What a Dinner Party Loving Taurus Always Has In Her Kitchen
Heirloom tomato-guava sorbet, an actually good hard seltzer and more
The Deligram shines a spotlight on the many incredible food artisans in New York and beyond, and we look to our friends to help us discover the best of the best every day. This week, we spoke to Venezuela-born, New York-based artist Cassandra Mayela Allen, who makes pieces that explore identity, belonging and migration using found materials and textiles, as well as quilted jackets.
(You can see her work this summer: her second solo show is opening July 10th at Olympia.) Mayela is also a self-described “true Taurus,” who loves hosting dinners at home. So, to kick off Taurus season, we asked her for some of the things she can’t live without.
Cassandra Mayela Allen’s Favorite Things…
Rancho Gordo Beans, ranchogordo.com
“Something I'll be cooking no matter the season is beans! Love beans, I get mine from Rancho Gordo. My ‘secret’ ingredient for Black Beans is adding Culantro (or Recaíto). It brings out a beautiful flavor.”
Casalú Hard Seltzer, casalu.com
“A drink I love to share with people when they come over is Casalú. It's very light and refreshing and totally different from any other hard seltzer in the market (I actually don't like hard seltzers). This one feels more like a drink, like a rum and soda with a twist, which is very Venezuelan.
Ají Dulce Peppers
“I'm really into hot sauce and condiments, and I make my own hot sauce every year. I'll get a mix of fresh peppers from the farmers’ market when they're in season and pickle them to perfection. If you don't know about Ají Dulce, you need to get acquainted with this beauty.”
Luis Herrera's Salsa Macha
“I always have a container in my fridge. It's not for sale but you can go try it at his restaurant, Ensenada. (Luis, if you're reading this, my birthday is coming up and I could use a gift!)”
…Favorite Makers…
“When Basie and I got married last year, I asked some friends to take care of the dessert table. My friend Raven of Pachamama Helados makes these rich, flavorful, small–batch ice creams, so when I got married last year, I asked her to make a Heirloom Tomato-Guava sorbet... insane.
Another highlight from our wedding was Chakriya's Soursop & Thai Tea Pavlova. (Chakriya is currently fundraising to open her restaurant BONG NYC. and New York needs this place desperately! So definitely support on whatever level you can. I also heard a rumor that she'll be featuring some Cambodian-Venezuelan dishes, which makes me so excited.)
Last shout out from our wedding goes to my bestie Lo Alalay, who took care of the actual catering that night and I can't stress enough how insanely talented they are. They can do it all. From flowers to food and everything in between. They're such a baddy, hire them!”
…and Favorite Night Out
“When I do go out, I like to stay local. A place I love is Prima Brooklyn. They've been hosting knitting nights and it's such a vibe! Knit while sipping great wine in great company, what more can you ask for?”
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Portrait by McGuire McManus. Product images courtesy of the brands.