This pop-up featured Jen Hatmaker. What?!

Friends, a few weeks ago I hosted a dinner party with bestselling author, speaker, podcaster, foodie, social justice advocate, and all-star mom Jen Hatmaker. I have been a fangirl for years, and I shared a table with her.

You read it right. I still can’t believe it. I pitched the idea and she said yes. It sold out in less than two minutes. My favorite place on the North Shore was the setting for this extraordinary evening. It came together in just a few weeks. The universe said YES over and over and over. This dream is coming true.

Here’s a little background.

Each summer, Jen goes to Me Camp in different locations around the country. Me Camp is just what it sounds like—a chance to spend time alone, rest, recharge, and immerse herself in new places and experiences. This year’s Me Camp destination was beautiful little Grand Marais, Minnesota, five hours north of my home in Minneapolis on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Jen is magic. Grand Marais is magic. When I heard this plan, how could I not make a pop-up dinner party happen?!

If you’re new here, pop-up dinner parties are my jam. Everything but the date and the general location are top secret. Two days before the event, ticket holders get an email with an exact location, and when they show up, a sumptuous gathering awaits them. A handcrafted multi-course meal, expertly selected wine pairings, gorgeous fresh flowers and luxurious linens, a custom playlist, and a group of adventurous fellow foodies—these are the makings of a truly unforgettable dining experience. It’s so fun.

On July 16 at 6 p.m., a group of 21 women gathered for this Noshmaker dinner (see what I did there?) at a beautiful cabin on Lake Superior. Jen Hatmaker was our special guest, but you’d never have guessed that we were starstruck to meet her. She is a natural at gathering groups together for deep, meaningful, and sometimes hilarious conversations. The weather was North Shore summer perfection.

Of course, the evening started with a Noshnic. It’s an N&G specialty. Think of a picnic, but elevated. The setting was ideal for guests to meet and get to know each other while munching local meats, cheeses, and honey and a smoked whitefish brandade (a diplike dish with olive oil and potatoes, served with bread).

Next, we moved to a beautifully-laid table for chilled cucumber summer soup with roasted garlic oil, followed by grilled peaches and green beans with hot honey, goat cheese, and crushed almonds. Give me all the local summer flavors.

Our main course was fresh-caught Lake Superior whitefish with blistered tomatoes, French potato salad, and arugula with a light vinaigrette. And we ended our meal with strawberry rhubarb crisp and my signature homemade vanilla ice cream. Conversation continued long past the last bite. Every detail was perfect.

Local food, flowers, decor. A legion of community support in the days and weeks leading up to the event. A dinner party with diverse perspectives, mutual respect, and the best conversation. All with the mysterious and peaceful presence of Lake Superior in the background. I’m still smiling, and my heart is full.