2024 Thanksgiving with the Council
We rounded up five of New York’s finest City Council Member gourmands for the ultimate potluck — a Thanksgiving feast with their own family recipes. In the process learning much about their families, favorite dishes, and fond memories of the big meal. The result is our fifth 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!
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers: Fresh-Berry Cranberry Sauce
Council District 31: Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Jamaica (parts), Far Rockaway, Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens (parts)
Each Thanksgiving, my family enjoys this cranberry sauce recipe. I add a special twist by using Trader Joe’s extra flavorful cranberries. This dish has been a hit in my house for the last few holiday seasons. Enjoy this special holiday dish with your loved ones! I hope you love it as much as I do!
GET THE RECIPE →
Eric Dinowitz: Jerk Oyster Mushrooms (Vegan)
Council District 11: Bedford Park, Norwood, Kingsbridge Heights-Van Cortlandt Village, Kingsbridge, Riverdale-Spuyten Duyvil, Wakefield-Woodlawn, Woodlawn Cemetery, Van Cortlandt Park
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 →
Council Member Farah Louis: Fabulous Caribbean Apple Pie
Council District 45: Flatbush, Midwood, East Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, Canarsie
When I think of Caribbean Apple Pie, I'm reminded of how a single dish can capture the warmth and vibrant spirit of our community. Growing up, this wasn’t just a pie; it was a celebration of flavors and traditions, bringing family and friends together. Unlike the traditional apple pie, our Caribbean version is spiced with unique ingredients that make each bite feel like a taste of home. It’s a beautiful reminder of our heritage—something familiar yet filled with distinctive, soulful flavors, much like our culture itself.
GET THE RECIPE →
Council Member Julie Menin: Mom’s Palascinta (Hungarian Pancakes)
Council District 5: East Midtown: Turtle Bay, United Nations, Upper East Side: Lenox Hill, Roosevelt Island, Carnegie Hill, and Yorkville
My mother made this dessert every Thanksgiving so I now carry on that tradition. It is effortless to make a fun interactive recipe (great for kids!) and the pancakes consist of only 6 ingredients!
GET THE RECIPE →
Council Member Kevin Riley: Kev’s Jerk Chicken Sandwich
Council District 12: Williamsbridge-Olinville, Bronxwood, Eastchester-Edenwald-Baychester, Wakefield, Allerton-Parkside, Baychester, The Valley, and Co-op City
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family, love, and the traditions that bring us together. I feel incredibly proud as a father to have created something my children love so much that it’s now part of our family’s cherished memories. This sandwich symbolizes not only great food but also the joy of building new traditions and passing them down to future generations.