Garden Day, back at the shop

(Update 7-30) Due to popular request, more food photos from our Garden Day menu~~ Arugula pesto (crisp & mild) and goat cheese with roasted beets (delicious!) on crostini; and Adam's browned-butter raspberry tarts. The raspberries were large, round, fresh and perfect, the tart was popular, as well!

~We had a great time after the garden tours - everyone enjoyed a colorful, fresh lunch at The PORCH & Atelier (thank you, Chef Adam & Malia). Deb Rens did a marvelous job - she brought gorgeous herb plantings ($3-$9); sampled herbs: of note were the lavender sugar and rosemary salt, answered questions, and had recipe handouts.

Everything wrapped up with shopping, and touring the third floor apartment. Of most interest at this tour: cabinets in the living room and kitchen (built by Alan-you may have seen his cabinets and granite-top pieces in the Atelier), mirrors in the living room and kitchen, and the architectural details in the entry.

Thank you to everyone who attended - many were from the surrounding area and the metro, but some came from as far as Bismarck ND and Mason City IA! The gardeners (and their helpers), guests, and workers here all made for a memorable day - thank you~

GARDEN TOURS SPECIAL EVENT!

Each year, we celebrate gardening with a special event: Garden Day. Enjoy peak, midsummer blooms, inspiration, and true garden hospitality when you join us on Saturday, July 18, for garden tours and fun! With registration ($19), you receive the guide to touring local, private gardens. Then come to The PORCH & Atelier for our chef-prepared refreshments, demonstrations/recipes featuring herbs, and prizes. (Due to popular demand), we're also offering tours of the newly renovated third-floor apartment.

Email theporch@bwig.net, or call 763 684-1254 if you'd like to know more.

April 25th Apartment Tours

The Porch & Atelier Apartment Tour on Saturday was well-attended and fun. Thank you for everyone's interest in the apartment life, renovation and design!

Tours were casual, everyone had plenty of time to wander, check out the renovation and decorating details, and ask questions. Of most interest at this tour: old architectural details, exposed brick walls in entry and living room, pair of tall living room cabinets, living room windows and their lake views; the kitchen potrack (fireplace fender hung on the wall over stove); kitchen cabinetry (generally constructed of reclaimed materials - some from the living room renovation); and the various French antique swinging curtain rods, in the office and bedroom.

The cocoa and tiny vanilla meringues were a hit, along with brie with apricot preserves, and sparkling wine. Since the tours have been so enjoyable, we'll offer them again at advertised times. Let me know if you're interested....

Apartment Tours this Saturday!

April in Paris had such a great response, we couldn't accommodate everyone who wanted to come! So, we are offering a second opportunity to tour the third floor apartment - this Saturday, April 25, at noon, $10, h'orsdouerves will be served.
Just call ahead: 763 684-1254, or email theporch@bwig.net to let us know if you're coming.