A Holiday Soiree

by Caroline Griggs

After being away from Harlem, NY for eight months, I had the fortunate opportunity to come back and be the photographer of the Refettorio Harlem Holiday Soiree.

It was a beautiful evening of the all of Harlem community coming together to support Refettorio Harlem.

The night was centralized around the black poet Langston Hughes. Each chef created their meal based on a selected poem. The poem was read before each meal, the meal was served, and then the chef came out and shared their story.

The event featured six courses by renowned Harlem chefs JJ Johnson, Russell Jackson, Asia Shabazz, Bilena Settepani, and Aliyyah Baylor, including delicious appetizers from Sottocasa Harlem and Eataly.

As the night moved along, you could feel the room come alive, as people’s bellies filled with beautiful food and hearts filled with connection. As I moved around the room taking photos, I watched the warmth and brightness of the room enliven and the laughter and joy ensue.

Each meal was filled with soul. The whole evening alive with the camaraderie of a community either currently open and willing to support the Harlem community.

As I watched the chefs in the kitchen, I felt their love and support for each other. Each one turns to the other with respect and pride, doing what they love for the community that they love. The richness of camaraderie was alive in the food and in the kitchen as they joked, laughed, and plated. They delighted in each other’s creations.

One highlight of the night was Celeste Beatty from Harlem Brewing company. She has a cookbook, but has not spent much time in the kitchen. Refettorio Harlem Head Chef, Michael Lesser, inspired by one of her recipes, elevated her beer and food to the next level with his creativity, bringing alive a beer cheese Mac N Cheese everyone raved about, and leaving Celeste with a new depth of love for the possibility of cooking.

The night was filled with magic that evening with much thanks to the volunteers as well as the Chefs. I heard one couple say, “It was the best meal they had all year”

In Refettorio Harlem, we spend every Wednesday and Friday serving the homeless. On this occasion, we opened our doors to people from all over NYC, inviting them to dine and enjoy the deep love and delicious food served at the Refettorio Harlem. As I walked around, I felt everyone leave knowing the high quality and service the people of Harlem were experiencing. My heart warmed with gratitude for support.

Caroline Griggs is a long time leader and volunteer with Unconditional Freedom, and has been helping build Free Food Harlem from its inception.