Announcing Friendly Style by Eden
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Happy Thursday peeps! In the last few years, we have lost the art of social acquaintances and meeting our next pal or partner across the dinner table. As the world opens up and we have to put outside pants on again, I look forward to finding home and community in restaurants.
That’s why I’m super excited to announce a new project I’m working on: Friendly Style by Eden.
Eden is a new company I’m starting dedicated to people passionate about food and community. Our first act is Friendly Style, a series of dinners inspired by family-style meals, dinner parties, and good conversation.
All these dinners are free of charge. Yet, I would ****highly ****encourage everyone to donate the proceeds of what they would spend on dinner to an organization supporting Ukraine relief efforts or an organization committed to making food accessible(Edible Schoolyard Project is my fave). If you do this, please send me a receipt :)
Sounds appealing? Apply by March 16th HERE to snag a spot. Read on to see where we will be dining.
Here is what you can expect at these dinners:
15-20 people of varying backgrounds with some varying interest in food
The best dishes at the most popping restaurants in NYC
Conversations about good food, new communities, and new ways to socialize intentionally.
So don your fave dinner party attire, practice your Irish exit (actually maybe don’t), and join us in dining Friendly Style. Really hoping to see old friends and meet new ones over the next few weeks!
Enough talk, let’s dig into the restaurants!
March 17th @8:30pm: Department of Culture
Inspired by the cuisine of his home state, Kwara, in Northern Nigeria, chef Ayo Balogun has curated a delicious menu that fosters conversation in an intimate setting. This is Balogun’s fourth rodeo creating dining experiences (and a coffee shop) in Bed Stuy but with Department of Culture, he wants to emulate the experiences of a Nigerian café but with the plating of a fine dining restaurant.
Come enjoy dishes like wara (a milk curd recipe), efo riro (stewed greens), and suya (grilled skewers) while Fela Kuti and Sunny Ade tracks flow in the background.
Perhaps this might be the chance for you to try jollof, the dish that can start a parliamentary-style debate between any West African. Also, we have the whole restaurant to ourselves which I’m excited about!
Please note that this will be a 4-course tasting menu.
Some dishes to expect*: the menu is set to change but if you come to this dinner, I will send you the menu beforehand. Check out their Instagram for an idea of what to expect.
March 20th @ 6pm: Cosme*
Yes, New York’s hottest club is Pujol but did you know Enrique Olivera has a spot here in the concrete jungle. Yes, you won’t get to enjoy the post-Pujol carajillos in the famed garden but you can still experience his magic without boarding a plane. Marvel as local and seasonal ingredients sourced from Hudson Valley are crafted in a contemporary light to celebrate and honor the flavors of Mexico. If libations are your jam, sip a little mezcal with dessert. We will be tucked away in the restaurant’s private dining room.
Some dishes to expect:
herb guacamole
tataki al pastor
mole de la casa
cornhusk meringue
March 24th @9pm: Win Son Restaurant*
Ok, I’m hyped for all the dinners but this is the one that I’m EXTRA hyped for. Nothing is more peak NYC than gathered at a table munching on Chinese food, eyeing that last pork bun or passing the Kung Pao chicken via lazy Susan.
Launched as a Kickstarter-backed restaurant in 2016, Win Son is a homage to ambitious Taiwanese fare and the culture surrounding it. Yes, the food is to die for but the vibes are truly immaculate. In true Williamsburg fashion, the decor of the restaurant is giving grunge. Exposed brick and squeaky floors are paired with hip hop that blasts through the speaker. You will resist the urge to bop to the beat as you dine on the scallion pancakes and marinated cucumbers before you dive into the market fish.
Some dishes to expect
scallion pancake
pan-grilled pork buns
sesame pancakes
lu rou fan
March 25th @6pm: Gage and Tollner*
One of the pro tips about living in New York City is you always have that spot to take your parents out to eat. You know what I mean, the classic spot that forces you to rock that J Crew sweater grandma gave you and converse with your dad about what’s new in the Financial Times. Gage and Tollner is that joint.
Returning in full force in 2021 after its operations from 1879-2004, Gage and Tollner is a testament to the history of American cooking and how it constantly evolves. Dig into the seared yellowtail, decadent fried chicken and fermented kale slaw in a room adorned with gaslight-era chandeliers and velvet booths.
Fun fact: Gage and Tollner also used to be the spot for one of the best Black female chefs America has been blessed with Dame Edna Lewis.
Some dishes to expect:
wedge salad
fried chicken
fermented kale slaw
coconut layer cake
March 27th @1pm: Dame
With the heart of a British chip shop & the aesthetic of a modern English lawn club, Dame is showing NYC peeps that there is a high bar for hearty seafood.
Co-owners Patricia Howard & Ed Szymanski have crafted a menu showcasing innovative ways to consume all the goodies under the sea. Their fish and chips are glorious with a crispy batter pairing beautifully with fish that melts on your tongue. And you know this joint is authentic because of the malt vinegar that pops up next to your chips (sorry sorry I meant fries)
Dishes to expect:
grilled oysters with green chartreuse hollandaise
fish pie
proper English chips(French fries in American)
lemon posset
March 29th @7pm: The Tyger*
I’m all for restaurants that herald that they are built different. The Tyger, located in Soho, asserts that they offer a contemporary cuisine inspired by East Asian food traditions but with flavours emulating Thai, Malaysian, and even Australian dishes. In their well-curated Feast, the way they dub their family-style menu, you can munch on the Phnom Penh fried chicken paired with the squid ink fried rice washed down with some sake if you so please.
This restaurant came highly recommended in a tweet where I asked for Asian restaurants ideal for group settings so thank you Internet for something good.
Dishes to Expect:
grilled togarashi corn
baby gem salad
crispy whole red snapper
vegan coconut bombs
March 31st @7pm: Huertas*
Cracking a tin of seafood is the new version of cracking a cold one open. Transport yourself to Basque country with the classic Spanish dishes at Huertas, a tapas joint in the East Village helmed by ex-Maialano chef Jonah Miller. Galician octopus, croquetas, and jamon serrano are just some of the things that you can munch on as you experience tapas style in its full force. The romanesco cauliflower and shishito peppers are also full of flavour if the meat and fishies aren’t your vibe.
Until I cop those tickets to Barcelona, Huerta’s will be the spot to immerse in Spanish culture rewarding myself after those Duolingo lessons.
Dishes to Expect:
Jamon serrano
shishito peppers
Galician octopus
Romanesco cauliflower
churros
*- dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Please note any allergies or aversions in the form!
Thanks for reading through! In case you’re too lazy to scroll back up, here is the form to sign up!
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to drop a note! I always respond.
If you want Friendly Style to come to your city, lemme know as well!
Eat well and be well!
Your friend in food,
Abena
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Such a great community initiative! Excited to see where it goes :)
How can I signup for the invite list email? I missed the 3/16 deadline and says the signup is closed!