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This Is the California Dinner Party You Wish You Were Invited To

Sponsored: Inside a dinner party with wine pairings celebrating the newest Southern California ALDI stores.
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Lisa Romerein

Yes, we love an outdoor dinner party served at long farm tables, with delicious wine and food—but when you add in a stunning backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains in Southern California and a locally-inspired feast prepared by Bon Appétit executive chef Mary Nolan, it takes things to another level. We went behind the scenes at the night’s event, where bloggers celebrated the newest Southern California ALDI stores, and captured the perfect pairings of seasonal produce with an assortment of stellar wines.

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    Lisa Romerein
    1/15

    A Stunning Backdrop

    Bloggers in Southern California gathered for dinner on the picturesque vineyard grounds surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains.

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    Lisa Romerein
    2/15

    What a Spread!

    The appetizers impressed guests, with goat cheese and mushroom crostini, caprese skewers and charcuterie taking center stage.

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    Lisa Romerein
    3/15

    The Season’s Best Bounty

    Fresh cherry tomatoes with creamy mozzarella and basil were stacked onto skewers—finished with drizzle of balsamic and a crack of ground pepper.

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    Lisa Romerein
    4/15

    Bring on the Bubbles

    Grandi Mori Valdobbiadene Prosecco was poured to toast to the evening and a bounty of delicious dishes.

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    Lisa Romerein
    5/15

    We Saved You a Seat

    As guests made their way to their seats, they noshed on an assortment of charcuterie and gourmet cheeses, all available at ALDI.

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    Lisa Romerein
    6/15

    A Perfect Pairing

    Each course of the night paired perfectly with wines exclusively sold at ALDI. The Rolling Mist Fumé Blanc complimented Chef Nolen's entrée dish of seared scallops with herbed-lemon oil.

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    Lisa Romerein
    7/15

    Against the Grain

    Chef Mary Nolan slices the chile-rubbed flat iron steak grilled to perfection using ALDI USDA Choice fresh meat.

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    Lisa Romerein
    8/15

    Light, Bright and Delicious

    At dinner, guests were treated to a mix of dishes from both land and sea, including this vibrant scallop dish with a fresh lemon-herb oil. The mix of aromatic herbs and the burst of zesty lemons paired perfectly for a celebratory California inspired dinner

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    Lisa Romerein
    9/15

    A Welcoming Tablescape

    The table is prepared as guests arrive at the winery to celebrate the opening of the first Southern California ALDI stores.

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    Lisa Romerein
    10/15

    Kale-yeah!

    Chef Nolan served a bright and fresh kale salad with lemon-yogurt dressing, paired with Earth’s Harvest Chardonnay.

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    Lisa Romerein
    11/15

    An Instaworthy Moment

    A blogger snaps a shot of Chef Nolan’s kale salad with lemon-yogurt dressing, Marcona almonds, avocado, and dried cranberries.

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    Lisa Romerein
    12/15

    Cheers to New Food Friends

    With a glass of wine in hand, guests indulged in a family-style dinner and friendly conversation as the sun set over the winery.

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    Lisa Romerein
    13/15

    A Surprise Awaits

    Bon Appétit executive chef Mary Nolan exclusively created the evening’s menu using fresh ingredients from ALDI.

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    Decadent Dessert

    The evening was capped off with a scrumptious chocolate cake. The recipe, created exclusively for Taste of ALDI, features an almond-cream cheese filling and fresh berries.

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    Lisa Romerein
    15/15

    The Night’s Big Reveal

    Bloggers are elated to hear Chef Nolan’s seven course menu using fresh ALDI ingredients costs under $15 per person.