Thursday, January 21, 2010

RB's Kitchen

For the 4th Sunday Supper we got in touch with the South for a SOUL FOOD themed evening. About a month ago I was working to help to save The Pink Tea Cup from closing, a 55 yr old soul food restaurant around the corner from my apartment. Through the hard work of many it will live on, and I was inspired by the passion and dedication of everyone I met there. And the food of course! Many found this theme to be a challenge, but in the end the hits just kept on coming, and truly this was one of the most incredible feasts I have ever experienced!!

THE MENU
Becca & Ryan: Biscuits
Jana & Levi: cornbread, garlicky collard greens
Ben: Pulled pork, pickles, wonder bread

Nick: Pork Belly
Stephanie: Jerk chicken
Me: Chicken liver & onions
Jaime & Matt: Black eyed pea fritters, creole tempeh
Josh & Candice: Maple baked beans
Miles: Jerk tofu
Allison: Mac n Cheese
Romy & Jesse: Cheese grits
Julia: Spicy green beans
Melinda: Succotash
Laura: Potato Salad

Allison & Diego: baked mashed sweet potatoes
Arin & Steve: Chocolate chip walnut cookie
Eve & Greg: Banana Pudding
Cali: Hard cider, beer
James & Heather: wine
Laura & Jason: beer














Also in attendance was a very special guest - Captain Blankenship
!


My nautically dressed friend came across the country with her amazing
all-natural and organic perfumes, soaps, bath salts and balms. These delicious handcrafted goods are made in small batches in her kitchen in Berkeley California, so it was a real treat for those of us here in NYC to sample and acquire them!!





I am continually blown away by the way these evenings. The look on Laura and Nick's faces above says it all. These "suppers" are about so much more than just the food itself. The dishes are exceptional, and I strongly believe that's because so much thought, consideration and love has gone into them. And because they are created with the intention of being shared. Food is powerful in this way, for it's remarkable ability to bring people together, and sometimes in the most unexpected of ways. Some people come to these suppers who I have never met, some come knowing no one else but me - but at the end of the night we have all made new friends, or bonded with ones we haven't seen in years, and all look forward to coming together again to share in each others lives.

A soulful and soul fulfilling night in countless ways.