At The Loupe, we celebrate the intersection of culture, creativity, and craft—so when an invitation arrives to explore a new experience that embodies all three, we lean in.
Last week, a select group gathered at MartinPatrick 3 for an intimate evening of conversation and connection, spotlighting the women who are not only shaping culture but redefining how we experience it. Centered around the theme “What Nourishes Your Soul?”, the evening offered an exclusive first look at Ma Der Ma Der—a daring, two-night-only dinner series that fuses Lao tradition with French culinary technique. More than a meal, Ma Der Ma Der is a sensory-rich experience rooted in story, craft, and the beauty of cultural connection. The phrase ma der ma der—Lao for “come over, come over”—is more than a greeting; it’s an invitation into intimacy, into something carefully curated yet deeply welcoming. That spirit infused every moment of the evening.
Conceived by a visionary team of chefs and cultural tastemakers, Ma Der Ma Der builds on that spirit—merging the warmth of Lao hospitality with the refined precision of French technique. Each course becomes a conversation, every detail designed to engage the senses and invite reflection. Poised to become a singular presence in the local dining scene, the series offers more than a meal—it’s a cultural moment, plated with intention.
Guests were welcomed with candlelight and conversation, followed by an inspiring panel moderated by Jasna Burza and Jill Palmquist, who guided a soulful exchange with some of the visionaries behind Ma Der Ma Der:
– Chef Ann Ahmed, the James Beard–nominated force behind Gai Noi, Khâluna, and Lat14
– Jolie Clemens, experience designer and Creative Director of Taste Poetic
– Lauren Krysti, photographer and co-founder of Taste Poetic
Together, they explored the art of intention—how heritage, hospitality, and creativity feed not just the body, but the spirit. Each woman offered a distinct perspective on what it means to gather with meaning and beauty.
The evening culminated in a preview of what’s to come: a glimpse into the Ma Der Ma Der dinner experience, set to unfold this summer under the stars in the alleyway behind Gai Noi. There, guests will be transported through a dialogue of Laotian soul food and refined French technique—curated by Chef Ann Ahmed and Chef Brooke Faudree in a candlelit, immersive setting.
Styled in collaboration with MartinPatrick 3 and The Loupe, the event embraced a curated aesthetic where fashion, fine jewelry, and florals layered meaning into every detail. Jewelry from The Loupe was not only worn, but woven into the tablescape itself—gleaming among ceramics and candlelight, offering a poetic reminder that adornment can be both personal and communal.
Salon guests received early access to Ma Der Ma Der tickets—expected to sell out—and left inspired, nourished, and dressed in possibility.