Paris in the Meanwhile | Hosting Downtown Colorado Springs

The Cornerstone Dinner

A happening of dinner celebrating the arts and cultivation of community on a downtown block of Colorado Springs. Where we want a walkable environment and a buzzing arts district— let’s go.

A love letter to my wonderful sponsors: Adam Morley of Wolf & Key Marketing + Whitney Kroneberger
+ Kinship Landing + Camino Massage Therapy + Fjallraven Outdoor Gear + The Elan Studio + Olema Wines + Helen Milan Home
without you, these dinners would offer much less connectivity and special touches. I and my guests are so thankful for the items you gift for their homes to improve their lives and the funds contributed to complete the details.

If you took home a bag you have something from each of these companies… Thank you, Sponsors.

This time last week I was actually slowly sipping on a hot coffee, playing with the kids— gathering a small pile of the last of the items that I needed to bring downtown with me in preparation for my last dinner of the year.

The big question I get asked most often is why? Why do I spend my time curating an evening for strangers and friends alike to come together, break bread, drink wine, to make space for new friendships to become?

We started the evening just below the steps of the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum, layered in coats, and wind-blown hair as we collect our spiced Manhattan. Big hugs and handshakes were shared. I kind of love the discomfort of the first ten minutes. People’s eyes search for other familiar eyes, embracing the new, introductions flow sweetly when the groups are smaller and we know we’re all here with similar intentions. Up the stairs we go, the sky pink, the air crisp; the bridge stretching long and sleek before us, the juxtaposition of the beauty of this bridge so perfectly designed resting just above old, worn-in train tracks— the beauty of the peak just ahead. Images of the views captured, gloves shared, a group photo taken. 

In a disordered line, we retreat from where we were and head to where we’ll go— although it feels kind of like a blind walk for some without knowing where we will stop. An unassuming building presents itself, the doors open, I gather coats, and people nestle inside.

It’s moody inside lit by Helen Milan’s muted line of tapers and ash linens as napkins scattered above table tops and tucked near Lauren Ripko’s floral design that stretches across the length of the room, surrounding local painter, Mary Andrew’s menu design on the wall. Musician, Robby Ciganek so beautifully draws each one to a seat nearby. Cozy sheepskins, intimate bistro tables, and line art on the floor. A pairing of structure, texture, and warmth beheld in the midst of a blank canvas. The fragrance of Chef Ryan’s courses flows from the back of house... teasing us with what is to come. 

Hors d'oeuvres placed on a little Frenchie round table, more florals enhancing their beauty of them. Olema wine bottles on each tabletop, corked and ready for flowing. We stand, get warm, and indulge in these perfect bites of flavor. 

I begin to prompt seats. One of the guests grabs the Hors d'oeuvres platter and serves each table, not imagining we could allow any of the bits not to be savored. 

I welcome, and I show gratitude. I share a bit about what is lovingly referred to you as the meanwhile block and our cornerstone dinner. Lauren Ripko asked me earlier in the year to host some of my community dinners in an area of or downtown that’s currently underutilized. As we walked the blocks and talked we dialogued about how it feels like it is a holding place between what was and what will become. In the interim of where it will go, they want to make it useful and purposeful for both the growth of the city and the cultivation of our community. This dinner was a really sweet evening that developed a sweet bond between a group of individuals who are now a part of something that’s really special. Each artist I picked to participate in this evening left their mark in their own special way allowing the room to become everything I imagined. And each guest who reserved a seat unbeknownst to them contributed toward a more excellent vision of our city. Kind of an OG group of people now woven into this block's story. That feels really wonderful— memorable. 

These dinners are such a joy. They feel organic and gritty, refined but intimate. I cherish them and savor them and this one has me really excited to see what comes next. And this is my why.

I’m so thankful for each person who makes space to exist with me here in rooms like this. I’ve loved listening to the whispers of their own savoring and ruminating on how to make it even sweeter the next time. 

Never an ask, always just to enjoy.

xx - k

Photographs taken by Laura Rachelle Klassen
Edited by both Laura and myself

A big shout out to Lauren Ripko for inviting me into a bit of her world and allowing me to create in this space. She contributed time, resources, energy and stepped in to offer details that I’m so thankful for. Cheers, Lauren.