Letters Home - Soraya

Oct 2022

Right after I graduated college, my dad promptly moved out of my childhood home. This upheaval forced me to comb through every item I have ever owned over the past 18 years and digest, discard, or decide to keep. Among this treasure trove of trash, I found an old journal from elementary school that was filled with my detailed plans of becoming a chef, a distant dream I had of creating food for others. Looking at that journal 8 years after that dream, I realized it was never about being the one to cook, but rather the one to own and operate the restaurant. At 10 years old though, I didn’t know restaurateur was a job I could dream of. 

I have always had a strong passion for enjoying and devouring delicious food, while also being business minded. To open up my own establishment with a food component - whether that’s a full restaurant, cafe, or food truck - has remained a guiding goal of mine (the chef part has fallen off now that I know I’m not as skilled in the kitchen as I thought). 

This interest in owning and operating my own food establishment, has currently manifested in pop-up dinner parties for those closest and equivalently food-minded in my life. My new strength and knowledge in event coordination and execution has also inspired me to bring these work strengths into my own home to start hosting. In a way it allows me to practice and sharpen my event industry skills off the clock. 

Now as I mentioned before, I am not as skilled in the kitchen as I thought I would be, but I have a friend who is. I met Soraya in college through a mutual bestie. Her own passion for food and actual skill in chefing it up helps bring the execution to this partnership that I lack. Her experience in pop up restaurants and currently as a line chef in one of NYC’s hottest newest Persian dining experiences has created a powerhouse between us two. She is also a creative that dabbles in website design, visual arts, stamp making, sewing, the list goes on. Her multitude of creative skills is what helps make our Letters Home project so successful (and aesthetically pleasing).

Letters Home is a series of dinner parties inspired by someone's home. The menu will rotate throughout the months highlighting a unique story and home with each menu. We kicked off our series with Soraya’s story inspired by her time and tenderness tied to home. Focused on Persian dishes she relished in as a child and recipes she learned from her experience in restaurants. The menu included two dips, two salads, an entree, and a dessert. Below is the full menu:

There was not a hungry stomach in the room. 

The whole experience surrounding food was inspirational and came during a time I needed it the most. We were able to build an experience from scratch curating the slightest details. The food was act one, the atmosphere and space was act two. From table settings to lighting we planned each detail out. 

We wanted the food to create an interest for folks to come in, but have the actual gathering to transcend this. To create an experience that allows for conversations to be borne out of comfort. Food allows for bellies to fill and truths to be revealed. The senses are uniquely connected and allow us to experience memories from our past. The slightly salty scent or bitter first bite can remind us of a time where our families laughed around the dinner table or casually snacked during movie night. Food opens the door ajar for flooding memories and insightful conversations, cracking the door to the center of the soul wide open. 

As we continue to tell more stories and share more pieces of home, we are grateful for your support and guidance. The next meal is set for April 16th and will highlight my story. Imagine a playful Japanese-Korean-American fusion brimming with memories and favorite flavors. Keep following along as we create, evolve, and delve into food + stories.