A sneak peek at 'Sunday Best' by The Carpenter's House
Originally published on The JOLT News on March 18, 2026
When I first heard about the "Sunday Best" event, it sounded unlike anything I have ever been to before, and I was immediately intrigued.
I have been to brunches with high quality cuisine and have gotten a taste of the classic art auction experience, but I have yet to find any event with any of the unique and intentional qualities I have learned about here.
“Sunday Best” will take place on Sunday, March 22, with events to last throughout the day. To learn more, I had the opportunity to chat with Justin La Gra and Chris Ruiz from The Carpenter’s House (a community centered, creative hub), Chloe Bott owner of Coalescence Event Services, and Chef Lela Cross.
Bott summarized the event as: “An elevated, immersive brunch that transitions seamlessly into an art gallery and auction, creating a refined blend of hospitality and artistic expression. At the heart of the experience is a five course immersive brunch where food becomes art, and the art of food unfolds around you. Each course is presented through multiple service styles and beautifully plated presentations, with wine and cocktail pairings by Ellen Wanamaker of Oly Wines. The progression of the meal moves naturally alongside the art experience, allowing guests to dine, explore, and engage with creativity as it happens around them.”
This event sounds truly extraordinary and it would be a shame to miss out on all the fun. You can purchase tickets and more by clicking here. Oh and do come wearing your “Sunday Best!”
Of note, anyone with dietary restrictions can reference that in their reservation. They will accommodate gluten free and vegan.
Sneak peek
Bott shared how “Sunday Best” originated from a gallery tour where she and Chef Cross conceived of the idea of combining the art of food with visual art to create a beautiful, multi-sensory experience for guests. This shows creative inspiration can come to us at any moment, and it enhances our lives to explore these ideas and see how they flourish.
Throughout the event, there will be what Bott described as a hidden gem concept where guests are invited into “an interactive moment of discovery by finding and keeping a hidden gem during the experience.”
The metaphor behind this is how The Carpenter’s House is a true hidden gem within the community.“The gem itself reflects Justin’s brand identity, including the diamond featured on the venue window and his logo, reinforcing the venue’s story, craftsmanship, and sense of discovery," Bott said.
On the brunch side, creating a menu inspired by any artwork takes an intentionality, originality, and a willingness to explore. This is especially true when your menu is going to be inspired by 100 works by various artists.
Chef Cross described her menu creation process as dynamic and sometimes “all over the place," often inspired by the high energy, colors, and even the small details like the smell of wood in The Carpenter's House.“The menu can change up to three days beforehand, sometimes even on the morning of the event,” Chef Cross said.
I cannot wait to see how Chef Cross’ openness to inspiration and trust in her gut instincts manifests itself on the plate. The art auction will feature 100 small works, defined as 11 by 14 inches or smaller, with prices under $500 to ensure accessibility. The small works will include 2D painted art, as well as 3D or tactile pieces, such as small dovetail cedar boxes made by La Gra.
Confirmed artists include (but are not limited to) Kim Saltiel, Asha Macdonald, Kristin Lane, Crystal Moore, Talia Mazara, Les Huntsman, Margaret Lumpky, and Cindy Petersen and Patty Mitchell from Whispering Wood Design.
“The overarching goal is to curate a unifying space for people, bringing the community together to encourage and support one another, no matter where you are in your life spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, ” Ruiz shared.
La Gra added, "The goal of putting forth a positive message and supporting the community by leading by example, fostering collaboration over competition, and showing love and hospitality.” La Gra shared that the name "Carpenter's House" signifies their foundational belief in Christ, promoting love for God and one's neighbor, emphasizing the space is based on relationship and love, not an affiliation with a church or religion.
This event really is a community effort as it is comprised solely of small and local businesses that are passionate about the arts and their community, with the only exception being American Party Place, which provided a beneficial deal for rentals. I encourage you to read all the event credits here and follow these individuals and businesses on social media.
Learn how you can reserve your ticket by clicking here.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/a-sneak-peek-at-sunday-best-by-the-carpenters-house,28526