Live the Life of Gatsby at the Madrona Manor's Lawn Party Sunday

The long-awaited film version of The Great Gatsby finally hits the big screen next weekend, on May 10. Whatever you may think of Leonardo DiCaprio in the role of Gatsby (played by Robert Redford in the 1974 version), or of director Baz Luhrmann (Moulon Rouge) and his over-the-top style – in fact, whatever you think of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel – you can bet it’ll be an immersive experience in an earlier era.

Which brings us to the Madrona Manor, that Victoria-era resort just outside of Healdsburg. With its cabins, grounds and general atmosphere of casual wealth – okay, maybe not so casual – it would make a perfect set for a Gatsby-style party, wouldn’t it?

Actually, someone thought that was such a great idea that Madrona Manor will preview the film’s release with its own '20s-style lawn party, replete with Gatsby-inspired food and drink, accompanied by stylish live music from San Francisco's Turnaround Jazz Quartet for the elegant guests to dance their best version of the Shimmy, Charleston or Black Bottom.

The date for what they’re calling the “Great Gatsby Soiree” is this Sunday, May 5, from 2 pm to 5 on the lawn at the Madrona Manor. Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren has thrown himself into the event, even creating a special menu of appetizers directly inspired by passages from The Great Gatsby

For instance, in the book we read, “At his parties, Gatsby served spiced baked hams crowded against salads of harlequin designs and pastry pigs and turkeys bewitched to a dark gold.” So Mallgren gives us crispy local oysters wrapped in spiced ham, a Waldorf salad with celery root, roasted grapes, black walnuts, and a “pork pie” made with local suckling pig.

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There are other inspired dishes, from lobster hash to goat milk biscuits to go with your cold fried chicken – it is a lawn party, and not a sit-down dinner after all. Dessert and two varieties of vintage cocktails will be served, and a cash bar is available for beer, wine and other beverages of choice.

The whole point, actually, seems to be to throw a party and have fun with it. Of course it’s not just that: the restaurant at Madrona Manor has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2008, and the hotel’s 22 uniquely appointed rooms, among lush gardens and immaculate grounds makes Madrona Manor a perfect location for bit of fantasy role-playing, just like in the movies.

There are still tickets available for $65/person, online at www.gatsbyatmadrona.eventbrite.com; includes food, two varieties of vintage cocktails, live music, games and the experience of living the good life, for three hours at least, on a sunny Healdsburg afternoon. Dress in 1920s-era fashions preferred, of course.

Party-goers who wish to stay at Madrona Manor the night of this event (Sunday, May 5) will receive a special package rate of $350, which includes deluxe Sunday-night accommodations, two tickets to The Great Gatsby Soiree and buffet breakfast. Book by calling (800) 258-4003.