Organising an elegant, yet chill zero-proof dinner party had been a dream of mine for a long time. While some restaurants around the world offer alcohol-free pairings, something like this had never been done in Malaysia. I reached out to Angel who is the co-founder of Triptyk - a great bar in KL that boasts a full zero-proof drinks menu. Triptyk had been wanting to find a meaningful way to launch their restaurant space "Backdoor @Triptyk" and an AF dinner party seemed like a great first event there.
What was the point?
One of my mantras (completely stolen from Janey Lee Grace and other sober advocates) is "Keep the ritual, change the ingredients". And that was what this dinner was all about. Meet up with friends, enjoy a beautiful meal together drink something delicious with that meal - just not alcohol.
What did we eat and drink?
Chef Alexandra from Nourishme/Chefspiration cooked us a beautiful 4-course dinner and Angel came up with the clever AF pairings.
*Sober Supper Club menu *
Battered Prawn Fritter with Nuoc Cham
paired with Brewdog Nanny State Happy Ale
Gochujang Salmon Tartare on Spicy Rice Sushi
paired with Lychee Kombucha and Ginger Oolong
Maitake Ravioli with soy butter
paired with Pierre Zero Sparkling Rose
Seared Snapper with Tomato Lemongrass Broth
paired with Elderflower, Chamomile, Lemon Balm & Citrus Soda
Coconut Lime Cheesecake with passionfruit
paired with Jackfruit Vietnamese Tea, Club Soda
So, were they all sober people?
Who is curious and brave enough to sign up for something that challenges the norms around alcohol and the way we know wine pairings? The event took place over two nights - Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April 2023. With 11-12 guests per night we were able to keep that intimate atmosphere and for our guests to get to know each other and to share their thoughts. Representing 9 different nationalities, we had both drinking and sober people among our guests and with such diverse groups, we were able to go around the table- without judgment - and share our thoughts on alcohol and the role it plays in our lives.
Will there be another Sober Supper Club?
I'm thrilled to announce that Triptyk are going to make Sober Supper Club a recurrent event- happening at least twice a year. After I leave Malaysia in June, the lovely Khaleelah Porome will be taking over the hosting - so give Triptyk a follow so you don't miss the next one!