As a child, I was often flown from New York’s Laguardia airport to Louisville, Kentucky, to spend time with my grandparents, Bonny and Bonnydaddy. On those occasions, they’d greet me with boundless joy and we’d marvel at the giant pegasus sculpture suspended from the ceiling of the Standiford Field airport on our way to baggage claim. This ritual started as soon as I was able to fly alone, which I think, back then, was around four or five. I spent many long weekends and school holidays at Bonny’s heels in the kitchen, helping her prepare Sunday Suppers. For anyone who has family from the south or has spent any time there, you may have some idea of what this looks like. At Bonny’s house, there would be no less than a brisket and a turkey, a dozen side dishes, homemade dinner rolls, and a variety of pies, cakes and cookies. For my grandmother and many of her guests, Sunday Supper was a spiritual act, a continuation of the morning’s church coffee hour, where my grandfather’s students, my grandmother’s mentees, and nearby friends and family would come together. My grandmother expressed love in many ways but the more bountiful the Sunday spread, the more dishes on the table, the longer folks would linger, telling stories and knitting their lives together. 

When we were planning Oakland Yard, I knew we wanted to create a place that would bring people together around food and wine and creativity. And while we’re not recreating Sunday supper, I am pleased to introduce Friday Night Bites: a pop-up we'll be curating in collaboration with chefs who love to build community as much as we do. I’m thrilled that our inaugural event is with Nokni, Steve Joo and Julya Shin’s homage to the diversity of Korean food through the bounty of Northern California’s farms, fishermen, and ranches. 

Join us October 6th for Friday Night Bites: Nokni at OAKLAND YARD, an evening of tasting flights and small bites. Tickets available here: http://oaklandyard.brownpapertickets.com

But first... TONIGHT (as always!) THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS! Spanish Whites and Portuguese Reds. Come relax and explore with us. Flights $12, from 4-8pm.

SATURDAY FLIGHTS: Pinot Noir from Around the Globe! Flights from 2-5pm

SPARKLING SUNDAY: All Bubbly Flights from 2-6pm and by the glass specials all day.

See you soon!