Gorgeous Plates
August 2025 – Stylized Tasting Experience
Gorgeous Plates was a tasting installation dedicated to culinary presentation as an art form. The concept began with Maddie Heldman, who invited me to collaborate with her to build something exquisite… and so we envisioned an evening of indulgent delights for devoted epicureans.
Podlasie Club – a widely beloved historic community hub for Chicago nightlife – served as the setting for our feast. Instead of packing the dance floor, over 50 guests packed the lounge, our plates in hand. Inventive dishes sat atop folding tables draped in soft linens, glimmering with antique serveware. Every plate held its own playful gesture… piña colada mousse tucked into shells, butter cast in the shape of fish.
I developed the recipes for my portion of the menu and collaborated with Maddie on the visual presentation and styling of the food. I also sourced antique serveware, contributed to the event copy, and designed the printed menus.
Creative Co-Direction, Event Styling, & Menu Development: Jessica Packard & Maddie Heldman
Programming Communications & Venue Coordination: Maddie Heldman
Hand Collaged Event Flyer Design & Vintage Photo Sourcing: Maddie Heldman
Printed Menu Layout Design: Jessica Packard
Photography & Printed Materials: Gabrielle Barrera
Recipes developed by Jessica Packard:
Salmon roe on fennel pollen and lemon zest infused mascarpone, with fennel frond and rose petal dust
Butterfly pea flower dyed egg, crème fraîche tarragon yolk, finished with smoked sea salt, pickled fennel bulb, and dill
Duck prosciutto and celeriac purée on parmesan crisp, topped with hibiscus glaze, pomegranate, and fennel frond
Endive with roasted beet and walnut hummus, garnished with bergamot olive oil, balsamic pearls, and microgreens
Carr’s water cracker topped with green olive and anchovy tapenade, adorned with a radish slice and black garlic butter
Pistachio custard with toasted buckwheat, topped with whipped ricotta, blood orange olive oil, honeycomb, and candied sage
