What happens when two Swifties come together to curate a five-course Eras Tour-themed dinner to share with their fellow fans? 

Guests will find out at the Taylor Swift Eras Inspired dinner on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. on the second floor of the Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St.

Behind the dinner are friends, industry professionals and Swifties, Executive Chef John Levine of Coco’s Seafood & Steakhouse and Lost Whale General Manager and Cocktail Curator Marie Westfall.

Westfall says the concept for the dinner got its start as the two friends contemplated a friendly prank.

“We joked about trolling our friends (most of whom do not like Taylor Swift….cough…losers) by inviting them over for dinner and drinks only to surprise them with the most ridiculously over-the-top Eras Tour-inspired menu,” she says. 

But the more she and Levine talked, the more they realized that capturing their love and excitement for Swift’s tour as part of a legitimate event would be even more fun. The result? A five-course dinner and cocktail pairing event during which every dish and cocktail takes inspiration from one of Taylor Swift’s 11 albums.

But Levine and Westfall have taken things even further. Not only is each food course paired harmoniously with a themed cocktail, but care was taken to ensure that the albums for each dish and drink also vibe well together.

“Guests will also have full access to a friendship bracelet-making station and the opportunity to sing along throughout dinner as we listen to songs from all of her albums,” says Westfall.

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On the menu

The dinner will feature five courses created by Chef Levine along with cocktail pairings by Westfall.

1. Pork Belly: Central Standard brandy, bourbon candied pecans, pickled scallion, brandy maple glaze; inspired by the album “Taylor Swift”
   Pairing: Forever & Always, a “Fearless” inspired toasted pecan Wisconsin Old Fashioned made with Central North 
2. Red Wine Ravioli: farm egg, Herbs de Provence goat cheese, pistachio, scallion, Grana Padana, mixed herbs; inspired by the album “Red”
   Pairing: Enchanted, a “Speak Now” inspired spritz featuring sparkling Sfumato, strawberry water, Sauvignon Blanc syrup, lemon, CO2, Odyssea Red Sangria foam
3. Margherita: roasted tomato, Belgioiosio mozzarella, basil oil, mixed herbs; inspired by the album “1989”
   Pairing: Look What You Made Me Do, a “Reputation” inspired cocktail composed of Moletto Gin, Heirloom Genepy Liqueur, cold steeped basil syrup, lemon and squid ink saline 
4. Wagyu Meatballs: sesame, ginger, scallions, sesame seed, gochujang aioli; inspired by the album “Evermore”
   Pairing: Exile, a “Folklore” inspired Boulvardier with Old Forester 100 Bourbon, ginger tea infused Cocchi di Torino, Heirloom Alchermes Liqueur, cherry wood smoke, Suntory Toki spritz, ginger tuile
5. Traiteur De Paris: French sponge cake. raspberry preserves, black currant, vanilla mousse; inspired by the album “Midnights”
   Pairing: Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me? a “Tortured Poets Department” inspired Lavender French 75 made with blackberry and strawberry infused Titos Vodka, champagne, lavender, lemon, spiral script

If you’re particularly sharp, you may have noticed that only ten albums are featured on the food and drink menu. It’s true. Every guest will also take home a surprise inspired by the album “Lover”, as well. 

Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online.