03/12/2024
Last week I learned of the tragic passing of a brilliant soul - Margaret Grade, who I was fortunate to know. Margaret Grade was a pioneer of the farm to table movement, the proprietor of Manka’s Inverness Lodge in Inverness and Sir and Star in Olema and a true creative genius. She was unlike anyone I’ve met. Her words were unimaginably eloquent and gracious, her sense of style - perfectly imperfect, her sense of hospitality and quality standards - world class. I struggle to even find words that capture her - she was clever, creative and complex. We first met in 2009 when I inquired about hosting a brunch for local clients at Manka’s boathouse. Margaret told me, in no uncertain terms, that brunch is “not what they do.” And so, we shifted the entire plan to include what they did do - she was worth it. Gratefully, through that experience, I earned her trust and she mine. She generously brought me aboard with several very special clients to plan magical weddings at the Boathouse - certainly the highest compliment I could have received. I am grateful for the projects we experienced together - the last that was particularly challenging due to an unforeseen set of personal circumstances for our clients. She went above and beyond (as usual) and we both delivered against all odds. The world has truly lost a very unique and special person in Margaret Grade. There will be never be another like her. Here are images from our most memorable projects- notably our first in 2009 and last in 2022. It's worth zooming in on her menus- she had a way with words. May she rest in peace and watch over the 15 year old twins she left behind.
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