Who wouldn’t like picking fresh rosemary from a garden or fresh lemons from a tree? But imagine having your very own salt plot! In Peru, you can.
I recently had a dinner party for four of my good friends who trekked Machu Picchu with me last September. We visited the Maras Salt Pans as a local side trip to our hike. Each Peruvian had their own salt plot to rake, clean and harvest. The incredible and natural way of producing salt happened right before our very eyes. From the center of mother earth there was a flow of water which trickled into these salt pans in a mysteriously and scientific way (with the help of wind and sun) which evaporated into what today is known as gourmet salt. We all fell in love with the country of Peru and the Peruvians. What a majestic country and more importantly, what a beautiful community of people. The Peruvians are hard working, personable and generous with their mindful souls.
You can find Peruvian salt in gourmet grocery stores – I highly recommend that you include some in your spice rack. The salt I bought locally is called Atlantic Sea Salt from Lima, Peru, I highly suggest it. When purchasing salt, you can choose between fine or coarse textures. I prefer coarse salt so when you take a bite of food, there's a pop of flavor that explodes in your mouth! Now, that's the salt of the earth!
As I mentioned in a previous Report, after a big trip like ours, a themed dinner party along with photo books of the trip is a great way to reminisce all the adventures with very dear friends. Remember to decorate å la theme, too! I used an alpaca scarf I bought in Peru as a table runner and placed small ceramic pots of sea salt at the table, as well. I believe my guests were enchanted, well, at least I hope they were!
My themed Peruvian dinner was a huge success and I couldn't have done it without the help of personal chef, Joel Coleman. He specializes in South American food and the menu was scrumptious! As part of my event planning due diligence and my crazy desire for research, I found Joel from a company called, Kitchit. They provide a litany of chefs around the Bay Area to cook specialty, formal and casual comfort foods. I’d be happy to find the perfect chef for your next event, just ask!
One last piece of entertaining news…the bar cart is making a comeback! A bar cart can be as simple as a wooden TV tray or as elaborate as the rolling brass and glass designs. Make sure to have an artisan caddy filled with your favorite salty snacks. I used a limoncello caddy holder with four small glasses I transformed into snack holders. I recommend putting smoked almonds, pistachios, olives and breadsticks as typical bar snacks tucked into these holders. Any ramekins can work, too! Then, of course, include your favorite beverages with colorful accompanying glassware. So fun and fashionable!
Need any help with an event? I’ve got tons of great ideas to impress your guests. Just ask!
Cheers!
