Image courtesy of Netflix- Taken by Cliff
It’s finally here! Meghan’s new show is out and of course I have binged watched it already, and with it being eight episodes, I think a binge watch is perfectly fine, right? I was actually one of the lucky people who was invited to see the show at a special screening prior to it’s release, which I still don’t think my brain has quite let me believe. Just a few days ago, I was on a flight heading to New York and within the blink of an eye, I’m back at my desk thinking of my lunch for the day, whirlwind is an understatement!
I wanted to discuss the experience a little and of course the show and quite frankly I’m tired of seeing the over exaggeration of the usual suspects hating on the show purely because Meghan is involved, I even saw someone annoyed that she zested a lemon incorrectly (The horror!).
The Event
So, the crazy experience of the event itself, where to begin? When I tell you I still can’t believe it, I mean it. Even now I’m thinking back to the actual evening and shaking my head, asking did that really happen? And yet, I have the pictures to prove it. I won’t get into too much of the details, because frankly, it was special for myself, the other guests and for Meghan and I think oversharing just isn’t necessary.
I was invited by a member of the Netflix team, who reached out as they could see I was a fan of Meghan and The Tig from many years ago. I was a little sceptical of course, mainly because I am not a big influencer, I don’t have a huge following, so I was a little confused as to why I would be invited to any event. But that’s what made this event so special, Meghan wanted people who genuinely loved The Tig back in the day, and we’re just long time fans to help celebrate the occasion. It’s a beautiful idea, and one I was extremely grateful to be included in. On the phone call I had I was told Meghan wasn’t going to attend, which I think we all understood. I had secretly hoped she would send a video message saying hi, which would have been more than enough for me!
Once actually in New York, I arrived at the hotel, and found a welcome gift. Freshly baked bread, beautiful wine glasses and the amazing wine that was the inspiration for The Tig. I was in awe and beyond excited that I was seeing The Tig wine in real life, and then I saw the envelope. Handwritten by Meghan, wishing me a great time in the city. And oh my goodness, that was truly special, and something I will cherish (and frame!). From the moment we arrived, it was just filled with thoughtfulness and love.
On the evening of the actual screening, Meghan and Netflix continued the theme, dropping off a card we could scan, this took us to a playlist whilst we got ready. And then I finally got to meet the other guests. It was so lovely to see the joint excitement of everyone. I received a handmade friendship bracelet from Emily, and slowly started introductions. I can’t even tell you how lovely it was just to know I was surrounded by like minded people who were of the same opinion as myself. We just love Meghan, her work, the old life she lived and the beautiful life she has created since. At the event, we had time for welcome drinks; pictures, chats with everyone including the incredible Netflix team member. The setting of the evening was a perfect way to bring the show to life. Snacks that we see Meghan and Mindy making, drinks on theme with elevating something simple like a glass of bubbles and fresh flowers arranged beautifully.
We watched two episodes, with plenty of gorgeous snacks on offer. As you may have seen by now, the show is very beautifully filmed, and just felt cosy immediately. After the second episode ended, I just felt so truly joyful. Then came the surprise….
As we finish clapping for the episode, the lights slowly come on and suddenly that familar voice asking us what did we think, there was Meghan standing in front of us, and I was frozen in shock. I think that all of us were a little hopeful Meghan may have made an appearance, but after the Netflix team continued to tell us she was back home, it sort of left my mind. So when she appeared, I don’t think my brain could comprehend it! As we each started saying hello, I got a little closer and she immediately knew who I was, saying I also was ‘With love’ and that I must be Adele. As you can see, I totally kept my cool 🙂
We got to enjoy more drinks and some chats with Meghan, I got to hug her and share what she means to me, and of course there was delicious food. It was such a truly intimate event, which made it so special. We got to try some of the food from the show, including the preserves with some of the best ice cream I have tasted, and received a lovely gift bag. But honestly, I think we were all just floating on excitement after seeing Meghan in person and spending time with her.
The fact that she chose to launch the show with us…oh my goodness, it’s just beautiful and exactly the kind of person Meghan is. It was a gorgeous event, that matched the vibe of the show from beginning to end and the team made us all feel so special, the whole night. The other guests and I had a little drink after the event to reflect and it was just the perfect end to an incredible adventure. As far as once in a lifetime experiences go, I don’t think many things could top this.
The Show
As mentioned I have watched all the episodes now, and it is just the type of show I love. As someone who watched many a cooking show back in the day from Nigella, Barefoot Contessa and Jamie Oliver to name a few, I just find it so comforting to watch. Usually it’s nice to sit back and watch a show like this, and maybe never even try a receipe! But with Meghan’s show, I truly found it inspiring. Do I have my own garden? No, Do I currently have the ability to keep my own bees? No, but that doesn’t mean I can’t use elements of the show and adapt it. Particularly the fact that sometimes I get a little caught up in busy life and make excuses for why I’m just throwing in some oven chips to eat, which hey sometimes you just need a day like that, but the show was a nice reminder that a healthy meal doesn’t have to take too much time. A quick pasta, some veggies and you have something fast, whilst still providing the much needed nutrients you need.
I picked up some goodies during my food shop this week, and already made an effort to be a little more mindful of what I’m going to make. And truly, isn’t that what the show is about, showing us little tips and tricks to make life a little more fun and special for ourselves and our guests? I really enjoyed getting to know Meghan more through the show, and seeing what her life is like these days. The setting of Montecito is gorgeous, and what a great place to be living, talk about stunning!
I really loved the inclusion of the crew, everyone just seemed to be having a great time in every episode. I like the mixture of behind the scenes and prepping before the guest arrives, as well as the beautiful final scenes once everything was finished, it’s a great mix. Although I could have easily watched many more episodes, for a first season, it was a good amount to get a taste of what show was all about. As someone who has always found the idea of a hosting a dinner party terrifying in terms of timing everything perfectly, the show allowed me to see it only has to be a stressful as you make it.
The show also made me smile a lot, as it was nice to see interests and ideas Meghan enjoys, that I do too. From the flowers in the ice cubes, pretty calligraphy or just enjoying plating the food in a beautiful way. I think presentation is everything, and can really make all the difference into the enjoyment of your food. Some of my favourite dishes in the show were the Honey and Lemon cake, the one pot spaghetti and those gorgeous doughnuts! Those doughnuts (donut? haha) looked so adorable, and I know I will be trying them at some point too. I’m sure flower sprinkles may have been around before, but I have no doubt they are about to get a major popularity boost! Overall, I thought it was a great show, easy to watch and enjoy, and I think there will be something for everyone to try and make, or just to watch on a cosy day in.
Even if you only take away one tip from the show, or if you just watched to see a little more of Meghan’s personality, I’m sure many people will have found something joyful from the show. I can’t wait to try some more of the receipes and I am absolutely looking forward to season 2 (Congrats on the renewal Meghan and team).
Photo courtesy of Netflix- Cliff
….If you want another point of view from the event, then check out this great post from Liz here.
Love
