Dinner in Tuscany

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

While many of our themed dinners have small, intimate tables, for this one we took our cues from Italian hospitality and had oversized family-style tables. The members did have assigned seating, however, we seated them all with "strangers" who had similar interests. What was supposed to be a 2.5 hour dinner transformed into a 4+ hour journey as almost the entire room stayed late to enjoy each other's company (we made sure to thank the many babysitters on that night!).

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Members loved the idea of family-style dishes were they were allowed to graze for longer times than a traditional plated meal. Although we had hopes to make the dinner truly traditional in an al fresco setting, Tennessee heat can be formidable so we brought the outdoors inside; now we see additional members asking us to replicate this scenario for their private events. This was a much less wine-focused meal and the attention turned to food, and the abundance of fantastic summer options, that continues to garner gratitude for our innovative and elevated culinary team.