This fall, I'm looking to start slowly bringing back events, focusing on small-scale outdoor gatherings, following New York State guidelines and requesting that guests be vaccinated.

First up, we're going to return to one of my favorite places in Brooklyn, the private backyard of Auria's Malaysian Kitchen. Tonight, Auria is inviting dinner guests into her spacious backyard for a multicourse feast featuring beef rendang (slow cooked in coconut milk till tender), coconut rice, cool cucumber salad, and pai tee cups--savory pastry cups filled with jicama, cucumbers, and sweet hot sauce. Dessert will be black glutinous rice with sweetened coconut milk. (The vegetarian option will be tofu rendang.)

To drink, we've tapped our friends from Wild East Brewing, who will be supplying all the pilsners, IPAs, and more that you might need to cut the heat of Auria's hot sauces. We'll have at least three beers available, and I'll be digging into my personal vintage cellar for other treats.

Oh, and DJ Mush1 will be keeping the good times going with a garage sound system pumping out the best ska and reggae this side of Kingston. 

We're keeping the crowd small, at 25 guests, to ensure everyone has space to spread out and feel comfortable. Questions? Concerns? Please send me an email.

Tickets: $75 (includes dinner, dessert, unlimited beer, and boozy surprises). Tickets go on sale Tuesday, August 17, at 12 p.m. Here is the link.