Food & Wine
A Sparkling Urban Brunch
Kate Allen and Jassen Johnson host a unique brunch with an urban flair.
BY
Erin Callier
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rob Grimm


Combine a Sunday morning in spring, a fabulous array of food and drinks with a chic urban perspective, and quintessential urban party-throwers, Jassen Johnson and Kate Allen, and you have a late-morning celebration full of friendly banter and the finest fare.

As local property developers, Kate and Jassen know that location is everything. So asking them to join SLH&L in hosting a stylish and delicious urban brunch at photographer Rob Grimm’s downtown studio loft was the perfect decision. With the neighborhood in the midst of a booming revitalization, it offers the stunning effect of historical architecture with a fashionable rawness that is very-of-the-moment. “We’re very excited about the city,” Kate gushes. It’s an excitement that is nearly tangible – and after their guests experienced the scrumptious weekend brunch, quite contagious.

For Kate and Jassen, it is important that their events have a sense of continuity. They recommend choosing one element that makes the whole production stand out as uniquely your own. “Start with the invitation,” recommends Jassen. “Then tie it in throughout the event, bringing it all full circle.” It is the couple’s trademark fleur-de-lis – peppered throughout each stage of their parties, from invitations to the party favors – that serves as their signature design, calling all friends to join in the fun and festivities. “The invitation can set the tone for the whole party,” Kate shares. “Specify the attire in the invitation,” she stresses. “It’s something people always wonder about, but they don’t want to call and ask.”

Kate’s two essential pieces of advice for a successful party? First, “It’s good to have a mixture of business acquaintances, friends, and people of all ages. It brings different people together and creates a good flow.” Her second bit of advice, “If you can cater, always, always do. If you can’t, only prepare things you can make the night before. Then you can be with your guests and just relax.” As with the guest list, Kate likes to mix things up with menu. “It’s important to have a combo of ‘fatty and healthy foods,’ ” she explains. “So, if someone wants to be bad they can be bad, or if they want to be healthy you have that alternative as well.”

Enter downtown eatery Dolcé Bistro/Ultra Lounge. According to Chef Jeff Thomas, they offer “traditional Italian with an Americano flair” in an urban atmosphere that is both upscale and modern. Dolcé does cater, but if you are looking for a no-fuss get-together, Dolcé also offers seaßting for private functions and a Mother’s Day brunch with many of the same dishes guests munched on at Kate and Jassen’s au courant brunch.

The couple’s décor choices were decidedly modern and fresh, with a palette of varied greens and browns punctuated by intriguing pops of color with bold floral arrangements – creating the feel of a contemporary cocktail party. The scrumptious buffet was laid out on the kitchen’s extended island and omitted traditional serving platters – presented each dish on an elevated slate tile that made the morning’s fare almost too cool to eat.

Kate and Jassen further delighted their guests with their divine party favors – individual orchids adorned with cards bearing each person’s name and the couple’s signature fleur-de-lis – adding the perfect springtime touch.