A Taste of The Table Sessions
Sweet Corey-Bey here sharing my excitement for the upcoming Table Sessions curated by Daniel de Jesús , June 11 & 12 at Bartram’s Garden!
Art and life converge at the Table Sessions: the magic of performances is paired with delicious food and connective conversations. As a self-professed foodie, I’m always excited to try these unique menus from some of Philadelphia’s most talented chefs that harmonize with each aspect of the night.
This Table Sessions re-awakens Federico García Lorca's Sonetos de Amor Oscuro — poetry chronicling a forbidden queer love amidst the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War — through Daniel’s voice and compositions for a lush, three-cello ensemble fusing baroque pop style with neo-goth aesthetics.
And Cynthia Salamanca, our chef for the evenings, is tasked with channeling the rich culinary heritage of Granada, Lorca's home, with dishes that evoke the flavors of Andalusia — and adding her own unique twist to the cuisine.
Earlier in May, I got to be the first Journey Arts staff member to try Chef Cynthia’s cooking at Taller Puertorriqueño’s El Mercado: A Latino Art Market, a community celebrating local Philly Latino artists and raising money for Taller’s Educational programs.
The vibe at El Mercado was celebratory, warm, and communal, a mix of folks catching up, and checking-in in both English and Spanish, with a student ensemble rocking out on their first gig, and a percussion duo playing rhythms.
Chef Cynthia welcomed me, introducing me to several of her friends, and staff of Taller while remaining super locked in with her team serving hungry people.
Her offering was three types of empanadas: cheese, beef, and chicken. From the time I arrived, I saw so many people tucking into the hand pies, not wasting, or sharing a single bite! At each break in the programming, the line to her table would begin to form again, snaking into the foyer.
Despite bringing many prepared trays of the empanadas, the demand found Chef running back and forth to the kitchen to prepare more hot and fresh and made to order.
The care in the food was obvious, and the juicy meat was seasoned to perfection and paired well with each bite of the crispy exterior. This was an abundant empanada, reflecting Chef Cynthia’s obvious joy in cooking them.
My own empanada came right out of the pan, into a napkin where I tucked in outside of the kitchen — which was quickly growing too hot for me!
Taking it all in, I was reminded that an artist's journey is rooted through their relationships, experiences, and the community that holds them. The witness of an audience reflects back the creativity that is channeled through an artist’s works.
Food is a particular art form that allows us to share stories and sustenance, especially when it’s prepared with care and thoughtfulness. A seemingly simple dish in a special place can enrich everything.
Projecting a bit into the near future of Table Sessions: imagine a warm evening night under twinkling lights in the tent at Bartram's Garden. I hope for a bit of a natural breeze, and a cold drink in hand as the sunset bathes the garden in twilight. The sound of cello trio reverberates through the tent stirring up reflections of love all around us, encouraging greater attention to ways to express it fully, freely and truly. Mouths and bellies are full of complimenting and nourishing tastes.
A delicious vision, right?? Watch it come to life from your own seat at Table Sessions. There’s still time to get tickets, but don’t delay!
Sincerely, SCB
P.S. Make sure you stay tuned on socials for the Table Sessions menu to come!
