A Warm Laotian Welcome

Part dinner party, part editorial concept, all deliciously detailed. Step inside the summer’s most sensory-driven dining experience, featuring local James Beard-recognized chef Ann Ahmed.

When Chef Ann Ahmed says ma der ma der, it’s more than just an invitation—it’s a beckoning to gather, to savor, to share. In the Lao language, the phrase means “come eat, come over.” At MartinPatrick 3, we were honored to be part of an experience that brought that phrase to life in the most layered and unexpected ways.

Ma Der Ma Der is the latest experiential concept from the creative agency Taste Poetic, known for blurring the lines between visual storytelling and sensory exploration, blending food and fashion at every turn. At its heart, this project was a collaboration between two chefs with distinct yet harmonizing culinary identities—Chef Ann Ahmed, whose bold Lao flavors have become beloved staples in the Minneapolis food scene at her restaurants Gai Noi, Lat 14, and Khâluna, and Chef Brooke Faudree, a French-trained chef with a reverence for classic cooking techniques and visually stunning dining experiences. Together, their shared ingredients—heat, acid, herbs, spice—were reimagined across a beautifully orchestrated menu that unfolded like a dialogue between cultures.

The experience unfolded in three parts: a fashion-forward editorial photo shoot, an intimate panel conversation in our women’s salon, and an immersive, multi-course dining event. The focusing themes of the series were, “restraint, rusticity and refinement,” which guided our team of stylists as they provided the shoot’s wardrobe, along with fine jewelry selections in partnership with The Loupe. The selected pieces played upon the photo’s natural, refined color palette and sculptural floral arrangements and traditional street food cart, incorporating soft, organic textures like linen and silk.

Guests first encountered Ma Der Ma Der through that visual world. “The editorial always sets the tone for the narrative, and each of our projects is deeply centered around storytelling” explains Jolie Clemens, Creative Director of Taste Poetic. “It shows people what we’re capable of—and what they can expect at this gathering that is so much more than just a dinner party.”

Those who attended the in-store panel got a sneak peek into that story, with sips, bites, and behind-the-scenes insights from the Taste Poetic team and Chefs Ann Ahmed and Brooke Faudree. Attendees left with signature candles and early access to the dining experience, which was held soon after in a transformed, multisensory space at Sidecar Studios in Minneapolis.

At the dinner party, guests were invited to dress in a way that visually contributed to the experience, adding their own personal creative take to the evening, wearing organic, textured fabrics in shades of oranges, terracottas, hues of green, and off-white to give each guest a deeper connection to the event itself.

With signature cocktails poured and the hum of a phin—a traditional Laotian lute—the night sprung to life before us, drenched in greenery and warm light. Each course built upon the last in both flavor and feeling, rooted in storytelling to blend culture and community. Editorial images from the shoot lined the room, acting as anchors of mood, while guests tasted dishes that blended Lao spice with French precision.

“We felt so supported by the community in every part of this project, from working with MartinPatrick 3 to the team at Tonkadale,” Jolie shared. “Everyone went above and beyond to bring this to life—it was love, all around.”

Ma Der Ma Der reminded us how style, food, and storytelling can all converge to create something unforgettable. It was a celebration of hospitality, heritage, and artistry. And above all, it was an open table—exactly what ma der ma der is meant to be.

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MA DER MA DER – DINNER PARTY CREDITS

Chefs: Ann Ahmed, Brooke Faudree and Andy Denkinger | Sommelier: Nico Giraud | Wine + Spirits: Andrew Faudree | Creative Direction: Jolie Clemens | Event Design: Alison Hoekstra | Event Photography: Lauren Krysti, Alison Hoekstra, Gabrielle Amini | Projected Video by Dallas Currie | Agency: Taste Poetic | Signature Cocktail: Tanduay Rum | Plants and Pots provided by Tonkadale | Venue: Sidecar Studios | Sponsored by TOCK | Special Thanks to: Payton Kampschroer, Michael Tomczyk, Erin Obert/Juniper North, Rachel Hardacre, Sophia Thuente, Jen Sikes, Elli Wanshura, Jeff Johnson, Tony Serino, The Loupe, Gabriella Amini

MA DER MA DER - EDITORIAL SHOOT CREDITS

Ma Der Ma Der

A Warm Laotian Welcome

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