Stories have always been shared over a good meal, but now these Gowanus chefs are using the food itself—and the location—to spin some pretty delectable yarns.
Freek’s Mill is perhaps the most literal example of the current cultural enthusiasm for reveling in the narrative powers of food. Each dish is delivered with a backstory of a time when the very building was a mere twinkle in some faraway diner’s eye, a time when people knew where their food came from.
The restaurant’s name comes from an 18th century mill that was located in the same area along the Gowanus Canal, which used to be called the Gowanus Creek. Back then, the creek was filled with natural oyster beds and one of the staple dishes on the current menu, Wood Roasted Oysters, was conceived by Executive Chef Chad Shaner after researching the history of Freek’s Mill. It’s a deliberate decision to weave a backstory into each of the dishes: “everybody likes a story. It makes it that much more exciting when you are eating.”
Get off the train in Pontassieve, hop into a taxi, and ride 20 minutes uphill through winding countryside roads, past cottages, farmhouses, rows of vineyards and olive groves, and arrive at Agriturismo Fattoria Lavacchio. The main house is a quaint stone farmhouse converted into a bed and breakfast nestled into the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. Fattoria Lavacchio is just one of many agriturismos in the Tuscan region, and within the 21 regions of Italy there are now hundreds.
Organic olive oil and organic wines are produced on the property combining old handcraft methods with modern techniques. The farm also produces vegetables, fruits, and cured meats for their two restaurants on the property. Coupling new technology with historic knowledge allows for the full respect of the plants and animals, which they consider the only proper use of the land by man. The Lottero family prides itself on their organic production, which is part of the farm’s philosophy: “to harmonize its activities with the balance set by nature.”
The sanctuary "that you are standing before appears to have the same proportions are your own life" - John Berger
Sanctuary is an attempt to capture the elusive sense of personal space and safety. The inspiration for this photo essay came from John Berger's "Field", where in the piece he describes "the ideal field", his sanctuary. I wondered what others though of as their safe space. I tried to capture the way these individuals behaved in their space, their body language, movement.
Skidmore College's "naked calendar" featuring The Rithmos, Yoga Club, DJ Club, Running Club, The Bandersnatchers, Skidmore Ultimate, The Outing Club, Environmental Action Club, The Polo Club, Bare, and Hillel.