On January 18th, ChefDance Social hosted a dinner party themed “The Feast of Good Fortune” celebrating the birthday of founder Mimi Kim, to kick off the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, prior to Leon Bridges’ headlining show presented by Chase Sapphire as part of ‘The Premiere Series,’ upstairs at The Marquis Park City in partnership with LNE Presents.
The dinner was the official launch of the all new ChefDance Social permanent restaurant concept helmed at the hand of James Beard accredited Chef Shawn McClain with localized Executive Chef Jordan Harvey. The launch dinner featured delicious Italian cuisine courses as part of a curated custom “Feast of Good Fortune” menu in honor of ChefDance Social founder Mimi Kim’s birthday and the Year of The Dragon. The meal was also highlighted by a special dessert featuring Candy Pop Butterfinger — Popcorn Panna Cotta — a creation by ChefDance pastry chef Jessie Rae.
Pastry Chef Jessie Rae is no stranger to the culinary scene in Park City. After attending a local culinary program at Utah Valley University, she started working in Park City at Montage Deer Valley as part of their opening pastry team. Rae worked seasonally in Alaska helping to run a seafood restaurant on a small island, running a bread and pastry program as well as cooking. She has worked at properties all around Park City such as Stein Eriksen, crafting desserts and pastries.
Adds Rae, “The panna cotta showcases the Butterfinger popcorn flavor, from Candy Pop. Both inside and as a garnish. The dessert itself is an eggless dairy-based custard, gently set with gelatin, flavored with butter, Candy Pop popcorn and Butterfinger.”
During the dinner, music R&B sensation Leon Bridges participated in a meet and greet with Chase Sapphire VIP cardholders and fans, following the multi-course meal, before heading up to his performance at The Marquis. The event also featured a performance by The Voice finalist Ryan Innes, who performed multiple songs set to keys during the dinner party. Guests at the event also included Mimi’s husband and ChefDance co-founder Kenny Griswold, notables such as DJ Paul Oakenfold and F&B expert Adam Cohen.
In regards to the official launch of the new ChefDance Social restaurant concept, Kim notes –“Park City is a very special and unique place for residents and visitors alike. Kenny (Griswold) and I thought that it deserved a special Culinary gem that would up the food scene, so after 20 years of bringing remarkable chefs into Park City for ChefDance, we decided to open a permanent restaurant with Shawn McClain as our culinary partner, offering fine Italian cuisine. We will also have visiting Chefs throughout the year such as Chef Seunghyun who I was honored to welcome to our kitchen, to offer patrons a variety of food and experiences. It is very important to us to give back to the community that has given so much to us.”
To make reservations please visit chefdancesocial.com and also visit themarquispc.com for upcoming music concert dates.
For more info on Candy Pop Butterfinger visit cookiepopcandypop.com and sold at Market Basket and ShopRite.
Photo Credit – Brandi Anne Photography
