There is something eating at all of us. Whether it be our ideas, our obsessions, our cravings, our hunger—we are all looking to feed that which gives our life flavor. “Consumer culture” gives us quick-fixes that leave us always wanting more, but lack the staying power that comes from really connecting to that which we consume. We are overwhelmed with opportunities to spur our hunger, but what does it take to really be fed?

This is an event series surrounding books that explores topics of “consumption”—what we consume, what we are consumed by, and what consumes us. This week, we will be reading Jenny Hval’s wonderfully disturbing story on romance and self discovery, Paradise Rot. Our theme is “Consumed by You,” discussing crushes that can consume us, that fine line between disgust and pleasure, the sickly sweet obsession that comes with the honeymoon phase, and how to nurture and mature those feelings instead of letting them go to rot. On the food side, we will be focusing on fermentation, and plan to serve a large charcuterie board of cheeses and pickles, a selection of beer and kombucha, and run a hands-on sourdough pretzel making course where we will bake and enjoy our twisted creations together. Through these events, we help shape counter-consumer-culture, where instead of feeling driven towards buying into short lived products and experiences in order to feel connected to each other, we intentionally spend our time and attention towards consuming that which actually feeds us: connecting with our community, expanding our thoughts, and doing both over delicious, thoughtful, and satiating meals.

Come curious and take home homemade pretzels and a zine full of recipes, writing, and art inspired by Paradise Rot.

4:00 - Welcome!

4:10 - Meet your dough: lesson in proofing and shaping

4:30 - Letting proof: fermentation and anticipation

5:00 - Pretzel topping

5:30 - Baking

6:00 - Dining, dipping, discussing

6:30 - Farewell!

Colette Estelle

Colette Estelle is a writer and baker living in Queens.

Kyle Barnes

Kyle Barnes is an artist and designer based in Brooklyn, NY.

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