BROTH FEST 2015

Rain, tea, and a good book? Nope, change that to rain, beer, and amazing broth. That was our rainy Saturday for the Pancakes and Whiskey team at South Street Seaport. The rainy weather couldn’t be more perfect for the delicious event on Saturday curated around broth, music, and great company.

Broth Fest 2015 was a perfect way to bid adieu to winter and took place under an unforgettable and adorable inflatable cube. When I think of broth, I remember my mom cooking up some spanish broth, with tons of cilantro, it was the best way to cure a cold or just warm you up. Broth Fest completely changed my sentiment towards broth with some delicious beer provided by Brooklyn Brewery, I was in my personal heaven. The top chefs that were part of this great event were Katz’s Delicatessen, TriBeCa’s Belle Reve, Nolita’s Baz Bagel + Restaurant, Caracas Arepa Bar, Jamaican-Asian Spur Tree, FAME and Harlem’s underground Bone Deep and Harmony. We were all given a golden coin so we can vote for our favorite broth, it was so incredibly tough to choose against modernized and delicious classics.

Cube

Walking into the cube, with a sense of bewilderment and excitement, I was greeted by a sweet dj set by Alex Mitow, the founder of FAME by Alex Mitow and one of a kind broth stations. The FAME by Alex Mitow/Imagination In Space team did a wonderful job of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a way that gave us music, interesting pop up stations with art, shows, and clothing.

Alex Mitow

Now onto the famed broth…each chef brought a little somethin’ somethin’ into the age-old recipe and creating a masterpiece. The first one I tried was Caracas Arepa Bar’s sancocho which was made of beef shank, cilantro, yautia and yucca. This one hit close to home especially with the yucca; it was a staple in my household along with plantains. I couldn’t stop there, next was Katz Deli’s Classic Motzah/Chicken Broth was soothing and warm, just classic; reminded me of that first cup of warm coffee every morning.

Katz

Spur Tree Fish Tea broth was the stock that most people were talking about; it was made of fish, green bananas,garlic, scallions, salt and ground pepper simmered to perfection. Belle Reve’s broth, was like the rebel. like James Dean of broths oozing with that coolness with a spicy infused broth and a hint of Kentucky Wild Turkey bourbon, I actually fell in love. I hovered around their station for a bit to see people’s reaction and I loved every second of it. One taster actually said, “….woahhhh!!” with a look of approval and oh my that just woke me right up.

Spur Tree

Belle Reve’s

Bone Deep & Harmony also did a great job of mixing oils and vinegars into a beef broth like chimichurri, thai basil oil, and kimchee juice. Sake to Me was the classy and delectable kobe beef broth lemongrass, herbs, dry sake and chili floater. Lastly was, Baz’s Jocye’s Classic which was described as a, “traditionally comforting chicken broth, just like grandma used to make..” which I completely agree, the minute I had it I called it cute because it reminded of my grandma, cozy and very homely.

Bone Deep

Baz Broth

Sylvana Joyce & The Moment, played a great set and brought a nice mix of indie pop, folk, hard rock, and gypsy punk to the ambiance. There was also pop-up shopping stations with art, shoes, and clothing for any extravagant event.

Sylvana

If you’re looking for quality shoes for guys, One Ground, is the place to shop for handmade designer quality shoes, that deliver with quality with still leaving a nice quantity in your bank account. Alotta Stuff Auction brought out the flair with vintage wardrobe. Last but not least was Misha Tyutynik, a very talented live painter who works with acrylics and mixed media, I definitely became a fan after seeing his art.

Painting on Jacket

One Ground Shoes

Broth Fest was incredibly fun and most certainly the place to be on a rainy Saturday. It changed my whole view on something that’s so traditional and classic, just because it’s traditional doesn’t mean it has to be boring. I highly recommend that you check out their next event and catch other FAME by Alex Mitow/Imagination In Space events, truly great team.

Article by: Karen Silva

Photos: Jonathan Miller