Ever felt the need to gather around the table with good food and even better conversation, but without the chaos of big parties? I’ve been missing the ease of simple entertaining at home. These days, most of my weekends are spent out in the Boonies at my partner’s place — lovely, of course, but I found myself longing for the joy of gathering friends around my own table in town. So, I came up with Tasty Thursdays: once a month, five guests — a mix of friends, colleagues, and friends-of-friends — join me for an evening of comfort food, conversation, and low-key fun.
Entertaining at home has always been close to my heart. Growing up, we lived above my parents’ restaurant, so if I wanted to see them, I’d head down to the kitchen. The few moments we spent together were often during our evening meals, which were quick yet simple, served just before the evening rush at the restaurant. My dad would also cook for friends on rare occasions, and I’d listen to the stories and laughter that filled those nights. Having a house full of guests in the restaurant every day, combined with those quiet family & friends moments, shaped my understanding of hospitality. It taught me that it’s not just about the food—it’s about creating space for connection, for stories, and for the warmth that comes from sharing a meal with others. This is why entertaining at home is so special to me: it’s not just about feeding people, it’s about bringing people together and creating memories around the table.
I’m a true cookbook addict—I have nearly 200 books in my collection from all over the world, spanning a vast array of cuisines and chefs. From the well-known culinary legends to the lesser-known gems, each book offers something unique. Some are beautifully photographed, others are a bit worn with years of sticky notes and splattered pages, each one a testament to my ongoing love affair with food. It’s not just about the recipes; it’s about the stories, the techniques, and the cultures behind each dish. I find myself endlessly inspired by the way each chef or cookbook author brings their own perspective to the table. And with every new cookbook I add to my shelf, I feel like I’m bringing a new world of flavors and ideas into my home. Cooking from them isn’t just about trying new recipes—it’s about immersing myself in the rich narratives of food and discovering new ways to make meals come alive.
My Tasty Thursdays are the perfect blend of my love for cookbooks and my passion for entertaining at home. Dinner is served by 8:15 PM, and by midnight, everyone’s headed home with full bellies and happy hearts. No stress, no fuss—just great food, meaningful conversation, and plenty of laughter. I cook family-style, healthy, seasonal comfort food, always followed by a sweet dessert inspired by one of the many cookbooks that line my shelves. Guests bring a beverage to share—budget-friendly and unique drinks are always encouraged—and at the end of the evening, I send everyone home with a curated tasty gift, a little something to remember the night by. But what really ties everything together is my love of a beautifully set table. I’ll often spend hours perfecting it, carefully combining vintage pieces that hold sentimental value with modern, budget-friendly details. The result is a table that feels both timeless and fresh, setting the mood for a warm, memorable evening.
Creating an atmosphere where guests feel welcome and comfortable is always my key aim. It’s all about the personalized touches and experiences that make people feel taken care of, as if they’ve stepped into a space where they can truly relax and enjoy. The vibe I strive to create is one of sharing, caring, and connection—a place where stories flow, laughter fills the air, and new friendships bloom. Not everyone around the table knows each other, but that’s where the magic happens. To help break the ice, I pull out my gourmet question box—filled with food-themed conversation starters—to spark laughter, engage everyone, and get the conversation flowing. It’s a simple way to turn strangers into friends, all while enjoying good food and good company. At the heart of it all is a shared experience, where the joy of the meal and the connections made linger long after the evening ends.
March’s Tasty Thursday: Comfort Food, Conversation, and a Whole Lot of Lemon, Donna Hay Style
My inaugural Tasty Thursday was in March, and it was inspired by one of my absolute favorite cookbook authors, Donna Hay. I have nearly every one of her books, and one of her latest, WeekLight, was the spark for this menu.
Donna Hay is one of those rare chefs who has mastered the art of effortless elegance in the kitchen. Her approach to cooking is grounded in the belief that simplicity is the key to making food that not only tastes incredible but also feels approachable and fun to prepare. What’s remarkable about Donna is how she elevates everyday meals with just a few simple techniques, seasonal ingredients, and the right balance of flavors.
What I admire most about Donna’s philosophy is her focus on seasonal cooking and the idea that food should celebrate the best of what’s available in each season. This aligns perfectly with my own belief that the flavors of the season should dictate what’s on our plates. Her recipes are designed to be easy to follow, yet they never compromise on the quality of ingredients. It’s about creating meals that are both simple and satisfying — comfort food with a twist.
What drew me to Donna Hay’s approach to cooking is how it reflects my own values: simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and the belief that the details matter. For me, creating a memorable dinner isn’t just about what’s on the plate; it’s about setting the stage for a great shared moment around food — making your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and like they’re part of something special. And that’s exactly what I tried to capture with this Tasty Thursday.
For this month’s dinner, I embraced the idea of creating effortless elegance, focusing on fresh, seasonal flavors that would nourish the body and soul. Donna’s recipes are never overly complicated, yet they always feel luxurious because they’re built on the foundation of great ingredients and thoughtful presentation. It’s this philosophy that inspired me to create a menu that was both simple and indulgent, with flavors that felt like spring itself.
All Tasty Thursdays with a playful and fresh appetizer: seasonal crudités served in little terracotta flowerpots alongside homemade hummus. It was a sweet, rustic nod to spring and a fun conversation starter.
For the main course, I riffed on Donna’s crispy chia salmon, pairing it with a vibrant za’atar-spiced salad. Za’atar is one of my favourite spice blends — a punchy mix of oregano, sesame seeds, and salt that brings so much character to even the simplest dish. It was an easy choice — it’s vibrant, healthy, and brimming with Middle Eastern flavors that I adore. Za’atar, with its earthy oregano and sesame notes, adds a depth of flavor to the salmon without overpowering it. I love how Donna Hay’s recipes take advantage of seasonal ingredients to create something both flavorful and light — perfect for the changing seasons. I also gifted my guests some Za’atar as Tasty Gift to take home, so they could continue to be inspired by its rich, aromatic flavors
And for dessert? A sunshiny lemon, honey, and almond cake — light, fragrant, and just the right amount of indulgent. I was inspired by the classic comfort of a simple almond cake. The tang of lemon is a perfect match for the richness of the olive oil, honey and almonds, and it made for the perfect sweet ending to a meal that celebrated both simplicity and elegance. It’s one of those cakes that tastes just as good the next day, so it’s perfect for guests to take home a little piece of the evening with them.
Because lemon featured in both the main and the dessert, I leaned into the theme and dressed the table in all things yellow: candles, tulips, ribbons, tablecloths, napkins — even a whimsical centerpiece made from lemons in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It was cheerful, cozy, and the perfect way to kick off this new tradition.
April’s Tasty Thursday: Celebrating Spring and Simplicity of Food with Alice Waters
For April’s Tasty Thursday, I turned to one of the legends of fresh, seasonal cooking and visionary activist: Alice Waters. Her cookbook, The Art of Simple Food, is a constant source of inspiration for me, especially when it comes to celebrating the beauty of the seasons, and spring is no exception. Alice’s philosophy is all about honoring what’s in season and letting the natural flavors shine, and that’s exactly what I aimed to do with this month’s menu. Alice Waters’ philosophy has always been about cooking simply, but with intention — using the best ingredients at their peak. And that’s exactly what I wanted to do with this meal: celebrate the flavors of spring by showcasing fresh, seasonal produce in a way that felt easy, unpretentious, and inviting.
Alice Waters isn’t just an acclaimed chef — she’s a pioneering food activist whose contributions have shaped how we think about food, sustainability, and education. Her philosophy isn’t just about creating delicious meals; it’s about reconnecting people with where their food comes from and promoting a more sustainable and conscious way of eating.
One of her key pillars is the idea of eating from your backyard, whether that’s a literal backyard garden or a local farm. Alice believes that growing your own food, or sourcing from local growers, is one of the best ways to support your community, reduce your carbon footprint, and, most importantly, connect with nature. It’s about making food more personal and grounded in the seasons, where what’s on your plate reflects what’s thriving locally. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the concept of seasonal cooking, where the flavors of the earth dictate what we eat.
In addition to this, Alice has been an active force in food education, particularly for children. Her Edible Schoolyard Project, which she started in 1995, is one of her most visionary initiatives. Through this program, Alice introduced schoolchildren to the joys and importance of growing, preparing, and sharing food. She has helped create garden-based classrooms that encourage children to get their hands dirty, understand where their food comes from, and learn the value of fresh, healthy ingredients. The project has since expanded to thousands of schools across the country and around the world, changing how kids think about food and nutrition.
When I think of spring, I think of fresh, vibrant flavors, after the seasonal crudités served in little terracotta flowerpots with homemade hummus — what better way to showcase that than with lamb kebabs, marinated and cooked to perfection. The rich, juicy lamb paired beautifully with a green spring salad. I added white asparagus, which is totally in season right now, and adds a subtle crunch and a mild, nutty flavor that complements the fresh greens beautifully. The salad was crisp, refreshing, and a gorgeous celebration of everything spring has to offer — crisp, vibrant, and full of life, tasted like they were just picked from the garden. The combination of the charred lamb and the refreshing salad was the perfect balance, and it had everyone coming back for seconds.
As with any meal inspired by Alice Waters, the ingredients were the star of the show. I didn’t fuss too much with complex seasoning or technique; instead, I let the simplicity of the food take center stage. The lamb was marinated with fresh mint, parsley and a hint of cumin, letting the flavors infuse and tenderize the meat. The result was something that felt effortless yet utterly satisfying.
For dessert, I couldn’t resist the allure of a rhubarb-strawberry galette. Rhubarb is one of those ingredients that really says “spring” to me, and it pairs so wonderfully with the sweetness of strawberries. Wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry, it’s the kind of dessert that’s just sweet enough without being overwhelming — perfect for a spring evening.
The tasty gift for this evening was salt from Ibiza “Sal de Ibiza Flores” with dried flowers — the perfect little treat to take home, both beautiful and practical. It’s a gift that adds a little touch of luxury to anyone’s cooking, and it was the perfect way to end a spring-inspired evening. A little something to take home, much like the memories of a delicious meal shared with friends.
For this Tasty Thursday, my table was a beautiful blend of vintage charm and modern simplicity — a curated space that reflected my love for family, memories, and meaningful details. One of the most personal touches was the use of vintage plates from my parents’ 2 Michelin star restaurant, which they ran in the 1980s. These dishes hold so much more than just sentimental value; they represent a piece of my family’s history. I love bringing them out for special occasions like this, where food and company become an extension of my parents’ legacy.
Every time I set the table with these plates, I’m reminded of the countless meals shared in their restaurant, the laughter, and the warmth of those gatherings. There’s something about these plates that makes the meal feel more authentic and grounded in history — a subtle nod to a time when my dad’s cooking was all about soulful innovation and experimentation with flavours and ingredients. As the plates are from a restaurant that once thrived on seasonal, fresh ingredients, I wanted to honor that with a table that felt equally welcoming and comfortable.
To balance the vintage charm, I paired the plates with fresh flowers from my garden (simple tulips in shades of yellow), a clean white tablecloth, and soft linen napkins. I kept the decor minimal and fresh, allowing the vintage plates to be the star of the show while still creating a warm and inviting space. The beauty of using these vintage dishes is that they serve as a conversation starter, and as the evening unfolds, I often share the story of my parents’ restaurant with my guests. It’s a small detail, but one that gives the evening a unique, personal touch — something that’s often missing from more polished, store-bought settings.
By blending the old with the new, I created a table that felt both timeless and contemporary — a perfect setting for good food and good company. It wasn’t about perfection, but rather about making everyone feel welcome and creating a space that felt both personal and inviting. The nostalgia behind the plates wasn’t just trendy, it was meaningful, and I loved how it made the meal feel more connected to the past while still being a part of our present
Easy Weeknight Entertaining: 5 Tips for a Stress-Free Dinner at Home
Entertaining at home doesn’t have to be reserved for weekends or special occasions. In fact, some of the best, most relaxed dinners happen during the week — when the pressure is off, and the goal is simply to share good food and great company. Whether it’s a last-minute gathering or a planned weeknight dinner with friends, here are my top tips for making entertaining at home both easy and enjoyable.
1. Keep It Simple: Focus on One or Two Dishes
The key to stress-free entertaining is simplicity. Stick to one or two dishes that can be prepped ahead of time or cooked quickly. Dishes like family-style pasta, one-pan meals, or roasted vegetables with a protein (think also plant-based) are perfect for a weeknight dinner. The beauty of these dishes is that they can be made in advance and require minimal hands-on time when guests arrive. Plus, they often taste even better the next day, so leftovers are a bonus!
Tip: A salad and dessert can often be assembled in just a few minutes, rounding out your meal without much effort.
2. Keep the Focus on Good Conversation, Not Perfection
Weeknight entertaining is all about keeping it relaxed. Don’t stress about perfectly plated food or spotless kitchen counters. What makes a meal memorable isn’t perfection — it’s the shared experience, the laughter, and the connection with your guests. The beauty of weeknight dinners is the low-key atmosphere, so embrace it!
Tip: Play some background music, share a funny story or two, and let the evening unfold naturally. Everyone is there to enjoy the food and the company — so just be present.
3. Set the Mood with a Curated Table Setting
One of the easiest ways to make weeknight entertaining feel special is by curating a beautiful table setting. It’s not about spending a fortune, but about creating a space that makes your guests feel welcomed and valued. I love blending vintage, well-loved pieces with modern, budget-friendly touches to achieve a look that’s both personal and inviting.
A set table immediately sets the tone for the evening, even before the food is served. Using vintage plates, glasses, and napkins that have personal meaning adds character to the meal, making the experience feel more authentic and thoughtful. You can pair these sentimental items with modern decor elements, such as simple linen napkins, fresh flowers, ribbons or affordable candles to elevate the atmosphere without spending too much.
To make the process as stress-free as possible, I recommend setting the table a week in advance. This gives you plenty of time to experiment with placement, tweak the details, and add finishing touches when inspiration strikes. Plus, having the table already set lets you focus on other aspects of entertaining, like preparing the food and enjoying time with your guests.
The key to a great table setting is to create a vibe that complements your home’s style and welcomes your guests. Whether it’s the warmth of vintage pieces or the simplicity of modern touches, the effort you put into creating a well-thought-out table will make your guests feel at ease and excited for the meal to come. The vibe and mood of the setting often mean more than perfection — it’s about creating a comfortable, enjoyable environment where everyone can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Tip: Don’t stress about matching everything perfectly! A curated table setting is about bringing together things you love, and mixing styles can be the perfect way to create a dynamic and welcoming space. Even the simplest table can be elevated with a little attention to detail, and it will make your guests feel like they’re part of something special.
4. Ask Guests to Bring a Beverage: A Collaborative Touch
One of the best ways to create a more interactive dining experience is by inviting guests to bring a beverage to share budget-friendly and unique encouraged. It’s a simple but effective way to bring everyone into the mix, while also relieving some of the hosting pressure. Plus, it opens up the opportunity for guests to introduce something personal — whether it’s a favorite wine, a homemade cocktail, or an interesting soft drink they’ve discovered.
When guests bring a beverage, they’re actively participating in the evening, which makes the meal feel more communal and inclusive. It also makes your job a little easier, since you’re not responsible for stocking an entire bar or figuring out the perfect wine pairing for every course. You can even make it a fun theme — like asking everyone to bring unique craft beers, or creating a little wine-tasting night with everyone contributing a different bottle.
The beauty of this tip is that it not only cuts down on preparation but also adds an element of surprise to the table. You never know what new drink discovery your guests will bring! It keeps the evening feeling fresh and adds conversation starters, as everyone gets to chat about their chosen beverage.
5. Add a Little Fun: Icebreaker Question Cards
Once your guests are settled at the table, it’s time to make the conversation flow more easily. To do this, I love having a set of icebreaker question cards on the table. These cards are great for sparking light conversation and getting everyone involved. Questions can range from fun and silly (“What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?”) to thought-provoking (“If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?”).
I always keep it light and fun, so people don’t feel pressured. These cards help take the focus off awkward silences and ensure that everyone has a chance to speak. Plus, they’re a great way for people to learn more about each other, especially if they’re meeting for the first time. The beauty of these cards is that they make the evening feel interactive and encourage guests to share stories or experiences they might not have otherwise.
Tip: Keep the cards simple and fun, and encourage everyone to contribute. You can also pass them around so everyone gets a turn, or have each guest pick one card and answer it. Either way, it’ll keep the conversation flowing and make everyone feel more comfortable.
