Date Night at Monkeypod Jam
A Letter from MPJ Founder, Aletha Thomas
Aloha Kauai Ohana,
This adorable couple is my parents. The photo was taken at Christmas Break, 1973, just a few months after they met and had an adventurous, summer fling. That fling grew into a love that has continued through 44 years of marriage, four daughters, and four states. That’s a lot of 4’s!
One of the most vivid memories I have of my parents is Date Night. The household finances could be lean or fat; either way a sitter would be hired so mom and dad could dress up and head out for a night on the town. Date Night usually involved a progressive dinner of appetizers at a quaint café, an entrée at another, followed by dessert and coffee at a favorite jazz club. I believe Date Night is part of the reason my parents are still together after so many years. Each week, they committed a few hours to reconnect as friends and partners in life’s journey. Hopefully there was a dash of romance as well, but as a mother and wife, I know romance isn’t always at the forefront. Sometimes what a relationship needs is a quiet meal under soft lights, the opportunity to talk or not talk, and the knee of your best friend touching yours while you share a dessert.
Now, I have no intention of leaving out my friends who are not waist deep in laundry, keiki dance classes and PTSA meetings. I understand the immense value of going out with my close friends. It's a precious luxury catching up over a meal that doesn't feel rushed because of deadlines or phone emails. Sitting face to face with the people who are crucial to our sanity is so very important. At times, laughing about a crazy experience that happened earlier in the week or sharing a heavy burden with a dear friend over a velvety bowl of soup is just what we need.
From the moment I first turned on the mason jar lights at Monkeypod Jam, I knew we had to host a time for adults to sit down to a simple meal and enjoy relaxed conversation. Our first dinner will launch with the help of my sister, Heidi. She will be visiting from Portland and is an incredible home cook and hostess. Heidi and I have created a menu that pays tribute to our parents, the time they spend together, and the food they enjoy. We encourage you to bring a bottle of your favorite wine and let us take care of the rest.
Cheers!
Aletha
Italian Date Night at Monkeypod Jam
Date: Friday, October 12th, 2018
Time: 5pm to 9pm
Menu
Pupus
Ribollita Soup (v)
or
Tuscan Kale Salad (v)
Main
Beef Shank Ragout Over Creamy Polenta with Roasted Kauai Vegetables
or
Roasted Kauai Vegetable Lasagna (v)
Dessert
Dad's Panna Cotta Topped with White Pineapple Ginger Jam
or
Mom's Canadian Butter Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream
Walla Walla Roastery Coffee
or
Tea
Please bring your favorite wine!
$10 Corkage Fee
Cost: $45 Per Guest
(Not Including GET or Gratuity)
