A LIGHT AFFAIR
A LIGHT AFFAIR
How does one commemorate a year of existence and a fourth event at the very place where it all began? A formal gathering felt utterly incongruous, and a sit-down dinner even more so. Our ethos has always gravitated towards the organic, the natural—adaptive and flexible to the core.
Hosting yet another ostentatious affair amidst Milan’s most self-centred week, outside the realm of Fashion Week, didn’t sit right with us.
Something lighter was a better fit.
A perpetual flow of finger foods, replenished continuously throughout the evening. A fusion of the freshest local spring ingredients, sourced from regenerative farms and artfully paired with fine regional wines and effervescent bubbles, set the tone.
Lightness, that was our guiding principle.
Our Menu
Cheese and Olive Plate. Crispy Mushroom Focaccia. Tomato, Garlic and Thyme Focaccia. Basil Chimichurri Shrimp Skewers. Crudités with Creamy Pistachio Dip. White Bean Anchoïade. Peanut Butter Meringue Cookies. B52 Jello Shot. Cornèr Valdobbiadene Grand Cuvée Prosecco Superiore. Valfaccenda Bis-Lacco Bianco
Location
Nonominal Studio, Milan
Date
17 April 2024
Tableaux
of Culinary Whimsy
Tables draped in plastic, paying homage to the iconic installations of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, adorned the space. Crafted steel table props—a literal tableau, serving as a playground for culinary delights—dotted the venue. A mix of carbs, seafood, and veggies sourced from Italian regenerative farms delighted the palate. Cocktails, served in jelly form, added a whimsical touch to the affair. Lightness permeated every aspect—not overly formal, yet imbued with a sincere warmth and a welcoming communal spirit.
The ambiance, bathed in warm reds with neon accents, provided the perfect backdrop. A playlist curated from the golden era of Slavic ‘60s disco and electronica set the mood, ensuring pure, unassuming fun. Even the photography duties were relinquished to our guests, armed with disposable Kodak 35mm cameras, which adorned the space with their snapshots.
Moments of Joy
We’re immensely grateful for the multitude of images capturing one another, for Mise en Place is ultimately about people—not the setting, not the cuisine, not any individual’s contribution—but people revelling in a momentary, collective experience before it fades into memory. A homage to our journey thus far, a nod to the art of not taking things too seriously. A celebration of our commitment to authenticity: steering clear of egos, and gravitating towards the light.
Now, and always.
“Our works are temporary in order to endow the works of art with a feeling of urgency to be seen, and the love and tenderness brought by the fact that they will not last.”
Christo + Jeanne-Claude
Menu
The menu was designed to showcase the peak flavors of the season, featuring straightforward flavor pairings and paying homage to traditional dishes from various regions of Italy.
Natural Wine
Courtesy of Valfaccenda Winery in Canale, Piedmont.
Photography
By our guests, via Kodak FunSaver 35mm single use cameras that were peppered throughout the space.
Playlist
Curated playlist of the evening, available here.
Thank You
To all of our guests for filling the volume with the good energy and taking all the images that archived this special evening.
Special Thanks
To Nonominal Studio, our kind and generous hosts and ever supporting friends for opening up their home and all the assist on the set build, food runs, sourcing premium natural wine, and sorting out an incredibly thoughtful light installation.