What better way to live than in color? Here's one rainbow-bursting bash that raised a glass to life and one very special woman living hers to the fullest.
It Began With One Big Idea...
Lynda Marren may know a thing or two about throwing great parties. As owner and founder of Just Add Salt, a company that creates memorable culinary experiences, planning was all part of the fun. But as her sister Ellie's birthday came closer, Lynda knew this year's celebration had to be extra (extra!) special. It was not because Ellie was topping her cake with a significant number of candles, but because she had spent the last year fighting cancer for the third time. Not to mention, as an oncologist, she's also been working to find a cure. Lynda realized in order to truly celebrate a colorful life, a colorful birthday was a must.

...And An Even Bigger Mission
Lynda knew she wanted to host the event in The Mission District of their San Francisco town as it is one "full of life and spirit, just like Ellie." Soon, event planner and designer (and friend!) Heather Ferrai of All Set stepped in. She coined the perfect party tag line: "Ellie. A Girl on a Mission," which inspired many of the themes to come.
The Dinner Menu
Served family-style, the meal featured locally sourced ingredients from Northern California, culminating in a spread as colorful as it was delicious.
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The first main -- Fava Bean Tortelli -- included meyer lemon, morels, and pistachios.
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Rainbow trout -- cooked with parsnips, cherry relish, and hazelnut -- and whipped potatoes topped with chicken cracklings and chives rounded off the savory part of the night.
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Alongside braised short ribs with ramps and leeks, guests enjoyed roasted chicken with grilled lemon, calabrian chili and sea salt.
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To wash it all down? Craft cocktails from Trick Dog: "The Optimist" -- a concotion of Absolut Elyx vodka, Grind coffee liqueur, earl grey, soy milk, thyme, and lemon served on crushed ice.
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The first main -- Fava Bean Tortelli -- included meyer lemon, morels, and pistachios.
-
Alongside braised short ribs with ramps and leeks, guests enjoyed roasted chicken with grilled lemon, calabrian chili and sea salt.
-
Rainbow trout -- cooked with parsnips, cherry relish, and hazelnut -- and whipped potatoes topped with chicken cracklings and chives rounded off the savory part of the night.
-
To wash it all down? Craft cocktails from Trick Dog: "The Optimist" -- a concotion of Absolut Elyx vodka, Grind coffee liqueur, earl grey, soy milk, thyme, and lemon served on crushed ice.
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