For those that are believers in the stars’ alignment, including zodiac signs (sun, moon, and rising to be exact), Mercury retrograde, and all-encompassing horoscopes, then this astrology dinner series at the Walker Hotel’s Society Café in New York City’s Greenwich Village was written in the stars for you.
Attributed to the astrological sign attached to each month, Executive Chef Nicholas McCann curates the four-course prix dining experience in partnership with astrologer Lauren Ash from the well-known astrology guidance app, Sanctuary. A thoughtful brainstorming session takes place, where connecting the dots between each zodiac’s qualities to the flavors and ingredients that would adequately pair with one another are discussed to create the intricate tasting menu. Prior to the dining experience, guests can really get into the spirit with a personal tarot card reading.
The chronological tasting began with the first astrological sign of the zodiac, Aries. Embodying ambition, competition, and energy, the menu specially highlighted spice-forward dishes: Tagine Tango consisted of berbere spiced lamb (or vegetables), couscous, dried apricots, cilantro, and mint. For dessert, a Fire & Ice “Cream” served with Spiced Luxardo Liquor, candied oranges, and cherry ice cream was a playful sweet treat.
Following the second placement in the modern zodiac, the Taurus Dinner featured earth-forward fusions to reflect the sign’s grounded nature. Represented by the bull, a befitting Raging Bull libation, comprising scotch, lemon, mint, and pomegranate flavors, was a tasty libation to sip. The iteration began with the New Harvest (tuna tartare, pomegranate, green strawberry, and nori tuile) as a precursor to the Spring Offerings (grilled beef cheek, smoked new potato, asparagus, ramps, and rosemary) or Spring Vegetable Lasagna main course meals. Sticking to the earthy theme, the dessert dubbed Dirt Candy (chocolate, fig, strawberry, and rose) satisfied the sweet tooths.
Recently spotlighting Gemini season, an emphasis on the Gemini twins’ dual personality traits came through each creative dish. A yellow gazpacho served over chilled dry ice dubbed A Set of Twins with Two Thoughts started the innovative meal, followed by The Bird Has Flown The Coupe, composed of duck prepared two ways with honey & lavender-glazed roulade, foie gras torchon, rosemary, and lingonberry as the entrée. The Airy 75 cocktail mixed with Aviation Gin, Chambord, chartreuse coloring, and bubbles, connected to Gemini’s air sign caliber, was our libation of choice throughout the evening.
If your zodiac season hasn’t happened yet, there’s no need to fret, since the dinner series will continue in order with the sequential astrological signs: Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
In addition to the creative food offerings, guests who book the celestial experience are bestowed with zodiac-theme gift bags with fun goodies, including a short read diving into the in-season astrology sign by Stella Andromeda, tarot cards by Cosmopolitan, perfume by Zodica Perfumery, and skin cleanser by Pink Moon.
Top Takeaways
Location: Greenwich Village, New York City
Address: 52 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
Cuisine: American
Price Point: $$ (Dinner starts at $120/person and can be booked HERE, with seatings at 6 and 8:30 pm)
Takes Reservations: Yes – OpenTable
The vibe: A charming neighborhood gem imbuing a cozy fine-dining atmosphere.
The attire based on the vibe: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Breakfast: Every Day: 7:30 am – 11 am; Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm; Dinner: Sunday & Monday, 5 pm – 9 pm; Tuesday – Thursday, 5 pm – 10 pm; Friday & Saturday, 5 pm – 11 pm
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