On October 17, Maryland House will transform into a hub of culinary creativity as several of St. Louis’ top chefs get together for a most unusual event. Spurred by chef/food writer Holly Fann’s bout with long COVID, the Forgotten Flavors pop-up will invite attendees to explore how food can evoke nostalgia and sensory memories. Three chefs–Fann, Nick Bognar, and Craig Rivard– will present modern comfort dishes that harken back to their childhoods and influential figures in their lives. Tickets are priced in several tiers and available here.
The Concept
In a world where food often evokes powerful memories, Fann found herself on an unexpected journey when she lost a yearlong sense of taste due to long COVID. The loss transformed her relationship with food, shifting her focus from flavor to the emotions and memories tied to meals. “Dining became more about the search for a familiar feeling, rather than a flavor,” she reflects. This revelation laid the groundwork for Forgotten Flavors.
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Fann’s journey took a collaborative turn when she spoke with Kevin Brennan about the possibility of hosting an UnReal Thursday event, an exclusive weekly party at Maryland House with food stations and passed apps. Brennan, a visionary known for blending art and hospitality, wanted to tie Fann’s event to a fundraiser that he hosts every year for The Legacy Institute, an organization that empowers young people from underprivileged communities to achieve academic success. Fann admired Brennan’s commitment to creating inclusive, accessible spaces that intertwine real and unreal experiences, inspiring her to enlist fellow chefs Nick Bognar and Craig Rivard to help craft a truly memorable event.
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy an array of impressive and delicious offerings designed to evoke the warmth of the past while supporting a noble cause. Every dollar raised during the event will go to The Legacy Institute.
Tickets & Tiers
Tickets are available at several price points, beginning with a special discounted ticket available only for educators. Each ticket includes access, entertainment, food, drinks, tax, and gratuity.
TIER 1
4–6:30 p.m. | $25 (educators only)
- Korean street food by Holly Fann
- Chef’s tasting by Craig Rivard of Little Fox
- Sushi demo and tasting by Nick Bognar of iNDO, Sado, and the upcoming Pavilion
- Pastries and sweets by Meaghan Coltrain of Nutmeg’s
- Grilled cheese station and signature cocktails by Maryland House
- Yearbook photos by XYZ
TIER 2
6:30 p.m. | $175
- Korean street food by Holly Fann
- Chef’s tasting by Craig Rivard of Little Fox
- Sushi demo and tasting by Nick Bognar of iNDO, Sado, and the upcoming Pavilion
- Pastries and sweets by Meaghan Coltrain of Nutmeg’s
- Grilled cheese station and signature cocktails by Maryland House
- Yearbook photos by XYZ
TIER 3
8 p.m. | $125
- Korean street food by Holly Fann
- Sushi demo and tasting by Nick Bognar of iNDO, SADO, and Pavilion
- Pastries and sweets by Meaghan Coltrain of Nutmeg’s
- Grilled cheese station and signature cocktails by Maryland House
- Yearbook photos by XYZ
