Central Stem

Summer is calling! ☀️ We had so much fun in December, we couldn’t wait to do it again! We are so excited to announce the Summer Holiday Bazaar hosted by @centralstem & @ediblephilly this August! Think sun-drenched artisan finds, tastes of seasonal flavors, and that same communal spirit—all set in the magical gardens of @thehighlandsmansion . More details to come, but for now... mark your calendars! Interested in being a vendor? We are currently accepting applications for our summer lineup. DM Holly at @centralstem or Jen at @ediblephilly to learn more about snagging a spot!

I wanted to do a little recap on the month of April as it was a series of moments where the vision for @centralstem felt fully realized— It was full of engaging with creative minds who lead with intention. Here are a few highlights: A fun and bright photoshoot day with @saramargaretmay . We spent the afternoon testing her recipes and sharing a lunch that incorporated lovely textures and flavors (and laughs)! I hosted a stop on @aliciadkennedy ’s book tour at @amarakitchenandtastingroom in collaboration with @iknauer . The night was packed with energy, new kinships, and the kind of delicious connections that only happen over a communal meal. A trip south to Florence, Alabama, with @preservingthesouth for the @projectthreadways Symposium by @alabamachaninlife . We immersed ourselves in the history and future of textiles, as well as more material culture, alongside forces behind so much beauty and intention. It was deeply inspiring and restorative. To close out the month, I celebrated my 48th birthday back home in Mississippi with the fam. Very grateful for all of the above. 💚

This carrot salad... all the better to see our beautiful Earth with, my dear! And read about it. 🥕🌎 Celebrating roots today with a low-water crop that’s high in everything else—beta-carotene, fiber, and vibrant color. This @saramargaretmay beauty is brightened with herbs, radishes, and a lime vinaigrette, looking gorgeous on a @mvpstudio.me plate, @standardaffair linen, and @mesogoods flatware. 🌿✨ I also provided some good #EarthDay reads in my Stories, and of course, you can further your reading by picking up a signed copy of @aliciadkennedy ’s On Eating (link in bio). 💚

Heading to Alabama this week with my friend @preservingthesouth where we’ll be going to the @projectthreadways symposium by @alabamachanin . Excited to learn about the history of craft and be in community with other like-minded individuals. And can’t wait for meals by @lisamariedonovan —her memoir, Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger, was one of my favorites from a few years ago. A few other fun facts about me and what’s happening at Central Stem:     •    I’m on the board of @pafibershed and host our monthly-ish book club! (There’s a meeting tonight on @maxinebedat ’s Unraveled)!     •    Central Stem just hit a major milestone: our 10th activation celebrating the brilliant @aliciadkennedy . It was a swoon worthy evening at @amarakitchenandtastingroom .     •    Highlighting makers who are sustainable & doing beautiful things in the world are a big deal here—The recycled clay plates from @standardaffair and @dottieraes linens in this photo are things I’m proud to bring into Central Stem’s events.     •    From AL, I’ll head to visit fam in MS to celebrate my 40-something birthday. Clearly a Taurus and leaning into the wisdom of ‘approaching 50.’ 😜 (This photo was a brunch that April (@preservingthesouth ) and I had in preparation for our Starlike Summer dinner last August.) 🍅

In the spirit of @aliciadkennedy ’s writing, I wanted to share a few words ‘On Appreciation’. This past Saturday, in collaboration with @amarakitchenandtastingroom , we welcomed @aliciadkennedy for a stop on her book tour celebrating On Eating: The Making and Unmaking of My Appetites. I may have said it in my speech that night (does anyone ever remember exactly what they say from the moment?), but my heart was full of gratitude for a few specific things: For @aliciadkennedy : Thank you for trusting me with a stop on your tour. Your writing and book have a way of making you feel more seen. “Our cultures provide our tastes and preferences...” is one of my favorite lines, not to mention there are many more! For @iknauer : I am so appreciative of you always being down for whatever idea I bring to your door. The menu was, as always, the best reflection of the theme of the night! Thanks for being a great partner to @centralstem ! For the makers: I am so grateful to the artisans who allowed us to tell their stories on the table—from the unique sustainability of the @shopterratela linens (table runners & cocktail napkins made specifically for the evening) to the support of @rootstoriverfarm . And a thank you to @farleysbookshop for the books. For the community: To the sold-out crowd that filled the room with laughter and curiosity—thank you for showing up for the festivities and for each other! Swipe through for glimpses throughout the evening and the fun of it all! I’ve tagged the makers on each slide who helped build the soul of the evening. You can visit the #linkinbio to support!

Last Friday Holly Bea Adair, my friend and founder of @centralstem , did the most lovely photoshoot at her super fun mid-century house. On the menu: 🥦Spring Slab Pie: sesame rough puff, broccolini, lemon-herb cream, crispy prosciutto 🥕Carrot Ribbon Salad: French radish, mustard vinaigrette, herbs 🍓Strawberry Pudding: salted chantilly cream, violets from my yard 🍸Rhubarb-Elderflower Martinis 🌸About Central Stem: Central Stem is a Philadelphia-based concept that brings people together through immersive gatherings, thoughtful retail, and a deep appreciation for craft. 🌱Get in touch with Holly to book your next event OR check out one of the many incredible events Central Stem has in the coming months! 🌷All photos courtesy @centralstem , except of course the photo of Holly that I took. 😂 All of the beautiful dishes, flatware and linen pictured are available to purchase from Central Stem! All food by yours truly. 🌾Huge thanks to Holly for a super fun, giggle-filled spring afternoon. 😘😘 🌸🥕🍓🥕🌸 #phillyevents #phillyprivatechef #phillydinnerparties #centralstemphiladelphia #phillyfood 🍸🌱🥦🌱🍸

There is treasure to be found in New Hope on Saturday! We’re hosting @aliciadkennedy for a special dinner celebrating the release of her new book, On Eating: The Making and Unmaking of My Appetites. In collaboration with @iknauer at @amarakitchenandtastingroom , join us for a 3-course meal themed around the foods and stories in Alicia’s book. There will be more stories to tell at the table—and on it—with new treasures from @centralstem (hint: @remarkglass & @shopterratela )! I spilled all the details (and my morning animal spirit pull) in the newsletter yesterday. Link in bio. 📖✨ The Deets: 📍 Amara Kitchen & Tasting Room at Roots to River Farm | New Hope, PA 🗓️ This Sat, 4/18 @ 6pm 🍸 Complimentary welcome cocktail upon arrival. Local spirits, wine, and beer available for purchase. Snag a seat at the table—also at the link in bio! Your ticket includes a 3-course dinner and a copy of the book. Additional treasures can be found in the Central Stem pop-up! 🦪✨🍸

I am so thrilled to host an evening of conversation and connection celebrating the latest book by @aliciadkennedy . Together with @iknauer of @amarakitchenandtastingroom , we are crafting a 3-course menu directly inspired by the stories and flavors in these pages. Join us for: • A 3-course communal dinner • A signed copy of On Eating • An intimate discussion with the author • A curated @centralstem retail pop-up Saturday, April 18th at 6pm at @amarakitchenandtastingroom at @rootstoriverfarm in New Hope, PA. More information & tickets at the link in bio. 💚

Pressed. Poured. Packed out. 🫒✨ An incredible happy hour(s) celebrating all things olive oil!From the welcome cocktails to that Amara ice cream, thank you for making our happy hour festive and for supporting the makers bringing beautiful tastes into the world like @alexadombkoski from @bellemilleitaly and @iknauer from @amarakitchenandtastingroom . It was everything we hoped for: • The cocktail: Olive Oil Washed Amara w/ Vodka • The snacks: Fermented chips + olive oil aioli, Olive oil poached tuna on biscuits • The dessert: Amara olive oil ice cream • The demo: Aioli tips and instruction from @iknauer • The shopping: Retail therapy with @centralstem • The after party: Oven fired pizzas from Chef Ian & team, plus more Amara + cocktails! There’s something so special about gathering to learn, eat, and shop together. Whether you grabbed a bottle or just came for the tuna on biscuits (we get it!), thank you for being part of this community. 💖

Clearly in a green spring state of mind. New cocktail wares, books, & food goods hitting the site soon or showcasing at an event near you! 👀💚🍸 Upcoming events: • 3/13, 7-10pm | A Pop-Up for Chand Raath at @theindieshelfphilly Malvern • 3/21, 5-6pm | A Pressed & Poured Olive Oil Happy Hour w/ @bellemilleitaly + @iknauer at @amarakitchenandtastingroom at @rootstoriverfarm

Chand ( Moon ) Raath ( Night ) - Join us for a light hearted and fun evening at the Malvern location ✨there will be henna, floral garland jewelry, and small business pop ups for all your shop local gift needs 💙 And of course, some karak chai by @officialelaichico ! Henna is first come first serve - one hand design per guest to give all guests a chance to experience a beautiful henna design! All are welcome!

A what?!? An Olive Oil Happy Hour— Pressed & Poured! 🍸 Join @bellemilleitaly , @iknauer , and @centralstem at @amarakitchenandtastingroom on Saturday, 3/21, for a fun olive oil workshop that feels more like a party. We’ll be demo-ing our favorite ways to use @bellemilleitaly in everything from savory snacks to decadent desserts! Saturday, 3/21 | 5-6pm Amara Kitchen & Tasting Room at Roots to River Farm, New Hope, PA $25 includes welcome drink, full demo, and tastings. Tap the link in bio to join us! And stay for the After Party! À la carte pizzas & bevvies, plus shopping from Central Stem, Bellemille, and @rootstoriverfarm ! 💚