Last Friday we had a few friends over for dinner. But not just any dinner. We made them come over and cook with us. You see, there is a new dinner idea in the Portland area and it’s called Local Plate. If you like the idea of fresh, local food this concept is awesome. They offer a variety of dinner meal kits, and all of the ingredients come from our own local farms. All of the meat they use is antibiotic and hormone-free, and everything comes pre-measured and the directions are easy to use. The food is fresh, simple, and delicious.
I know I’ve often walked past the array of beautiful greens at farmer’s markets but really had no creativity on how to prepare them together to create a meal. After cooking these recipes, I realize how easy it really is. We tried two of their current meals, Herb-Roasted Chicken, Potatoes and Chard, with Shallot Mint Vinaigrette and Flat Iron Steak Salad with Herbed Rice. We all jumped in and started rinsing, slicing, dicing, mincing, and mixing. The kids even got excited over greens and helped out. (They were in awe of how colorful the chard was!) We managed to get both recipes finished at the same time because it was so much easier having everything pre-measured. Of course, it wouldn’t be a dinner party without appetizers and wine, so I made fruit, cheese, and cracker platters to nibble on while we put our guests to work!
We sat down and tasted the fruits of our not-so-hard work. Having two meals offered a good variety so that everyone would find something that would please their palate. We sat there catching up with friends, while the kids all played together. We finished the evening up with slices of apple pie.
Normally having people over for dinner is a little stressful, to say the least. You have to cook extra, plan more, have extra shopping trips, and although I absolutely love doing it, this was a fun new twist on a dinner party. The best part is since everything at Local Plate is fresh, their selection of meal kits changes seasonally! I can’t wait to see what new recipes come up next, and they offer delivery in the Portland area or have the meals available for pick up also.
Have you ever had a dinner party where everyone chipped in and cooked the meal? I’d love to hear about it! And if you are local to the area, check out their site and tell them Melissa sent ya! 😉
~Melissa
Our dinner kits were c/o Local Plate in exchange for an article. All opinions are my own.
13 comments
I really like this idea. It would be easy enough to do in my area, especially this time of year. Cheers!
Looks tasty! I'm all about the local food- we have a lot of Community Supported Agriculture in our area, so friends and I love doing things like this. Great idea!
Morgaine @ Madcap Frenzy
P.S. I would love if you would link up any of your awesome posts at my July Totally Tuesday Link Party: http://madcapfrenzy.blogspot.com/2013/07/july-totally-tuesday-link-party.html
Hugs!
What a fun idea! I wish I lived in a community that welcomed ideas like that. I would join in a heartbeat 🙂
everything looks delish! And I love the idea of everyone getting together to cook. Stopping by from the less laundry, more linking linkup.
What a wonderful idea! I wonder if my area does anything like this, I will definitely have to check it out. Thank you for sharing at the Less Laundry, More Linking party.
This sounds so good.
What a great concept! Very cool, and looks so fresh, and tasty! Found you on casey's link up, glad I did!
.:Marta:.
petiteraisin.ca
Happy Friday! My Friday Flash Blog linky party is live @ The Jenny Evolution – a flash mob of blogs where you share your favorite posts of the week. Hope you there — you may just get highlighted next week!
Jennifer
thejennyevolution.com
love this idea this is the way my mother in law always planned the holidays it worked out great as yours did
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
What a fabulous idea! And I love your pictures, too. You've got me eager to host my own local plate dinner party now! I'd be thrilled if you'd come on over to Pink Recipe Box and link up at Creative Wednesdays: http://pinkrecipebox.com/creative-wednesdays-with-pink-recipe-box-3/
This looks yummy!!! We would love it if you would link up at our first linky party this Wednesday :
http://thekoenigscreate.blogspot.com/
Live every Wednesday to Friday.
Hosted by: Jason & Jamie Koenig
We hope to see you there!
Looks like an awesome dinner party! I'm sure your guests enjoyed! We love cooking with our friends.
Allison
Ummm…Now I'm hungry! Everything looks amazing! Thank you so much for sharing at Monday Funday!