The Star of the North: Private Dining in Mara and Nordic Village

Few things equal the energy of a restaurant. But sometimes an occasion calls for a space to gather that is set apart from the rest of the world. That’s why Mara and Nordic Village each boast their own private dining rooms. In these well-appointed spaces, guests gather intimately with friends, colleagues, community members and loved ones to share gourmet food and drinks while being cared for with the top-tier hospitality of Four Seaons Hotel Minneapolis.

For event hosts looking for private dining experiences, they are in expert hands with Restaurant Event Sales Manager Fiona Hunter. From the first inquiry email to the moment tables are cleared, Hunter guides each host through every step of the process to ensure the event exceeds expectations.

“Whatever they need, we can absolutely be of help,” Hunter says. From the food to the décor to the soundtrack or run of the evening, events can be customized to meet almost any vision. “We print customizable menus, name cards, seating charts, floor plans — literally everything.”

It’s an ideal role for Hunter, a former chef-turned-event planner, as it blends her passion for food and hospitality with her gift for logistics and organization. “I love getting to know people and creating memories,” she says.

Here, Hunter provides an inside look at the vastly different private dining options inside Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis.

Mistral

• Accommodates: 12
• AV features: Bluetooth speakers, TV with HDMI capabilities
• Best for: Smaller celebrations, pre- or post-wedding events, corporate lunches and dinners

Positioned within Mara, Mistral is an extension of the dining room with hand-blown green light fixtures, a custom-crafted table, lush chairs and work by Minneapolis-based artist Emily Donovan. But close the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and pull the thick curtains, and you’ve got an intimate dining space perfect for a wide range of events.

“It’s amazing for intimate birthday celebrations, corporate dinners, wedding dinners — there’s quite a bit you can do with the space,” Hunter says. “The opportunities are pretty limitless.”

The Mistral menu features a three-, four- or five-course plated feast. Hunter works with Mara’s chefs to meet dietary and religious needs, and Pastry Chef Eddy Dhenin creates takeaways and custom cakes. In addition to a dedicated service team, guests can access beverage amenities such as a sommelier or wine team, Amaro tastings and a Champagne cart, among other features.

While the large custom table remains fixed in the middle of the room, vintage credenzas help create a reception-style event. Or, guests can start with a cocktail reception in the lounge, featuring passed drinks and appetizers and a dedicated service staff. “You have two different areas that are your own,” says Hunter. “It feels like more of an experience.”

Guests can outfit the space with décor — as long as it’s within reason — and Hunter can source jaw-dropping blooms and bulbs from the in-house florist. But perhaps Mistral’s best feature comes courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows. “My favourite thing about Mistral is how much natural light it gets,” says Hunter. “And when the curtains are closed, it’s very intimate.”

Marin

• Accommodates: 6
• Features: Bluetooth speaker, extra privacy
• Best for: Intimate celebrations with close family and/or friends, VIP corporate dinners

While Mistral is situated within the dining room, Marin is tucked behind the bar area — so much so, guests would be forgiven for not knowing it’s there. “It’s an extreme amount of privacy,” Hunter says. “If you don't want to see anyone, you don't have to. It really is your own space.”

With luxe wallpaper, a large, upholstered banquette, throw pillows and shelves filled with vases and other beautiful decorative pieces, Marin radiates high-end comfort. The large, rustic wooden table accommodates six guests, and while the menu mirrors the Mediterranean cuisine of Mistral, all dishes are served family style. Dessert is part of the Marin experience too — including Dhenin’s artistic creations — and because Marin is serviced by the bar team, guests also have access to an elevated level of beverage knowledge.

Finally, the quiet intimacy of Marin continues through the lack of AV offerings. While there is a speaker for music, there are no televisions or other visuals, allowing guests to focus on connecting fully with the people around them.

“At night, the space is candlelit, and the table gets full and overflowing,” Hunter says. “It’s a really lovely family-style experience.”

The Lodge

• Accommodates: 20 seated, 24 standing room
• Features: Two TVs with HDMI capabilities, Bluetooth speakers, access to outdoor space, shotskis
• Best for: Larger sit-down dinners, smaller cocktail parties, guests who like an outside-the-box experience

The Danish word “hygge” loosely describes the feeling of being cozy, content and surrounded by people you care about. That feeling burns bright in The Lodge, the newest addition to Nordic Village. While the fourth-floor rooftop’s rustic-chic cabins seat between two and eight guests each, The Lodge can accommodate up to 24 guests for a private dining event. “We form one long table, and it’s super beautiful,” says Hunter.

Designed by MartinPatrick3, The Lodge embodies the best of a Northwoods cabin — think cedar wood walls, cozy blankets, antler light fixtures and lots of wood — and the space is heated and insulated. The private dining menu features the same experiential offerings as the traditional Nordic Village dining experience — complete with fondue and s’mores — though it’s served family-style, so guests can try all of the dishes. A dedicated bartender stands ready at the bar for beverage needs.

“We can also host reception-style events, with passed canapes or light snacks. There’s also the opportunity to do small, intimate wedding ceremonies,” Hunter adds.

Small windows and skylights in The Lodge allow for views of the stars or falling snow, and private dining guests can enjoy the Nordic Village outdoor area, complete with winter landscaping, fire tables and a ski lift photo op to help capture each memorable event.