Calling adventurous foodies and those with a taste for nostalgia! Now through April 6th, Chef Driven’s inaugural Forgotten Foods Festival in New York City offers an exceptional opportunity to step back in time and rediscover the dishes that have all but vanished from modern menus. This celebration of the culinary past spans across 14 participating restaurants in the city, each offering a special menu featuring long-forgotten recipes, techniques, and flavors that once graced dining tables but have since been pushed aside in the face of modern trends. 

Barbounia Yemenite Beef Soup

The Forgotten Foods Festival is more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s a tribute to the foundational dishes that shaped the culinary landscape, brought back to life by the Executive Chefs and their teams at each restaurant. These chefs are drawing inspiration from cherished family recipes, discoveries made during travels, and techniques honed during the formative years of their careers. It’s a unique celebration of history, nostalgia, and culinary craftsmanship, making it an event that food lovers won’t want to miss.

One standout feature of the festival is its commitment to honoring dishes that have become rare or even obsolete. For example, at Barbounia, a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant, you can indulge in Yeminite Beef Soup, a rich and flavorful dish that’s steeped in tradition. If you're feeling more adventurous, try their Spicy Veal Brain Stew, an offering that brings back an ingredient once widely used but seldom seen on menus today.

Acadia Rotisserie Sweetbreads

Meanwhile, Acadia takes a trip back to the 1980s rotisserie craze, a time when dishes like Sweetbreads, Lamb, and Duck à l'Orange were mainstays in upscale dining rooms. Their specially curated rotisserie menu transports guests to a time when these decadent and labor-intensive dishes reigned supreme. It’s a nostalgic journey into a forgotten era of culinary excess that is guaranteed to delight both history buffs and food enthusiasts alike.

Of course, no festival celebrating the past would be complete without a nod to bygone beverages. Chef Driven’s Beverage Director and Partner, Aviram Turgeman, has curated a collection of drinks that span centuries of culinary tradition. To kick off the festival, guests can raise a glass of Blanquette de Limoux, a sparkling wine from the birthplace of intentionally sparkling wine, pre-dating Champagne itself. Alternatively, those seeking a more playful nod to the past can enjoy a modern take on the ‘90s classic, the Apple Martini. Far from the sugary vodka-based versions of the past, this updated cocktail features gin freeze-infused with local apples, artisanal apple liqueurs, green apple purée, vanilla, and lime juice, combining the flavors of the past with contemporary finesse. 

Dagons Bekilah

The Forgotten Foods Festival isn’t just a chance to taste dishes and drinks of yesteryear; it’s an invitation to connect with the roots of our culinary culture, to reflect on how food trends have evolved, and to appreciate the techniques and flavors that continue to influence the food scene today. It’s also an opportunity to explore new and exciting dining spots or rediscover beloved local gems. Each participating restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind experience, so whether you’re a long-time New Yorker or a visitor to the city, there’s a rich culinary journey awaiting you.

For a limited time, now until April 6th, Chef Driven invites you to indulge in a feast for both the senses and the soul. This celebration of culinary history is not to be missed. Whether you’re sipping a glass of history’s first sparkling wine or savoring a dish that has disappeared from modern menus, the Forgotten Foods Festival promises an unforgettable journey back in time through food and drink. 

View the full list of participating restaurants here and attend the fun to rediscover the flavors of the past. 🎟