– by chichai@empire –
The blog is coming back to life! We lightweight stepped away from the digital sphere when opening our pop-up shop— it was a lot of work y’all! Now, since we said BRB to having a store, we’re making our way back to giving you content.
And what a way to kick-off our blogging than with womxn empowerment?
On Sunday, February 17, I attended a #feministAF dinner by Haejin Chun.
Um. Our dinner came with a bouquet for every single guest! Brb crying with gratitude
peep the Tagged Textile Tee
Haejin Chun — the culinary artist behind Big Bad Wolf SF— hosted her first-ever womxn-only event titled Big Bad Queens. Upon announcing Big Bad Queens, Haejin referred to it as the “most significant, meaningful, and empowering gathering thus far, or imma die trying.”
Let me tell you…
Homegirl succeeded that and beyond.
Leading up to the night, Haejin set the tone with her IG posts of how her celebration of being Big Bad Queens would be. You knew her and her team poured their hearts in preparing for this gathering.
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A post shared by BIG BAD WOLF (@bigbadwolfsf) on Feb 12, 2019 at 5:47pm PST
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A post shared by BIG BAD WOLF (@bigbadwolfsf) on Feb 1, 2019 at 6:49pm PST
I admitted to Haejin prior to the night that the particular reason why I wanted to join was because of a need for inspiring vibes. Her response:
[That’s] exactly why I wanted to do this dinner. Women empowering and inspiring other women.
Because the lead-up alone nourishingly hyped the Queens up, entering the venue felt magical. Womxn gathered glammed-up in their own unique styles; rose was poured alongside the night’s roses; and, as we mingled with each other in the nicely dimmed San Franciscan loft, the first two courses were passed out to give us a teaser of the glorious flavors composed by the Big Bad Wolf.
The two appetizers included a warm and crisp pan-fried savory mochi (mm) and a pine nut purée that felt like a hug from the inside of your belly (not pictured because I ate it right away… same with the second one I ate.) What I also wish I took a photo of was Haejin passing out vapes on a silver platter. I don’t indulge in smoking but, c’mon, look how cute this is ( + bonus points for the organic, local, sustainable shout-out):
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A post shared by BIG BAD WOLF (@bigbadwolfsf) on Feb 17, 2019 at 12:38pm PST
Greeting us to our assigned seats was a simple & elegant table setting with our take-home gifts, including osmanthus honey brittle and two sorts of wrapped up flowers, one with our names handwritten.
Once everyone made their way to their seats, Haejin welcomed us with an opening speech about how this dinner is the most meaningful one she put together to-date. She referred to the guest list as powerful and, you know, Big Bad Queens.
She then redirected the floor to Kayko Tamaki for a ceremonial soundbath. Kayko guided us into meditative thoughts of how extraordinary womxnhood is and to honor our connection to ourselves, our bodies, and the earth herself.
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A post shared by BIG BAD WOLF (@bigbadwolfsf) on Jan 22, 2019 at 7:12pm PST
Then came the feast. And, while indulging, Haejin had one rule. She wanted us to further connect with each other by engaging in one small yet meaningful task: pour each other’s glasses. For the first round, we raised up our ceremonial tincture to drink together.
The night wasn’t only about gathering Big Bad Queens together, it was about filling us with goodness. In Haejin’s welcoming speech, she shared how she did research on foods that are healthy for women’s reproductive systems. Our tastebuds, tummies, and vaginas thank you.
The main courses included: a banchan flight, chicken dumpling, bo ssam, and spicy mussels with soba noodles. From the presentation to the taste and portions, wow. I really don’t know the right words. How about this; every dish made each guest close their eyes and mutter words along the lines of omg… so good…
Last — and definitely not the least — were “double chocolate brownies with toasted hazelnuts, raspberries and dusted with a pink Himalayan matcha salt.” Holy Sh*t. I forreal slumped my head back upon taking the first bite and whispered to my chocolate, “ I didn’t know how much I needed you in my life.” Next thing you know, Haejin catches me and says, “Look at you eating that chocolate like a queen.” I was too betwixt reveling in the chocolate to ask if there were any more.
Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset
Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset
Thanks to @katrosereyes, you can relive the dinner with more visuals here:
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A post shared by BIG BAD WOLF (@bigbadwolfsf) on Feb 20, 2019 at 9:34am PST
Thank you to Big Bad Wolf for an extraordinary evening. Days after the dinner, the inspiration from that night’s sisterhood is still keepin’ me feeling revived.
Coming up next on our website: a blog blitz of our time at Moment SJ. Stay tuned and welcome back.
Big Bad Queens with Good Eats - by chichai@empire - The blog is coming back to life! We lightweight stepped away from the digital sphere when…