Typically, I prepare and host my Bare Naked Dinners in a private home or restaurant; however, I decided to bring the experience into Ascended Living, a wellness center in Venice Beach, California. After spending the day converting the healing center into a dining sanctuary while Jack, my friend and Chef prepared the menu I had planned. The aromas of fresh mango, garlic and chili dipping sauce filled the air, the music kept us moving as we rushed to pull it all together and light the final candles. The reporters arrived early but graciously decided they wanted to wait for the rest of our guests. One last run through and we pulled it off...a dining sanctuary.
We started the evening with mushroom empanadas made with a puffed pastry and accompanied by a savory sesame seed dipping sauce. As our guests took their first bites into the decadent appetizers, I informed them of why we were starting with mushrooms. One guest had his eye brow turned up and doubt filled his stare. I smiled and explained, there are many powers rooted in a simple mushroom. His eyes started to show interest, when I continued to explain, that mushrooms have a natural earthy energy and they ground the physical, spiritual and emotional body. The now relaxed, skeptic in the group, began to smile and the room grew silent when I reminded everyone that mushrooms are an aphrodisiac. In addition, when used in certain situations they can flag a truce or enable you to make peace with yourself or someone you love. The flavors of the mushrooms and the sauce blended so nicely that it took much self control not to over indulge in this course. I reminded everyone one to exercise moderation and to pace themselves through the food experience.
Thankfully, Jack saved us all from pure gluttony and effortlessly transitioned us to the butter leaf lettuce wrap filled with dried plantain, slivered red onions, jicama, roasted cashews, arugula, cucumber, lemon, rice vinegar, and a sweet chili dressing. The chili added just the right amount of heat to the cool tropically influenced salad. This course was in inspired by a memory of eating by the warm waters in Boracay, Philippines. The island air effortlessly seduced me into a beautiful dream. As I shared the story of the dreamy vacation destination and I reminded them the hand held salad was designed to bring them back to the earth while reducing their internal heat. The lemon in the dressing was used to assist in calming the mind. As they all fell into a trance. I asked them to share a similar experience with each other during the slow tactile consumption of the lettuce cups.
The second course was just as scrumptious as the first. Jack timed it perfectly before we all rushed out the door to catch the next flight to Boracay. He served the satay veggie and tempeh marinated in seasonal herbs and a local oil. The guests were now in the rhythm of our meal together and ready to hear the inspiration behind this course. I informed them that the tempeh is high in protein and B12 and balances the watery nature of the vegetables. The spicy sauce brought up their internal body temperature and left their mouth and imagination stimulated and craving love. I recommend they channeled the desire and create new things in their life. I then encouraged them to evaluate what in their life is mundane and needs to be spiced up. As the guests pondered the mundane in their life. The spices left a reminder of the flavors that can be added to simple foods-a metaphor for the value of spicing up life.
Now, Jack brought out one of my favorite combinations mango, pineapple and sticky rice balls rolled in coconut and drizzled with a honey glaze. Even with the ensuing winter months, we can still dream of the warm summer nights. I encouraged them to take one last opportunity to indulge in tropical fruits that are abundant in the pacific year around. I gently reminded them that these fruits would cool the fire from the chili but continue to feed their 2nd chakra (sexual energy center). The sour and sweet nature of the food is good for the heart and mind.
Finally, Jack passed around the chocolate bliss balls. This is one of my favorite ways to end a meal. The chocolate calms the nerves and further intoxicates everyone with love. I reminded our guests that we are divine LOVE. As I slowly guided them through the experience of eating the chocolate with their eyes closed. I asked them to take a moment to have gratitude for life and those around them. The evening slowly closed with glazed eyes filled with euphoria from the food, the conversation and the healing sanctuary that nurtured our experience. Our Bare Naked Experience at Ascended Living proved to be just as magical as it is in a traditional setting. I am now inspired by the next adventurous place to have a Bare Naked Dining experience.
Now, I want to hear from you and have you send me your inspirations for the next best place to have a Bare Naked Experience.
Written by Suzanne Toro
Friday, January 15, 2010
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