ChefDance Social commenced its festivities with the “Feast of Good Fortune” dinner, setting the stage for the Chase Sapphire Presents Leon Bridges Headlining Concert at The Marquis Park City, featuring renowned James Beard Chef Shawn McClain.
Photo Credit – Brandi Anne Photography
On January 18th, ChefDance Social hosted an elegant dinner party, marking the opening of the Sundance Film Festival and preceding Leon Bridges’ performance presented by Chase Sapphire as part of ‘The Premiere Series’ at The Marquis Park City in collaboration with LNE Presents. This event also served as the official introduction of ChefDance Social’s innovative permanent restaurant concept, led by the acclaimed James Beard Chef Shawn McClain and executed locally by Executive Chef Jordan Harvey.
The launch dinner delighted attendees with a sumptuous selection of Italian cuisine courses, meticulously curated under the theme of the “Feast of Good Fortune.” This culinary celebration not only commemorated ChefDance Social founder Mimi Kim’s birthday but also paid homage to the Year of The Dragon. The meal reached its sweet crescendo with a delectable dessert, a masterpiece crafted by ChefDance’s pastry chef, Jessie Rae – the Candy Pop Butterfinger-infused Popcorn Panna Cotta.
Jessie Rae, an established figure in Park City’s culinary scene, honed her craft through a culinary program at Utah Valley University. Her journey led her to Montage Deer Valley, where she contributed to their pastry team during their opening. Rae’s culinary odyssey extended to Alaska, where she managed a seafood restaurant, overseeing both the bread and pastry program. She also showcased her talents at renowned Park City establishments like Stein Eriksen, where her expertise in crafting desserts and pastries shone.
Regarding the Popcorn Panna Cotta, Jessie Rae elucidated, “The dessert elegantly highlights the Butterfinger popcorn flavor from Candy Pop, both within the custard and as a garnish. This eggless, dairy-based custard, subtly set with gelatin, is enhanced with the rich flavors of butter, Candy Pop popcorn, and Butterfinger.”
Throughout the dinner, R&B sensation Leon Bridges engaged in a meet and greet with Chase Sapphire VIP cardholders and fans. This intimate encounter followed a multi-course culinary extravaganza and preceded his enthralling performance at The Marquis. The evening’s musical entertainment also featured The Voice finalist, Ryan Innes, who serenaded the dinner guests with multiple songs, expertly played on the keys.
Notable attendees included Mimi Kim’s husband and ChefDance co-founder, Kenny Griswold, as well as prominent figures like DJ Paul Oakenfold and F&B expert Adam Cohen.
Mimi Kim, reflecting on the official launch of ChefDance Social’s novel restaurant concept, emphasized, “Park City holds a unique and cherished place in the hearts of both residents and visitors. Kenny (Griswold) and I believed it deserved an extraordinary culinary gem to elevate its dining scene. After two decades of bringing exceptional chefs to Park City for ChefDance, we decided to establish a permanent restaurant, partnering with culinary maestro Shawn McClain to offer fine Italian cuisine. Throughout the year, we will also host visiting chefs, such as Chef Seunghyun, whom I had the honor of welcoming to our kitchen, to provide patrons with diverse culinary experiences. Giving back to the community that has given us so much is of utmost importance to us.”
For reservations, please visit www.chefdancesocial.com, and stay updated on upcoming music concert dates at www.themarquispc.com.
For more information on Candy Pop Butterfinger, visit www.cookiepopcandypop.com, available at Market Basket and ShopRite locations.