An Unforgettable Luncheon at Sand Dune House

Mud Australia was delighted to host an intimate luncheon at the newly unveiled Sand Dune House in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, during Modernism Week. The event marked the debut of our limited edition dinnerware collection and servingware, thoughtfully designed by Mud Australia’s Shelley Simpson for the Sand Dune House.

Guests were treated to a carefully crafted menu by chef Sandy Ho, a Los Angeles-based Australian, featuring locally sourced, sustainable ingredients with an Australian twist. The experience was complemented by wines from the new generation of Australian winemakers, celebrating the best of both local and Australian craftsmanship.

The menu featured locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, showcasing the region's best produce. We began with an oyster on the half shell, accompanied by a finger lime vinaigrette, paired with Moorilla Estate Extra Brut, a sparkling Chardonnay from Tasmania’s Lower Derwent River.

Starters included Kanpachi crudo with scallion oil, Californian citrus, finger limes, and shaved asparagus, paired with Seppeltsfield ‘Watervale’ Riesling from the Clare Valley, offering a crisp, refreshing contrast.

The family-style spread featured fire-roasted shrimp with garlic chilli butter and aioli served over wood-fired flatbread, and grilled lamb chops with yellow curry sauce and crispy sage. A warm potato salad with grilled greens, onions, fresh herb sauce, and Meyer lemon, along with a fresh chicory and frisée salad with green goddess dressing, dill, chives, and heirloom tomatoes, completed the table. Paired with Patrick Sullivan ‘Black Sands’ Chardonnay, a biodynamic wine from Gippsland, the food was elevated by the wine's rich, volcanic loam flavours.

For dessert, fresh citrus pavlova with whipped cream, lemon custard, shaved fennel, blueberry, and citrus provided a light, sweet finale.

The meal was served on Mud Australia’s signature porcelain in the Milk colourway and the limited Sand Dune Collection, designed exclusively for the Sand Dune House.

Chef: Sandy Ho
Cutlery: Cutipol

Our thanks to our gracious hosts, chef, and photographer: Jessica Romm Perez, John McIlwee, and Bill Damaschke; Sandy Ho and Dean Hearne.