Almost a Wrap
With 2024 almost over–I reflect on what a special year it was. I even took a moment and looked through all my iphone photos; which made me (almost forget) the basement flooded this morning. A great cup of coffee & a rollercoaster of emotions told through a collage of images –it almost felt irresponsible, like a daydream. This trip down memory lane was pretty incredible–especially because I don’t always take pictures. I love them–I really do; but sometimes pulling out your phone can ruin a moment and that's a major no-no.
I didn’t capture all the moments; but I got a bunch of them and I hope one day I could figure out how to export them to google drive …or is it dropbox? The cloud? Anyway–what a fucking year. We started with a guest chef stint; which hit pretty well, but then reverted back to pappardelle & hot chicken: after all –I heard some rumblings of a petition 🙂
We kept some Popina classics–the dishes Chris created and ya’ll continue to crave. Zarisa mixed in some new dishes–some destined for hall of fame status. Our menu has evolved and I’m loving it. We have bread! Who would have thought–one of our most ordered items.
Popina has changed in many ways: the side yard has totally transformed into a year-round dining room, the wine cellar has become one of our most popular spaces, the backyard with its touch-ups, and the main dining room just feels better! Oh, and we can’t forget the bathroom: perhaps our biggest improvement of 2024.
Lots of people to thank for the changes: big and small; but no other has played such a pivotal role than Gretchen. Not limited by her official scope of work–she has been an incredible thought-partner and has helped the team at Popina grow and be the best version of itself. This year would not have been the same without her; so big thanks to you, GT.
Ok, Ok–I was originally going to do a “best of” list because that's what people seem to like this time of year; but I thought it might be more interesting to hand it over to, G.
-James
As we sprint (hobble? crawl?) toward the end of busy events season at Popina, the to-do list drafting newsletters, confirming headcounts, menu selections, and runs-of-show is dwindling. James has offered my penning a blog post all year, but said scope of work has kept me occupied, so here we are, a week before Christmas, and I’m giving him a week off from the blog.
Before I dive into my very own memorable 2024 list, I’ll reciprocate the shoutout. James & the Popina team had an impressive year, and I am so fortunate to have a full calendar year under my belt working alongside them to market, book & execute almost a hundred private events at Popina. For those unfamiliar, Popina is one of my clients, for whom I offer a wide range of services – from marketing strategy, private event program management and sales, business ops, design and more (like painting the bocce court, but don’t come a-knockin’ for that one). From weddings to corporate events to baby showers and book launches, so much was celebrated in every cozy corner of Popina this year. The culinary & service teams brought their A-game to executing beautiful and refined-yet-laid back event experiences. But I’m also compelled to give props to the clients themselves – so much love from neighbors, regulars, industry folk, and newcomers. I felt lucky to work with event clients who were genuinely looking for a great experience and left themselves in our hands to help them celebrate, the Popina way.
Onto that list…Having been in this industry for 15 years, dining out has become not only a hobby we so enjoy, but a means of staying connected and up to speed on our friends & trends. I’ve watched the careers of former colleagues sky rocket into success, deepen into their craft and elevate into positions of leadership that give back to the industry what they got from it and much more. To me, dining out is more than just having a meal, it’s a peek behind the curtain of what’s on the minds of friends and colleagues, and every experience I left feeling fed in more ways than one.
In no particular order, here are 10 dining experiences that reinvigorated my passion for restaurants, hospitality, and the people who pour everything into it:
Untable | Some of the spiciest food I’ve ever had, but you’ll leave wondering when you’ll be back next to try the rest of the menu. Don’t sleep on their incredible house cocktails that rival some of the best cocktail bars out there. My favorite spot to sit is at the bar, where you can watch said cocktails come together, seamlessly, all while their team greets each guest with a neighborly warmth that gives you the warm fuzzies.
Strange Delight | I love New Orleans, and anytime I need a little fix, I can go to Strange Delight and drink Perfect Martinis and eat a shrimp loaf, smoked fish dip, and more. Anoop, Mike, and Ham are crushing it over there. It’s a gorgeous space - add it to your roster for lunch or dinner soon…
Leon's | The second restaurant of Nick & Natalie Anderer of Anton’s. An instant classic that Union Square desperately needed. The wine list serves quartinos (Nat gets me), and the blend of Egyptian and Italian influence offers an opportunity to have a different culinary journey every time. No rock was left unturned for this one.
Gus’s | The evolution of Carroll Gardens continues, and our friend Chris at Gus’s is fine-tuning another neighborhood stand-by, and I love a dinner that’s just a walk away from home. From family-meal style dinners, classic holiday offerings, and the occasional I-Can’t-Bring-Myself-To-Cook-Tonight moments with a three-year old, we’re lucky to have them close by.
Theodora | (and Thea, their new bakery next door) Tomer & Laura own Miss Ada, and their newest place(s) are true home runs. Tomer is one of the best chefs around, and Laura, his wife, is an incredible Jill-of-all-trades designer and partner who is responsible for the incredible branding each of their places exudes.
Nami Nori | My desire for excellent sushi is slightly trumped by my desire for convenience which is why Nami Nori has become a go-to dinner after working from a client’s office in the west village each week. In this case, I get the best of both worlds. Also temaki is so fun!
Penny | The basic B in me loves a glass of champagne & some oysters. But the brioche & caviar is a special treat, as is everything on their menu (and wine list).
ASLF Benefit in Chelsea Market | Not a restaurant, but definitely a favorite dining experience of 2024. The Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund Benefit is a CAN’T MISS event in September each year. 130 of the city's best chefs, restaurants, and purveyors, plus all of Chelsea Market’s vendors wide open for your enjoyment, all to benefit someone who inspired so many in our world, and departed too soon. Get on their mailing list for early bird tickets and more events this year to support their incredible apprentice program.
Thai Diner | I worked on a Shake Shack x Thai Diner collab this year, and Ann & Matt were the consummate partners. They run a very tight, very busy ship, and I was fortunate to have a group dinner at Thai Diner where I consumed more food I’m proud to admit. Just go, eat everything, drink the punch, and order the Uncle Boon’s Sundae.
Popina | Ok, maybe an obvious one, but if only you knew the ins and outs they navigate to make that backyard as lovely as it is all season long, it would be top of your list, too. The side dining room (the “covered patio” as it’s otherwise known in the summer time) is a rejuvenated space that’s fully enclosed, heated, and cozy AF. Can’t wait for the neighborhood (and me) to have this spot to enjoy all winter long. Not to mention, housemade pasta has a special place in my heart (IFKYK), and it’s not to be missed.
For those of you who work at these spots, thank you, and congrats on a successful year. For those who are elsewhere in the industry, thanks for doing what you do. And for those of you who explore, support, and dine at restaurants, keep doing it, and keep having parties!
I wish all of Popina’s community a happy holiday season & fruitful new year, and look forward to hearing from more of you in the coming months about all your upcoming celebrations, and where you’ve loved dining!
Shoot us a note at events@popinanyc.com for any and all of it.
-G