a newsletter or blog since 2020, so this feels like a fun, new space for creativity.
in a few short weeks, i’m beginning a new passion project. something that has been missing from my life since the start of the pandemic. i tend to have 3-5 projects going on at all times, but it has been a while. after about six months of excitement/fear/wishywashiness, i’m starting a new dinner party series called trails end dinners.
trails end
in april of 2020, my stepfather passed away. in the midst of the sadness of his passing, another sort of grief emerged. since 2011, he had been restoring and rehabbing a historic estate, trails end - a passion project of his own.
built in 1925 by william gates, the founder of the american terra cotta company, as his peaceful retirement home, trails end was a place for art and gathering. after falling into disrepair, my stepdad purchased the property to return it to its initial beauty (like really, recreate it down to the original layout and furniture inside). due to his unexpected passing, he never got to see the home to completion.
as my mom and i sat out on the porch, overlooking the property, we chatted about how life is too short not to enjoy the people and places around you. how his dream was to truly enjoy this place - inviting friends and family over to experience this tiny piece of local history. so we thought, hey, we should do the same.
why not invite people to experience this special place?
the dinner idea
i’ve always loved food. but in the past two years, i’ve really thrown myself into cooking. it’s a comfort. it’s how i nourish and care for myself and also how i nourish and care for others. a little bundle of creativity, self-care, hobby, logistics, art, and community.
since hosting twice nourished and plenty of cookbook clubs, i’ve gained a confidence in the kitchen. confidence enough to believe i can host and cook monthly outdoor dinners.
when i brought this idea to my mom, she was pretty much on board from the start. though she cannot cook (not even going to ask her to try), she’s a well-seasoned host and all-around people-person. she wanted to be able to welcome people into her home and have them experience trails end in a way that my stepdad would have enjoyed. so now, here we are…
ted (or trails end dinners)
from idea to reality, trails end dinners are happening. this monthly dinner party will feature a vegetarian menu featuring seasonal midwestern produce. the space between chicago and crystal lake is home to so many talented, thoughtful farmers, makers, and artisans. a delightful mix of city taste and rural growing.
we’ll gather outside around communal tables with a mix of family-style and plated dishes showcasing all that’s in season. because really what’s better than eating something that was in the ground or on the vine just days ago?
this isn’t a restaurant, it’s simply a dinner party. let’s gather, let’s laugh, let’s eat and drink until we’re only left with candlelight.
this little space
i want a place to journal this new project and experience. and i want to share it with you.
here i’ll share dinner updates, monthly recipes, food that’s inspiring me, farmers i’m working with, food friends, etc. i hope you come on this little journey with me.
find trails end dinners here and find mandy here.
talk soon…