2023 Thanksgiving with the Council
We traversed the five boroughs to identify the City Council's top Thanksgiving chefs, learning much about their families and their favorite dishes for the big meal in the process. The result is our third annual collection of Thanksgiving recipes, showcasing the diverse cultures and flavors of our great city. It’s a Thanksgiving feast fit for the Big Apple!
The Fontas Advisors team wishes you and your family a happy, healthy, and hearty Thanksgiving and holiday season. We are grateful for your friendship. Now, let’s eat!
Rita Joseph: Diri ak Djon Djon, A Haitian Rice Dish
Council District 40: Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Park, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens
This dish is significant and special to many people in the Haitian community including myself during the holidays. I am so proud to share this dish with you so that you can get a chance to taste Haitian cuisine.
GET THE RECIPE →
Althea Stevens: Jerk Oyster Mushrooms (Vegan)
Council District 16: Claremont, Concourse, Concourse Village, Highbridge, Morris Heights, Mount Eden, Morrisania
This dish is special to me, as it served as a great substitute during the time when I wasn’t eating meat. The delicious flavor helped me satisfy my taste buds and continue on a healthier diet. Jerk Oyster Mushrooms can be enjoyed as a snack, in a sandwich, or as a side dish with rice and beans. They have a wonderful blend of jerk seasoning and a crispy, flavorful coating
GET THE RECIPE →
Nantasha Williams: Mama Sarah’s Sweet Potato Pies
Council District 27: Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, and Springfield Gardens
Each year, the delightful aroma of sweet potato pie fills our home, marking the continuation of a cherished tradition started by my great-grandma, Sarah. Her pies were legendary, drawing people from miles around town. Despite being taught the recipe, there's something magical about my mom's pies that I simply adore.
GET THE RECIPE →
Carmen De La Rosa: Carmen’s Ensalada de Papa (Potato Salad)
Council District 10: Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill
My father is the cook in the family, and he always wakes up early to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. When I was a child, I would help him prepare all the ingredients and my favorite was always the Potato Salad. In Dominican culture, we call it Ensalada de Papa Rusa when the beets are added. I hope you enjoy it!
GET THE RECIPE →
Sean Abreu: Mom’s Famous Lasagna
Council District 7: Manhattan Valley, Manhattanville, Morningside Heights, Hamilton Heights
Every family has their own unique Thanksgiving traditions and family recipes. When I think of our annual Abreu celebration, I am immediately brought to the smell coming from my mother’s kitchen as she takes her famous lasagna out of the oven. I know, this is far from a customary Thanksgiving dish. But trust me – there is nothing that brings family together on the fourth Thursday of November better than warm, thick noodles coated in cheese and tomato sauce.