July 13, 7:00 P.M. Dinner: Celebrating America’s Classics: Sylvia’s and Sahadi’s

A Collaboration of Two James Beard–Recognized New York City Icons

25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

For more than 30 years, the James Beard Foundation has highlighted the importance of American cuisine and American food culture. As part of our Independence Day celebrations, we are honoring restaurants that have been a part of our American food history—New York City icons, Harlem's Sylvia’s and Brooklyn’s Sahadi’s.
Both restaurants are recipients of the James Beard America's Classics Award, an honor bestowed on locally owned restaurants that are beloved regionally for quality food that reflects the character of its community. Sahadi’s is helmed by fourth-generation siblings Christine Sahadi Whelan and Ron Sahadi, while Sylvia’s legacy is being carried on by her children, led by her son Kenneth Woods. Together these two institutions will unite to design a creative menu that celebrates the best of both worlds and highlights their unique, family-driven stories.

Dining Table $185 | Internal Chefs Counter $200 | External Chefs Counter $160  

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MENU 

Hors d'Oeuvre 

Falafel with Fresh Green Herb Tahini 

Contains alliums and sesame 

Berbere-Spiced Shrimp 

Contains shellfish 

Venison Hash Grit Shot with Sundried Tomato Salsa 

DINNER 

Sahadi's Mediterranean Mixed Meze with Hummus; Baba Ghanoush; Lebany; Grape Leaves; House-Pickled Turnips and Cauliflower; and Housemade Pita Bread 

Vegetarian 

Fried Chicken Fattoush Salad  

Contains alliums and gluten 

Blackened Catfish with Sweet Potato Purée and Candied Pecans 

Contains alliums and nuts 

Sahadi’s Tahini Brownie Bite with Sylvia’s Famous Banana Pudding 

Contains sesame

About Sylvia’s:
Sylvia’s Restaurant is a Harlem, New York City institution. The late owner, Sylvia Woods, dubbed “The Queen of Soul Food,” founded the now-iconic restaurant in 1962 after buying the luncheonette where she worked as a cook and waitress for 16 years. For over 62 years Sylvia’s has been serving her traditional South Carolina soul food—like the world-famous barbeque ribs, fried chicken, and smothered pork chops—to Presidents, governors, mayors, heads of state, dignitaries, and her beloved Harlem community. Sylvia’s continues to be a family legacy, helmed today by her son, Kenneth Woods. Together the family has built the brand to include a nationwide line of food products, catering, and special events divisions, cookbooks, a real estate holding company, and community service through scholarships and philanthropic endeavors. Sylvia’s Restaurant is the embodiment of American entrepreneurial self-determination and will remain one of America’s Classics for decades to come.

About Sahadi’s:
Atlantic Avenue, between the waterfront and the terminal, is Brooklyn’s fertile crescent, a cluster of Middle Eastern restaurants, groceries, bakeries and sundry shops. Sahadi’s, at the heart of this micro-neighborhood, has a New York root system that dates to the late 19th century, when Abrahim Sahadi first set up shop in downtown Manhattan. Charlie Sahadi and his brother Bob Sahadi, direct descendants of Abrahim, ran the business for more than 50 years with help from Charlie’s wife, Audrey, before handing the reins to Charlie’s daughter Christine Whelan and son Ron Sahadi in 2016. Today, Sahadi’s is a bulk-bin wonderland, packed with locals making by-the-pound purchases from glass jars of amaranth, pistachios, dried figs, spices, and roasted coffee, or loading their baskets with pantry goods like pomegranate molasses and Middle Eastern cheeses. It all comes together in the deli section, where the family stocks multiple varieties of rich, tangy labneh, vats of creamy hummus, and delicious seasonal salads as well as bakery specialties like flaky borekas and baklava, harissa-drenched lavash, and Middle Eastern breads.

Tickets to events held at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation cover the cost of food, education and a unique dining experience. Meals are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world. Unless otherwise stated, alcoholic beverages are provided on a complimentary basis and are not included in the ticket price.

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.

Event Policy

Reservation Policy:

All reservations are non-refundable and must be made in advance. Should the event be cancelled due to any unforeseen circumstances, including COVID-19, JBF will offer a range of options, including ticket exchanges, the option to donate tickets, or a full refund. For more information, contact platformbyjbf@jamesbeard.org.

Alcohol Disclaimer:

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served. 

Dietary/Food Restrictions Policy:

Events at Platform by JBF are special one-night-only menus and we do not offer a la carte menus. If you have serious food allergies, we will work with the visiting chef team to do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee that alternate options will be available for every course.