Last Friday I attended a Storyteller’s dinner co-hosted by local foodie Tiffany Stacy of @breakfastatetiffany and Chef Dan Sabia in Yorktown, New York. Westchester County-based foodies and influencers were introduced to Chef Dan and his pop up dinner business, Wood Fire Food (@wood_fire_food on IG!). His mission? To create lasting memories through great conversation and food.
If you couldn’t guess it from the title: Wood Fire Food is a top-notch connecting opportunity in Westchester. To truly convey the experience, I think it’s best to start from the beginning. Let’s back up…
Wood Fire Food: A Top-Notch Connecting Opportunity In Westchester – My experience…
Everyone received the invite about a month ago with the exact location left out. I’ve shared information about hosting events before, but if you’re not familiar, it’s relatively typical to not include the address of an event initially. Sometimes you may only have a town or city listed for your location, as your venue hasn’t been confirmed. Other times the secret is part of the fun, it adds suspense and excitement (for some!).
When I arrived I knew this venue was absolutely kept a secret on purpose.
While Chef Dan wouldn’t call himself a fan of surprises, he uses them to his advantage in his business. “In this day in age everyone’s mind seems to be made up before they experience anything. If you take away that element you give people the opportunity to find there own joy in the experience instead of letting be “influenced” ahead of time.”
Wow. Now tell me you don’t agree with that!
The day of
Tiffany, knowing her audience, let us know we could park anywhere in front of the house (ok got it, not at a restaurant), and that we could find her in the back (cool, we’ll be outside!). Giving us some idea of what to expect. I opted for sandals and a dress! Easy.
When I arrived I was blown away. As promised, I was able to spot Tiffany in the back when I pulled up to the home. The backyard was connected with its side yard, showcasing this beautiful green lawn. Exiting my car I walked past a few trees, followed by a fire pit, wood fire oven and was greeted by my excited hosts.
Further out in the yard, I could see where we would be eating: a long dining table straight out of a home design magazine. Complete with a large wooden beam as the centerpiece made by Chef Dan himself.
Are you starting to understand why his business is called Wood Fire Food? When I asked Dan to elaborate on this truly stunning centerpiece, he said: “the beam was from an old barn in Connecticut, it’s made out of ash. I find such beauty in the rustic perfection of hand made work.” Value of nature is in his core.
I was so excited to be there.
But, being who I am, I was mildly panicked that I’d get bit by a tick. And of course, in true Simone fashion, instantly voiced my concern to both of my inviting hosts. (#eyeroll, sorry guys! LOL). Luckily, Dan had HOMEMADE bug spray readily available, and I’m happy to report no tick bites here.
You see before we even sat down to eat, the exciting story had already started.
The evening began with your choice of wine or whiskey made by the Chef himself in his at-home distillery. I caught up with familiar faces and made connections with new ones. Like Conner McGinn who creates custom handmade dinnerware for both restaurants and the home out of his studio in Tarrytown, New York.
It was when we finally sat down to eat when I was able to learn more about Chef Dan.
Three things I learned from Chef Dan Sabia at the Storyteller’s Dinner:
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- Dairy cows (or milk cows) are a more sustainable source of beef. “Utilizing dairy cow is sustainable in the sense that we are using an animal that is forgotten, once the milking process is done. They are left to essentially fade away. If we focus on using what is available instead of modifying cattle to yield more meat for us to consume, we may start to tip the scales in the slowly decaying world. It may not be the end all be all solution but it’s a start. A very very delicious start. Holstein cattle is the term to look for when shopping,” said Dan.
- Westchester friends, if you’re looking for great local meat (like I am), check out your local DeCicco’s & Sons market. Why? Because their meat is sourced from Pineland Farms. I couldn’t remember all the exact details so I reached out to Chef Dan and asked him to elaborate. He said, “Pineland Farms Natural Meats began as the first organic/alternative beef operation in the country, originally located at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, a small saltwater farm in Freeport, Maine. Today Pineland Farms manages a beef production network, working hand-in-hand with over 200 family farms in our marketing region. These farms are invested in raising natural cattle under humane conditions. And DeCicco’s has always carried this product, I just took a lot of interest in sustainably raise beef after my time consulting with DeCicco’s, and learning about the farm.”
- It’s important to put your phone down and it’s okay to remind people of the importance of in-person connection. The internet and social media can be amazing, but sometimes it feels like a personal connection has been lost. Dan is on a mission to unite people and keep human interaction alive in this generation of social media. #respect
An Opportunity In Westchester to Eat Great Food
So what did we eat? Obviously, food is a huge part of the equation when it comes to Dan’s business. Check out some of the delicious eats below.
PHOTOS BY Matthew Mancuso @theartofeating.info
All Platters and Plates are by Connor McGinn @connormcginnstudios
When you sit around a table of passionate individuals the energy is contagious. Inspired by what Chef Dan does, I’m also working on a new business/community for my Westchester and New York City-based peeps. I want to be able to invite YOU, my readers, friends, and really my team (I hate calling people “followers”) because I KNOW if you follow me you are just as driven and looking to connect and inspire others. My newest goal is to get you guys at the table (literally and figuratively, because obviously, all events arent sit down dinners! LOL!).
Thank you, Chef Dan and Tiffany, for bringing us together, for inspiring me and for including me. Wood Fire Food is indeed, a top-notch connecting opportunity in Westchester County. Follow Chef Dan here @wood_fire_food and keep your eyes out for upcoming events!
If you’re not from my area, is there anything similar to this in your town? Share them below!!
