Culinary director Lauren Lombardi is setting her own table to serve loyal customers meticulously crafted dinners in a new series titled Dinner at The Market.
The owner of Lombardi’s Love Lane Market (170 Love Lane, Mattituck, 631-298-9500) and a beloved catering business launched her longtime idea in April. On May 7, at 6:30 p.m. she’s welcoming guests back at $75 per person for another delicious dinner, meant to feel like a meal shared with family.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” says Lombardi.
In April, a small group enjoyed a four-course dinner, including dishes like insalata di radicchio, mushroom ravioli, wood-fired roasted chicken and a pistachio tiramisu.
“A lot of the guests attending were customers of mine that I’ve had since the day I opened the market,” says Lombardi. “It felt really special to see their faces at the table.”
Naturally, Lombardi, who works regularly with the North Fork’s farmers and winemakers, incorporated loads of local produce. On the upcoming May menu, she has food from Deep Roots Farm, Trieber Farms and Oregon Road Organics on the list.
Lauren Lombardi’s Dinner at the Market in April (Photo credit: Slowwave Studio)
“I love designing the menu around what’s in season and what we can source locally,” says Lombardi.
The dinner situated in the charming market will include a gem lettuce, local radish and fresh goat cheese first course; risotto with local asparagus, lemon and Parmigiano-Reggiano; scallops, leeks and salsa verde; and to end the meal a crostata al limone and cream.
What’s fun for Lombardi about this format is the flexibility to make the dishes she loves — the risotto being a favorite meal of hers to prepare.
“It’s one of those things that I love to make and want to share with everybody,” she says.
The new venture also allows her to tap into her catering core to prepare for the dinner but present it as a love letter of her own personal preferences to her customers.
“I think that’s what sets me apart from other caterers, whether I’m catering something at the market or a wedding, it’s all about bringing a personal touch to things, whether it’s an antique bowl or a cool basket to display something,” says Lombardi. “But even just in setting the table [for Dinner at the Market], I feel like I’m welcoming people into my home, because the market is technically my second home. It’s nice for me to have the creative freedom, as opposed to when I’m working with my clients helping to bring their vision to life.”
To check availability for the May dinner, call the market at 631-298-9500.
While Lombardi plans to continue the series, she has not yet set a date for the next dinner. Be on the lookout for coming events on the market’s Instagram page.
