Social Hour: Dinner x Design Dazzled as a Culinary and Artistic Masterpiece
Austin's top restaurants and interior designers partnered for Tribeza’s exclusive & chic dinner party
Tribeza’s 2023 Dinner x Design, hosted by The Agency Austin and held at Fair Market, was an exquisite and unforgettable evening. Thanks to the lovely designers Fern Santini, Elysian Collective, Meredith Owen Interiors, Robin Bond Interiors, Modern Hippie Design Studio and BANDD Design all expectations were exceeded.
As guests entered the party they were met with CoCollect’s show-stopping art installation, creating the perfect backdrop for group photos. Before dinner, and in between many photo-worthy moments by the Say Cheese roaming photo booths, libations were served by Too Shay Spirits with refreshments provided courtesy of Desert Door Texas Sotol, Adega Vinho, Vista Brewing Co., Island Getaway Rum, and Still Austin Whiskey Co.
While DJ Ferno set the pulse of the exhilarating night, guests mingled in lounges from Summer Classics and Lodgewell. And to commemorate the fabulous evening, Vogue Vignette was offering live drawings in the Lodgewell lounge. Next, everyone settled in for the main event, a multi-course elegant dinner, served up by Austin’s top chefs and restaurants 1417 French Bistro, Bacalar, Yamas, Ten Ten, Trattoria Lisina and The Well. Each meal was unforgettable and perfectly complimented each table’s decor.
“This event is really a tapestry. It’s living, breathing art installations. It’s collaborative theater that comes alive when the audience enters the venue and interacts with it. It’s the most beautiful weaving of some of the most creative and talented people in Austin, and they all put on the most incredible performances! Every single Dinner x Design contributor took a risk to think out of their own boxes, and to work together, and it created pure magic,” said Tribeza’s Director of Events, Becca Gutierrez Schafer.
Dinner x Design’s Culinary Artistry and Tablescapes
Picture a soirée in the heart of 1920s Paris, where the realms of literature and art converged in a dazzling spectacle. Fern Santini’s rendition of “Midnight in Paris” draws inspiration from a renowned French salon where the likes of Picasso and Hemingway would captivate audiences during dinner. At 1417 French Bistro, an exquisite menu awaits the evening—an indulgence featuring Salad Lyonnaise, Trout Meunière, and Chocolate Pot de Crème. Each course was thoughtfully paired with fine wine and champagne, creating an unforgettable tapestry of flavors. A Dinner x Design moment destined to become a cherished memory!
In a compatible collaboration, Elysian Collective and Bacalar united to craft an immersive celebration that pays homage to the rich tapestry of the Yucatan region in Mexico. This experience unfolded as a tribute to the intricate journey from raw materials to exquisite finished products, a narrative woven with the stories of skilled artisans who breathe life into both cuisine and cherished heirlooms. Together, they weaved a tapestry that reveres the essence of the Yucatan, embracing the artistry and narratives that shape its unique food, drink, design, and heritage.
Beyond a mere toast, the term ‘Yamas’ holds within it the essence of good health and a joyous celebration of life. Meredith Owen Interiors, in collaboration with Yamas, responds to this call by orchestrating a table that reveres the vibrant hues and invigorating scenery of Greece. The celebration extends further with a three-course culinary journey, each dish meticulously crafted to encapsulate the refreshing flavors and culinary finesse of Greek cuisine. Together, they partcipated in a sensory experience that transcends a mere meal, embodying the spirit of Yamas.
The immersive intimate and tranquil table created by Robin Bond Interiors crafted a harmonious blend of intricate floral arrangements and soothing water features. This carefully curated ambiance served as the ideal backdrop for savoring the delectable offerings of fresh Japanese cuisine, featuring Hamachi Carpaccio, Miso Masu, and Raspberry Yuzu Nice Cream, skillfully prepared by the talented team at Ten Ten. Together, the integration of design elements and culinary artistry was an inviting dining experience that transcended the ordinary, promising a feast for the senses.
The creative vision by BANDD Design and comforting four-course meal by Trattoria Lisina blended together seamlessly to take guests on a Tuscan journey. The table, meticulously curated by BANDD Design, effortlessly blends a sense of homey comfort with the allure of a European vacation, transporting you to a space where the line between familiarity and wanderlust gracefully blurs. The genuine Italian cuisine, featured Focaccia, Insalata Di Asparagi, Osso Buco, and Torta Cioccolato con Caramello, each bite reminiscent of the rustic charm and flavors of Tuscany. The immersive experience captured the essence of Italy’s culinary artistry and the inviting ambiance of a European escape.
Modern Hippie Design Studio arranged a vibrant realm of Bohemian Disco Nights, invoking an enchanting fusion of artistic flair and lively energy. The Well proved to be the ideal companion to these earthy elements, offering a menu that is both healthy and innovative featuring Asparagus Salad, Texas Wagyu Beef Short Rib, and Avocado Tart. Embracing a comfortable bohemian edge, this experience delivered a unique blend of creativity and merriment.
Gratitude to Generous Sponsors
“After a four-year hiatus of Dinner x Design, the anticipation and excitement surrounding this event was high. It is safe to say that all of our partners exceeded expectations and collaborated to create a beautiful and one-of-a-kind experience for guests. We’re already looking forward to next year!” said Tribeza’s Publisher, Krissy Littlestar Hearn.
Thank you to table sponsors, Frost Bank, SWBC Mortgage – The Breed Team and Heritage Title of Austin. Many thanks to Wolf and Wheat for generously contributing Margarita Kallas-Lee’s delicious Brown Butter Brioche cookies to the evening’s sought-after goodie bags. Additionally, a big thank you to Premiere Events for being a trusted rental partner for the night, Austin Event Lighting for illuminating the space and House of Margot Blair for providing the beautiful flowers.
Special appreciation to all Dinner x Design sponsors:
