Hosting at Home:

A wine-paired dinner party delights the senses!

BY RESIDENT AND PUBLICATION MANAGER BILLIE ROSE • PHOTOS BY JENNY SESSOMS • THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY CAPITAL TRIMLIGHT

Sometimes, a Willowsford Culinary event will not only yield delicious recipes, but it can also ignite a spark of inspiration. That’s what happened to the Ahmeds recently. “Riz and I are huge foodies. We enjoy going out to restaurants and wine tasting at vineyards. We met Chef Emily Worth and Sommelier Nick Materese at Willowsford’s Spain vs Italy wine duel event, and so were inspired to host a more intimate dinner and wine tasting event at our house” said Jenn. Also, “We just finished renovating our kitchen with Grace Thomas Designs, and we wanted to kick-start the New Year and my birthday by having a private chef and wine sommelier. It was an unforgettable experience!”

Jenn and her husband Riz hosted 8 couples at their house in the Grant in January, with details guaranteed to create a unique evening. “The theme was ‘A Journey through the Five Taste Senses.’ Chef Emily Worth helped us craft a tasting menu and paired it with Nick’s wines,” Jenn said. She added, “The guests were asked to dress in their best cocktail attire. We began the evening with a champagne toast, then gathered around the kitchen island and dining table for the wine and food-tasting experience.” Photographer Jenny Sessoms was on hand to capture the memories.

Jenn said a highlight of the party was Nick’s storytelling behind every wine: “It was so informative and entertaining!” Guests delighted watching the crew cook and plate every dish in the comfort of the Ahmed’s kitchen, and everyone enjoyed tasting each course best of all.

Jenn summed up the event by saying, “Chef Emily Worth’s gift for food design and prep, Nick Materese’s wealth of knowledge and eloquent storytelling, and Jenny Sessom’s talent for photography helped make this one of the best birthdays ever. Also, enjoying the company of our friends and family (postpandemic) in our beautiful home and neighborhood made this truly a night to remember!”