Looking Back at 2023
2023 was a year filled with our biggest accomplishments yet. Wonderful people from all over pulled up chairs to our table, feasted on nutrient-dense produce and celebrated the seasons with us.
We kicked off the winter season with Mind, Body & Soul. An all-women dinner focused on layers of wellness – all about our food, where it comes from, and the importance of the community around us. Satiating our hunger in the midst of the cold season while being serenaded by a dear friend.
As February came, we celebrated our Love Affair tucked away in Milligram Coffee’s backyard. Indulging in aphrodisiacs, seasonal dishes and intimate question cards to connect our guests.
Spring had sprung and we celebrated the change of seasons with our very first brunch! Held at Neat Coffee and surrounded by sun, Spring Fling was adorned with incredible florals and bright souls. We toasted with champagne and fresh squeezed juices and nourished our bodies with local eggs, fresh veggies and a hearty buckwheat porridge.
To celebrate Earth Day, we gathered in support of sustainable farming, locally sourced produce, building more resilient communities and prioritizing nutrient density. Local farms and a regenerative ranch provided the ingredients for Earth, Farm & Table, a Baja-inspired Southern California 5 course dinner.
As summer was on the cusp, we gathered at Bluebird Canyon Farms in celebration of Coastal Harvest. Guests from as far as the east coast attended and we all joined in intentional conversation. Bright and seasonal dishes were served as the produce was picked from the land the morning of!
Lighthearted turned 1 in the heart of summer! The solstice is our favorite time of the year as we enjoy the longest day of sun and our anniversary. We gathered around a candlelit table, served vibrant produce and connected over intentional conversation with Burn and Bloom. We couldn’t imagine a more beautiful dinner upon the rooftop by the beach.
We had a big surprise this summer too… Our very own Lighthearted Kitchen plates! Hand thrown, herb pressed and locally sourced ceramic plates made by Glazed Garage. Bringing Lighthearted to your kitchen was a dream of ours!
In late June we joined in Still Interior’s backyard for a night of nourishment and joy, continuing to celebrate summer’s produce with 7 courses.
We stepped into the design space a little as we were asked to create a summer menu for Amber Interiors and hold a team lunch for Lindye Galloway x Garden Studio Design.
Wilde House Paper asked us to help them celebrate their 5 year anniversary! We served 5 courses of seasonal dishes, partnered with other local brands to create a beautiful space for guests to share their stories and sip some natural wines.
The breeze started rolling in as it became September. We held Harvest Harmony in honor of autumn harvest at our favorite place to source our ingredients – Bluebird Canyon Farms. We truly nourished our bodies with gazpacho, sourdough, rack of lamb, lots of fresh veggies like squash and topped it off with organic pumpkin cake.
Speaking of cake… We sold our very own organic Pumpkin Olive Oil Cakes after that dinner! Made right in our kitchen and delivered directly to you. Fresh pumpkin puree from the harvest and made full of nutrients like probiotic cream cheese cinnamon frosting. We can’t wait to make more seasonal goods in 2024.
Our biggest and most exciting event of the year came in October… Our very first Bed and Breakfast! An all-inclusive, chef-curated weekend of woodsy fall cabins tucked away in Big Bear Lake. We held a welcome bonfire with drinks and s’mores, a 5 course meal, brunch baskets and time to enjoy the outdoors. This was the start of our B&B series and we are so excited for more!
As the year came to a close we celebrated Friendsgiving after Friendsgiving with our clients and Christmas with the Lighthearted Kitchen team. We hosted a wreath making and movie night in the spirit of the season. We decorated fresh wreaths with foraged items, watched a documentary on regenerative soil and indulged on organic pizza and homemade pie.
We love our team and what Lighthearted Kitchen has grown to become. We can’t wait for the tables ahead. Thank you so much for all your support in 2023!
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