Paired

Paired is an intimate evening of contemporary art, live music, culinary food, and craft cocktails. Each session is host to a new Milwaukee-based chef and musician. In attendance, Var Gallery also invites our current exhibiting artists— including artists from our sister gallery, Hawthorn Contemporary. Upon arrival our bar is open for pre-dinner beverages (cocktail hour: (6:00 PM-6:30PM). During this time we encourage guests to roam around the gallery as our chef prepares the night’s first course. Dinner will be served from 6:30 PM-8:00 PM. Between courses continue to enjoy beverages from our bar, and get to know one another, including our exhibiting artists. We will close out the night with dessert, accompanied by a cozy live performance from our guest musician.

Our Featured Chef: Caitlin Mahan

Currently working as the head chef at Honeypie Cafe in Bay View,  Cait brings a unique menu specialized in diner classics with an elevated French twist. Her focus is to bring in local ingredients to offer a  traditional, comforting dining experience. "I'm fortunate that my work experience so far has given me the tools to come up with plates that offer a sense of comfort while using local ingredients. For this event, the menu is inspired by my love for making a  meal that makes you feel at home while also offering a traditional French influence."

Menu: (5 Course with Wine Pairing),

Wine Pairing: Malbec

Olive Tapenade Salad

Arugula, mixed olives, parmesan

Creamy potato leek soup

bacon, creme fraiche

Salmon rillettes

salmon, tarragon, fresh baguette

Cassoulet

chicken, garlic sausage, cannelli beans, intensity microgreens

Creme Brulee

homemade vanilla, custard, mint

Our Featured Performer: Garrett Waite

Milwaukee’s maverick guitarist, refracting elements of rock, blues,  folk, and world music through the improvisational structures of jazz.  Garrett has been a strong presence in the Milwaukee music scene since  2022, adding his versatile playing to original acts such as Match Stick,  Craig Baumann & the Story, Mitch Shiner’s Latin Vibes, and Day Tvvo in addition to his own original projects.  Garrett graduated with Honors and a Division Achievement Award from  Berklee College of Music, which he attended with a scholarship. He was a  finalist in the Wilson Center Guitar Competition (Jazz Division, 2018),  and won 1st Place in the NATS singing competition (Classical Division,  2015). In 2022 he was an Artist in Residence at the historic Jazz  Estate. He is endorsed by Donmoyer Guitars and House Guitars. He was nominated for Best Jazz Combo in the 2023 Shepherd Express Best of  Milwaukee and is currently in the running for Best Guitarist in the  2024 WAMI awards.