Artist made exquisite tableware, locally sourced and prepared food right in front of you, beautiful open-air setting by the lakeside on the fine Summer evening. What can I say - a feast for the eyes and the soul.
Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Gala dinner, culmination of the 1st International Ceramic symposium CLAYMEAL held in Latvia, Vaidava. The symposium gathered artists from around the world, including Ireland, to create dishes for the 11 course menu created by the head chef of the restaurant „Valmiermuižas pārstāvniecība Rīgā” Dzintars Kristovskis. Each participant received 50-70 kg of red clay from local quarry and the creative journey started. Tableware created is unique and special in many ways. It was then used for serving dinner ''Pilnbrieda garša. Latvijas vasara'' /''Mature taste. Summer in Latvia''). I loved that fact that the menu focused on local food and ingredients, but offered them in ways I had never experienced before.
I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to find the proper wording for ingredients in english and translate the menu. Especially because many of the ingredients were new to me, for example, various edible wild flowers or fir needle oil. Not to mention that every dish was perfectly paired with craft beer from a small manor brewery ''Valmiermuižas alus''. My sisters and myself were lucky to be part of this special meal. It was also a night to celebrate the music of Haralds Sīmanis, a lot of distinctive raw power in his voice. We had a perfectly delightful evening full of moments and emotions to treasure. Sometimes we have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting and just live the moment.
If you would like to learn about this event or future similar activities in your region visit:
''The best thing about the whole Nordic food movement is that it has made possible to be honest, to be who you are. You don't have to pretend to be an Italian chef, you don't have to pretend to understand Asian flavours and cook with out-of-season bullshit ingredients from duck knows where, you no longer have to be a copy of an imitation.'' - Dzintars Kristovskis
I hope you have all had an amazing Summer filled with inspiration, laughter, sunshine and positive energy. Liga x
I hope you have all had an amazing Summer filled with inspiration, laughter, sunshine and positive energy. Liga x
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| Wonderfully interesting menu, brilliant chef. |
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| Nice atmosphere by the lake Vaidava. |
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| Haralds Sīmanis unique musical talent. |
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| Relaxed and happy. |
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| No.11 on the menu, so good and perfect finish to our meal. |
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| CLAYMEAL Exhibition. |
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| A personal favourite. |
All images © 2016 Liga Valge
