Invite strangers and make new friends – Supper clubs around the world
A while ago, the Swedish government appointed an inquiry to map out the sharing economy. And The British Ministry of Industry has brought out the report Unlocking the sharing economy that goes in depth with how to change the laws and regulations to facilitate the sharing area economy. One of the main reasons why this type of economy has grown is the modern technology. Digital platforms and smartphone applications offers a new arena for people with the same interest to connect with each other.
When it comes to supper clubs, the phenomenon is not a new thing. In some cities it’s been a thing during many years, in others it has just begun. And it’s possible to draw parallells to tendencies in economy and society at large:
“For example, in southern Europe and the US services based on sharing economy began to grow after the financial crisis of 2008. In Sweden, it is mainly interest in sustainability issues and social aspects that has driven the development,” says Karin Bradley, lecturer and researcher at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, who is also investigator commissioned by the Swedish government to lead the new project about sharing economy.
Well, is it money, trends, social contacts or the food who has driven the development of supper clubs? We asked home chefs, also supper club hosts, in three different capitals how and why they invite strangers to dine with them.
How is it to invite strangers? “I’m always nervous. The first time I hosted a supper club was last summer, when I started my food blog. Opening my house to strangers is not easy, I don’t know anything about them: who they are, what they do, what they expect from me. Will they like my food? Will they think the best of my house (which is, of course, a part of me, built one piece to another carefully)? It’s a kind of exam… but it lasts only for a few minutes, in the beginning of the evenings. Then you break the ice, and usually things go on very well. We find our way, starting talking, and then eating and drinking.”
What do you usually cook?“Of course, I have Italian specialities on my menu. But I prefer to make a revisited cuisine, taking traditional dishes and transforming them into something new. For example, typical lasagna but with asparagus, pine nuts and lemon, it’s delicious! I follow the seasonal products. Since I live next to one of the most characteristic market in the capital, Testaccio, I always visit that one in the morning to buy ingrediens for the nights supper club.”
Are your guests welcome to every rooms in your home? “It’s all open, since it’s a little apartment, 45 square meters. A big living room divided from the kitchen by a wall-bookcase, that allows me to be ‘in’ the room with my guests and to cook without let the people see all the mess in the kitchen! Apart from this, is my bedroom with a walk-in closet and a bathroom. So, no walls for my guests…”
What do you like the most with supper clubs? “I love to have people sitting around a table, eating and chatting, sharing my passion for food, tips for travel, movies and books…. At first, mainly foreign tourists visited my dinners. It was a deliberate choice, since I’m a journalist of foreign affairs, and I’m fascinated by knowing people from other countries; they can tell me what they do and think, and open up my eyes how it is to live elsewhere. Meanwhile, Italian guests have become more, thanks to word of mouth. If they are foreigners, they always ask me for advice about Rome, tips that cannot be found in the guides. And I’m more than happy to share and let them discover ‘my’ Rome.”
When did you start running a supper club? “I worked as an investment banker in the City (London’s financial district) for many years, but 2011 I left to pursue my interest in food and wine. At that time I had already been writing my blog, The London Foodie, for three years and decided to deepen my skills in cooking. Following training in Japanese cuisine in Tokyo, I returned to the UK and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu. After those experiences, I wanted to start practicing the things I’d learnt and began to host supper clubs. At the first event, 14 people visited. Since then, things have been growing and growing… now I receive 30 people at every event.”
What do you usually cook at your supper clubs? “The specific menu is always a surprise for the guests but I usually serve 8-10 courses and the theme varies. I grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with Japanese and Italian parents so that food heritage has definitely inspired me, especially in Japanese, Brazil and Nikkei cuisine. But since I’m trained in classical, French cuisine I can sometimes add elements of that as well.”
Which are the most frequent topics at the table? “Of course, conversations about food. Most of my guests are foodies. Since I started my blog, seven years ago, I’ve had readers from different continents and many of them have visited my supper clubs when they’ve been in London. And London itself is a melting pot of cultures and new arrivers, my regular guests can be Australians, Brazilians, Singaporeans to mention a few nationalities. Therefore we also talk about travels and restaurant experiences, ”have you been there, have to tried that” and so on…”
Since you are a professional chef, haven’t you thought about opening a real restaurant?“I’ve got the question before, but one of the greatest things about supper clubs is the social interaction and the opportunity to get to know new people. And this is what makes supper clubs so different to restaurants, where striking up a conversation with a nearby table would be considered rather eccentric. I want to keep it private to retain control over the menu, and the events. It’s very honoring for me that people are confident and being open to try new things which gives me the trust to cook for them. The social part is also a big thing. It’s always satisfying to see a mixed group of strangers connect, exchange numbers and have a great time, over my food. And during the years many of the guests have become friends of mine. This New Years Eve I actually looked around among the guests and realized, that I have met some of my dearest friends in London supper clubs.”
When did you start inviting strangers your home for dinner?“I got the idea when the app AirDine was launched in Sweden in March. I have had three dinners so far and will host the fourth this weekend. When I invited for the first time it was with mixed emotions. It happened to be Easter weekend so a few days before the dinner one guest, who first accepted, had to cancel so suddenly it was just me and one guest. It didn’t feel super exciting, but then another person signed up, and I thought “the risk that there will be two maniacs are rather small,” and it ended up that the three of us had a great night! I, a 27 year old personal trainer and a 53 year old communication director – all three very different but also united by interest in food and our common curiosity.”
What do you usually cook?“The menu varies and I like to mix! I often serve many small or mid-sized dishes, it’s mostly because I have a hard time deciding on exactly what to cook, but also because it’s fun to be able to bid on several different dishes so you can taste more. I love street food abroad, where the maximized flavors really evokes magic in a simple and genuine way. Classic “street food” is usually the foundation of my recipes, before I transform them into my own.”
How would you describe a night at your supper club?“In the beginning there is always a little chitchat. My apartment has a personal furnishing and interior. Since I am quite allergic to the “Stockholm White” I have filled my home with much personal stuff and travel souvenirs instead, which quickly tends to be a topic of conversation. After half an hour or so, I invite people to the dinner table where it lays a written menu in every place and then I also explain the rules for the evening.”
Rules …?“Yes, first of all, no one goes into the kitchen. It’s not unusual that it gets pretty messy in there when I’m preparing the dinner. And I mean, it’s not like you help the waiters to clear the table in a restaurant, so why would you do it here? Another rule is that they do not have to eat if they don’t like it. They actually pay for the dinner I cook and then it’s up to each one of them if you want to eat or not. If I only invite friends for dinner, it doesn’t matter if I happen to burn the steak, they will eat and be happy anyway. Here it is a different thing. At every guests seat, I have also prepared sparklers. At any time during dinner, the guests can lit his sparkler and then that person have the floor. So whether you want to change the topic, give a little speech or have your say in a discussion – you just have to light the sparkler.”
Are there many discussions?“Yes! It’s one of the things I love most about my supper clubs – that strangers of different ages, backgrounds, professions and personalities must interact with each other. It becomes a bit like a reality show and when the usual, common denominators aren’t there, you quickly enter new conversation paths that you wouldn’t talk about otherwise. Like phobias and politic opinions. One is forced to stretch social boundaries. If it gets too hectic, I as a hostess, can always give it a break with a cool mango sorbet.”
Why do you invite people?“Two reasons – the food and the encounters with people. I grew up in Skåne with a mother who always cooked from scratch using real ingredients and a father who was a farmer therefor my interest in good food. My curiosity has probably always existed. In Stockholm, I feel that many people just hang out with like-minded, these dinners are a way to try something new, and maybe make your perspective a little wider. In addition, food unites people, and it’s fun for me to test new ideas in the kitchen and in addition get a more honest assessment.”
Why do you think it has become so popular?“On one hand, I think this is a backlash against all anonymous chats and forums online. Now we want to meet up IRL again! And occasions where you can meet new people – we Swedes really crave. It’s easy to go out among others, but then many of us still only hang with our friends and acquaintances that we already know. At supper clubs you can taste great, homemade food without standing by the stove yourself. I hope more people discover the charm of this.”
Who entertains here? Journalist and chef Cecilia Scaldaferri. Runs the blog Cecilia The Kitchen Witch.Dining room location: In a small apartment in Ostiense, southern Rome, Italy.
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