8 Vendors from the Southeast Asian Market at FDR Will Be Popping Up at Bok Bar for a Special Rooftop Dinner
Every summer thousands of people visit the Southeast Asian Market (SEA Market) at FDR park. Consisting of vendors of various backgrounds including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and more, the landscape is very diverse. However, not many people know the stories behind many of these vendors who do not operate traditional brick and mortar businesses. Local event curator Com.Unity in partnership with Visit Philly is looking to put names and stories to these faces at a special one-night-only dinner at Bok Bar.
Taking place on Wednesday May 22nd, “Beyond the SEA Market” will feature eight vendors from the market in a special 7-course tasting menu at the seventh floor rooftop of Bok Bar (800 Mifflin St.). Guests will be seated at communal tables with complimentary drinks from Philadelphia Distilling, San Pellegrino, Vena Spirits, Rupee Beer, and Two Robbers. For entertainment, guests will enjoy traditional Lao music played on the Khim
Beyond the SEA Market’s courses will include specially prepared dishes from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam including items such as BBQ chicken sticks, Papaya Salad, fish Amok, Sralaw Machue Kreung Beef Sour Soup, and Nasi Goreng Ijo.
In addition to the food guests will get to know the vendors behind the SEA Market and listen to their stories of immigration, resilience, and cultural heritage. This is not only a celebration of rich tapestry of the SEA Market but also a celebration of all Asian cultures in recognition of AAPI Heritage Month.
Com.Unity will be working with local event coordinator Elizabeth Margaret to create this authentic dining experience. “The goal of this dinner is to highlight the people behind the market and the food by setting a stage for them to talk about themselves and their immigration journey here. But a personal matter is that this is also an effort to emphasize that Southeast Asian cuisines do not have to be deemed “cheap,” states Com.Unity founder Roland Bui.
In addition to showcasing the culinary talents of SEA Market, Beyond the SEA Market will also serve as a fundraiser for the Vendors Association of the Market and a portion of the proceeds will go directly to support their organization.
Beyond the SEA Market is limited to 100 seats. The welcoming reception will be at 6pm and dinner will start promptly at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $150 per person and are available on Eventbrite
