Lower East Side
New York City
August 2025
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MENU
Foie Gras-Filled Croissant Bao
Guérande sea salt • Balsamic sweet onion jam
Kurobuta Hot Dog Spiral
Asian supergreens • Miso ginger vinaigrette
Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot
Vanilla milk
SEE MENU
Foie Gras-Filled Croissant Bao
Guérande sea salt • Balsamic sweet
onion jam
Kurobuta Hot Dog Spiral
Asian supergreens • Miso ginger
vinaigrette
Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot
Vanilla milk
This residency brought together friends, collaborators, and creatives for an intimate gathering above the Bowery.
Hosted on the Kalei rooftop above the Bowery, the gathering embraced the raw texture of New York in late summer, where candlelight, understated florals, and sunset views across the city softened the urban landscape around the table.
The menu featured selections from Dominique Ansel’s Papa d’Amour and his original Soho bakery, blending French technique with Asian comfort and playful nostalgia. From foie gras-filled croissant baos to the signature cookie shot served tableside with vanilla milk, the evening reflected the cities and cultures that continue to shape Gaiama.
At its heart, the residency reflected the kind of gathering Gaiama continues to explore: thoughtful food, remarkable people, and a strong sense of place around the table.
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In their words
"We had a fabulous night at Gaiama's event. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown NYC, we climbed a couple of flights of stairs and found this breathtaking venue. The food by Dominique Ansel was delicious, a taste of Asia and France. The live band added to the vibrant atmosphere. I’d love to attend another one of these events!"
“Perched above the Bowery, this immersive dining experience captured a side of New York that is rarely seen so well balanced: the creative pulse of downtown Manhattan paired with the elegance of a candlelit dinner party.
The rooftop setting embraced the neighborhood's artistic energy while creating an atmosphere that felt intimate and refined. Candles flickered across the tables, creating the atmosphere of a chic dinner party, and a remarkably talented young jazz band provided the soundtrack for the evening. The result was a space that felt effortlessly unpretentious, cool and warmly sophisticated.
The food, presented by "Papa d'Amour" - Dominique Ansel's newest concept - offered a refined and inventive reinterpretation of French, American and Asian comfort flavors, executed with precision and restraint. It was complemented by an attention to detail that carried throughout the event (shoutout to the custom printed menus personally signed by Dominique Ansel himself!)"
But what lingered most was the feeling of connection between guests, the setting, and the city itself.
In a city that often asks you to choose between edgy and elegant, this evening managed to be both. A memorable gathering that brought together street-art creativity, jazz-club charm, and exceptional hospitality under the Manhattan skyline.”
