6Smith’s First Zero Proof Dinner: Cheers to Community and Connection

Zero Proof Collective & 6Smith Restaurant: Zero Proof Dining Experience 2023

Zero Proof Insights | An Extraordinary Zero Proof Dinner

Written by Cate Faulkner

Nestled on the scenic banks of Lake Minnetonka, 6Smith articulates a vision of modern dining that's fresh and innovative. Its prime position in downtown Wayzata, MN positions it as the pinnacle of open-air dining experiences. As the sun casts golden hues over the waters, this restaurant transforms into a sought-after haven.

6Smith Restaurant is nestled on the shores of majestic Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata, MN, one of the state's most popular and scenic lakes.

6Smith and Zero Proof Collective presented their first-ever Zero Proof Dinner Experience on November 30, 2023,. Held in the Rebel and Knotty rooms, the generous windows revealed Lake Minnetonka's enchanting wintry charm, as the evening unfolded with a deepening sky.

Nonalcoholic Gastronomy: Bold, Fresh & Modern

Guests reveled in the art of nonalcoholic gastronomy, where the pairing of 7 elevated NA cocktails with 5 sumptuous courses made for an incredible and unexpected dining experience. It brought out the essence of flavors and aromas, providing a complete sensory journey free from alcohol.

Sobriety Chic: Finesse Luna's Trailblazing NA Beverages at 6Smith

6Smith's general manager, Finesse Luna, is ahead of her time. On a sober-curious journey of her own, she has had elevated NA options on 6Smith’s menu for quite some time. Through this experience, she has learned that she has a lot of support from her regular patrons, and now from new ones as well. Many guests shared that 6Smith is a destination dining option for them simply because of their selection of creative and interesting nonalcoholic beverage options.

Finesse Luna, General Manager at 6Smith, is at the forefront of the on-premise nonalcoholic beverage trend and makes collaboration an enriching experience.

The Alchemy of NA Pairing: Crafting the Zero Proof Dinner Experience

The inaugural Zero Proof Dinner Experience, a collaborative venture between 6Smith and the Zero Proof Collective, was sparked when Jen connected with Finesse last fall.

When Jen connected with 6Smith last fall, Finesse inquired if we would be interested in working together on an NA dinner for 50 guests. This sparked a productive partnership, acknowledging the significant impact these events have in the Twin Cities.

Six weeks before the dinner, I curated a selection of about 30 different nonalcoholic beverages for taste testing. Finesse, Henry (6Smith Bartender), Jen, and I immersed ourselves in the flavors, determining that 7 elevated nonalcoholic drinks would be paired with 5 exquisite courses. Three of the NA selections were Finesse’s familiar favorites, while four introduced new taste profiles, eliciting enthusiastic responses from both Henry and Finesse. Seeing such passion for these unique products is always immensely gratifying for both Jen and me.

The enthusiastic responses from Henry and Finesse to the unique nonalcoholic offerings like Amethyst Grapefruit Basil were immensely gratifying.

Over several days, Henry drew on some suggested recipes and his mixology expertise to refine the four unique mixed NA cocktails crafted specifically for the event.

The final decision on the pairings for the 7 curated NA beverages was entrusted to the chef at 6Smith. During the taste testing, we thought that pork would be a perfect complement to the Tenneyson Black Ginger. This idea was realized when the chef included it in the menu, culminating in the official Zero Proof Dinner Experience menu.

The Products, The Makers and a Little Storytelling

A highlight during the dinner was being given the opportunity to stand up before each course and talk about the product: its flavor profiles, how it's made, the intent, and some background on the makers' story. I could see that the guests found this interesting, as several of them were videotaping me as I spoke. It affirmed a fact that Jen and I both know deeply: People are very curious about nonalcoholic beverages, and they want to know more.

THE MENU

#1 GHIA ORIGINAL BOTANICAL APERITIF

GHIA Original Nonalcoholic Aperitif makes the perfect spritz to awaken and prime your palate for the culinary delights ahead.

drinkghia.com Los Angeles, California

INGREDIENTS: White Grape Juice Concentrate, Yuzu juice, Lemon Balm Extract, Elderflower Extract, Gentian Root Extract, Date Concentrate, Plum Concentrate, Acacia, Fruit and Vegetable Juice for Color, Rhubarb Root Extract, Orange Extract, Rosemary Extract, Ginger Extract.

COCKTAIL: Ghia Rosemary Orange Spritz

PAIRING: Welcome beverage, served with appetizers including hummus and veggies

#2 NOUGHTY DEALCOHOLIZED SPARKLING CHARDONNAY

Noughty's Sparkling Chardonnay offers a crisp, dry, bubbly champagne-like experience with just 25 calories per glass.

usnoughtyaf.com Thomson & Scott, UK

INGREDIENTS: Dealcoholized organic Chardonnay and organic sugar

PAIRING: Welcome beverage, served with appetizers including hummus and veggies

#3 BUZZKILL SAUVIGNON BLANC

Buzzkill Sauvignon Blanc, NA Cheers!.jpeg

Buzzkill Sauvignon Blanc, Molly Fedick's tasty and convenient canned wine pairs well with seafood and is also a top pick for the Minnesota Wild hockey team, scoring big on taste without the penalty!

buzzkillwines.com Sonoma, California

INGREDIENTS: Dealcoholized Sauvignon Blanc Wine, Grape Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors

PAIRING: Scallop Crudo - nouc cham sauce, red radish and cilantro

#4 AMETHYST SPIRITS - GRAPEFRUIT BASIL

Amethyst Grapefruit Basil Spirits combines citrus and herbaceous notes in a smooth blend, offering a spiced-up finish that surprises first-time tasters with a distinctive and novel flavor profile.

amethystnaspirits.com Bluffton, South Carolina

INGREDIENTS: Water, grapefruit extract, basil extract, glycerin.

COCKTAIL: Amethyst Grapefruit Basil Paloma - grapefruit juice, simple syrup, lime juice, soda, jalapeno

PAIRING: Shrimp Ceviche Tostada - shrimp, cilantro, red onion, lime, avocado

#5 NOUGHTY DEALCOHOLIZED RED SYRAH + ALL THE BITTER

Noughty's Red Syrah, with its stunning hue and perfect pairing with beef short rib, left guests both astonished and impressed at its alcohol-free sophistication.

-NOUGHTY DEALCOHOLIZED RED SYRAH

usnoughtyaf.com Thomson & Scott, UK

INGREDIENTS: Dealcoholized Syrah Wine, no added sugar.

PAIRING: Bone-In Beef Short Rib - pumpkin purée, toasted orange breadcrumbs

-ALL THE BITTER - NEW ORLEANS STYLE (Alcohol-Free Cocktail Bitters)

allthebitter.com Northern California

INGREDIENTS: Vegetable glycerin, purified water, apple cider vinegar, spices, tart cherry, gentian root, hibiscus flower, milk thistle seed, rosehips, schisandra berry, dandelion root, burdock root, ginger root and yellow dock.

HOW TO USE: ALL THE BITTER has become a must-have for any home bar, offering alcohol-free bitters that are rich in taste. With three main flavor profiles and additional seasonal varieties available on their website, there's plenty to explore. At 6Smith, guests discovered how the New Orleans Style can elevate NA red wine by adding layers of depth and complexity. It was also a key ingredient in the NA Espresso Martini, complementing the dessert with its unique taste.

#6 TENNEYSON BLACK GINGER BOTANICAL SPIRIT

Tenneyson Black Ginger consistently steals the show at nonalcoholic beverage tastings, mesmerizing connoisseurs with its bold, unique flavor and health-conscious ingredients.

tenneyson.com Austin, Texas

INGREDIENTS: Bold , spicy and sippable. Unlike any spirit you have ever tasted before, Tenneyson is designed to reward your body with smart, real and unique ingredients like ginger, dandelion, lemon balm, bergamot, Yerba Matte, Grape Seed, and Gentian Root. No sugar.

COCKTAIL: Tenneyson Ginger Garden Grove - Tenneyson Black Ginger, pineapple, juice, lime, cilantro, pineapple frond and dehydrated pineapple for garnish

PAIRING: Roasted Pork Loin - sweet potato purée, pineapple, chutney, balsamic reduction

#7 LYRE'S NONALCOHOLIC SPIRITS + ALL THE BITTER

While the higher sugar content of Lyre's products is not widely recognized, their ability to replicate alcoholic flavors has garnered global acclaim in the nonalcoholic sector.

lyres.com Sydney, Australia

COFFEE ORIGINALE INGREDIENTS: Water, sugar and coffee infusion

WHITE CANE SPIRIT INGREDIENTS: Water, sugar, glucose syrup and natural flavors

COCKTAIL: Lyre's Espresso Martini - Lyre’s Coffee Originale, Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, simple syrup, espresso, All the Bitter, New Orleans Style and a dash of cinnamon for garnish

PAIRING: Chocolate Torte with coffee infused whipped cream.

The smiles say it all, conveying a story words can scarcely capture.

One Final Word: EXTRAORDINARY

Embarking on this gastronomic journey, each course was a testament to culinary artistry and every sip a reflection of the innovative nonalcoholic landscape. This experience was more than delightful; it was a profound exploration of inclusivity and connectivity in dining culture. This dinner transcended mere eating; it was a celebration of progress in the NA Movement, fostering community and connection, positioning it as one of the most unforgettable and extraordinary dining experiences we've ever encountered. And yes, the smiles say it all, conveying a story words can scarcely capture.

A huge thank you to Finesse and her INCREDIBLE team at 6Smith!