An Ethereal Feast of The Ages

On the mountainside of Nagano, Japan, an exclusive and ethereal dinner party is about to begin. It is a cold winter day outside the ryokan; fresh, fluffy snow covers the peaks of the mountainous range surrounding the small village. However, inside the dining room, it is warm. The sweet aroma of various teas wafts through the air, mixing with the spices traveling from the kitchen.

Clouds of dried multicolored flowers seem to float in the air; warm tones of rose, royal blue, and maroon dance in the muted light. And then, you hear it. A heavenly voice serenades the room with her hushed tones, floating on the notes of the guitar, piano, and the like. Raveena Aurora has graced our dinner party with a performance of her favorite songs. The waiters flood in with platters of sushi, nigiri, and sashimi; weaving through the room to the beat of the song. Nancy Silverton(the founder of La Brea Bakery and Mozza) raves of the beauty of the brightly hued fish.

“Salmon is my favorite,” Nancy says to Tituss Burgess as he does his infamous pout; he notes that he will only partake in the first course to keep his slim figure. Tituss plans on singing his rendition of ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’ from the Little Mermaid and wishes not to do so on a full stomach. Dolly Levi, seated on the other side of Nancy, slides a business card down to Titus; insisting that if he needed to shed a few inches, she could offer the greatest of help in the only way she can; the Levi way. Tituss laughs it off, but both Nancy and I watch as he pockets her business card; placing it in his breast pocket, close to his heart. Almost as if for safekeeping

Sitting across from them are three people close to my heart. Ms. Shea Coulee who slays but came to play this evening. Dressed in her Sunday’s best as she cackles at one of her fellow attendee’s jokes. SZA and Lina Iris Viktor are seated on either side of Ms. Coulee, creating a trio of celestial melanated beauties that only the Gods could have arranged. The guests and I parley about fashion, the healing power of music, and the possibility of having multiple soulmates. As Raveena’s set has ended, Tituss arises from his seat prepared to perform the hell out of the role he should have been given in the Broadway musical of The Little Mermaid. But to no avail, that part was not meant for him at that time; so as destiny should have it, he shall sing to his heart’s content surrounded by the dearest of friends. As he stands at the mic, Dolly and Shea lift their glasses in a toast to Titus.

As Tituss closes out his performance, Chef Morimoto and his waiters approach the table, ready to introduce the next phase of delicacies. Lobster infused ramen, broiled salmon collars, and a myriad of dumplings. Before you even had the chance to eat the dumpling you were holding between your chopsticks, a waiter notifies us that the final guest has arrived. Everyone’s eyes dart to the door, wondering which guest would show up so late to the party. Who is it, you might ask? Why, it is none other than the illustrious queen of funk, Chaka Khan! Her name rings out in unison as she saunters into the room, her faux mink coat lightly grazing the floor with each step. Shea cheers as Chaka twirls and poses in-between steps. After making her rounds to greet everyone, she takes a seat directly next to you. Aren’t you lucky?

After inviting Raveena to the table, the feasting commences. It’s a family-style jollification akin to the merriment of a Thanksgiving dinner with your favorite cousins; where your heart is filled and your eyes are too big for your stomach. Everyone’s best interest in mind as we pass around the plates. Once every plate is full of food, a momentary silence covers the room. The flavors dance in your mouth, creating a sensation after sensation. The bite of the hot chili oil, the tanginess of the ginger glaze, and the full rich flavor of the pork broth. “This may just be the best meal I’ve had in my entire life,” Lina moans between chews. You chortle as you cover your mouth, glancing around the room.

You listen thoughtfully to the conversations of your tablemates. Chaka and SZA discuss the complications of desire written in lyrics over the years. Nancy inquires about an art commission from Lina’s collection titled ‘Constellations’. Dolly and Tituss take a selfie for Instagram as they giggle about their many travels. Raveena and Shea make plans to hang out and collaborate in the near future.

At the end of the meal, bellies are full and their hearts even more so. You can leave comfortably knowing you’ve made lifelong friends at this dinner table. A confidant in SZA, a wise mentor in Chaka, a few fearless ride-or-dies in Raveena and Shea. A sure-fire, blunt, confident soul-friend in Tituss. And finally Lina and Nancy, work pals you can count on to help you when your creativity is blocked. Just as you thought the night was ending, Tituss approaches the mic once more and a heavy bass line fills the room. The lyrics he sings will stick with you forever: ‘It’s okay to be anxious. It’s okay to have fear. Just don’t let that shit overtake you; cause guess what? You’re still here!’

Thank you for joining me, and I hope to see you soon.