Dec 14th Chinese Pop-up Dinner

We are coming into the time of winter. The days feel very short, and the darkness of night is arriving so soon. It’s a time of slowing down and going inward to preserve energy and seek warmth.

In Chinese medicine, winter is associated with the element of Water, which relates to the kidneys and bladder. The kidneys hold our body’s fundamental energy, our essence, responsible for our vitality, and the root of all Qi. Water energy is flexible, adaptable, and flows. Regarding Chinese medicine, salty and bitter flavors help support the descent of qi downward and inward to the kidneys. The salty flavor supports kidney function, promoting the elimination of fluids while keeping tissues hydrated. Incorporating the bitter taste helps balance the warming foods during the cold months. 

Our Dec pop-up menu will serve foods slowly cooked for a longer period at a lower temperature, like bone broth-based soups, hearty meat stews, and dark vegetables. And slow-cooked foods that will generate warmth without drying or overheating the body. Nourish yin and fluids while keeping the digestive fire going. We will use fermented bean paste, seaweed, and kelp to incorporate the unrefined salty flavor. And with bitter ingredients that support the kidney include black tea, dandelion leaves, burdock root, walnuts, and black sesame seeds.