February 14th, 2019
7-10pm
Undisclosed Location, Long Beach, CA
Design by Lillian Hu
A Japanese soba chef said that he closes his eyes when he makes noodles because eyes can only see in one dimension. However, it’s our eyes that often dictate what goes on our plates. The first impression can easily secure a bite, or have us seeking something that is perhaps more familiar. Thus, the saying “eating with your eyes.” What if I take away your sight so that we can heighten your other senses? Awaken the love for flavors and textures of food through your mind’s eye? I worked with an amazing local poet, Melissa Lussier, to curate a living menu that pays homage to different cultures, providing doorways to experiencing feelings that are best brought on by memories of food.
I want to thank Maria and Ramalee, community members in Long Beach, for sharing with me this idea to work on long ago. What a fun adventure it’s been curating this unique event with guided imagery by Kelsey Dougherty. Now, let’s all go on a blind date!
** This event will have very limited seating in order to ensure the highest quality. You can RSVP through our website by navigating to Contact. RSVP open on Jan 16th, 2019. Location will be disclosed in confirmation email.
MENU*
1
Jerusalem
Pistachio Soup with Ginger, Shallots and Orange
Sun pirouettes into horizon
you are a map of ancient secrets/
a hummingbird wing of song
lifting from the blossom of mouth
the holy land of your heart ajar
2
Vietnam
Young Jackfruit and Banana Blossom Salad on Puffed Rice Cracker
city lights sing neon hope
pointing you to the jungle of yes
the blanket of familiar
falling from your satin shoulder
3
Morocco
Chermoula grilled Eggplant with Bulgur and Kefir
smoke rolls in like spiraling hope
you hold this shape in your lungs
deep breaths anchor weary bones
embers sigh deep orange
4
Turkey
Stuffed Mussels with Pine Nuts and Aromatic Rice
moon nestles into sea
street stretches into time
tonight you are a facsimile of why
uncoiling your serpent spine
5
Burma
Shrimp Toast with Fried Delicata Squash, Fermented Green Tea Aioli, and Microgreens
you expand into space
ocean lends an ear
you offer sea anemone hands
aglow with time
6
Afghanistan
Mantu Dumplings filled with Lamb, topped with Split Pea Tomato Sauce and Spicy Zhoug
water rushes in like opal promises
you think it might swallow you whole
but this time, water buoys you
this time, you are swimming
7
Italy
Gnocchi with Sweet Peppers and Veal Meatballs
maybe the burn is an opening
perhaps the end is a womb
gestation, a room you’ve yet to seek
a color you’ve yet to bleed
8
Philippines
Suman with Mango & Pandan, Sticky Rice, Coconut Creme Drizzle
afterglow spills paint palette onto sky
daybreak lives in burnt fingertips
in the way you say good morning
turning your petal face to the sun
9
Belgium
Long-Stemmed Strawberry dipped in Belgian 54% Dark Chocolate
red is the sound of your blood
singing life into a body
stretched like spider web across everyone you have ever loved
10
Ecuador
Dark Chocolate Macaron with White Chocolate Mendiant, Cocoa Nibs, Raspberries & Puffed Rice
the shape your eyes make when, like a cup,
they are filled to the brim with wonder
The voice that sleeps like a gentle dragon awakens now
pulls shoulders square
a fire no love could name.
Reveal
Mignardise
Select a truffle from our case to take home
$85/pp
$35/pp Optional Wine Pairing
*Updated with poetry written and recited by Melissa Lussier