Hav & Mar, the acclaimed seafood restaurant from the Marcus Samuelsson Restaurant Group, will host a unique culinary event, “Fariyal & Friends,” to celebrate Jamaican Independence Day on Aug. 6.
This event, led by Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi, aims to spotlight the underrepresented talent in the fine dining industry, particularly women of color.
The “Fariyal & Friends” series began as an extension of the restaurant’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. “When Marcus Samuelsson wanted to open Hav & Mar in Chelsea, he was determined to address the lack of representation of women of color in upscale fine dining,” explained Chef Fariyal during an interview with Caribbean Life. “He contacted me to run the restaurant with this mission, and I immediately said yes. We have been vocal about this issue from the start, and now that we’ve gained traction and success, I want to do for others what Marcus did for me,” she added.
The upcoming event features guest chef Brittany Williams, who will curate a special one-night-only menu to celebrate Jamaican cuisine. “Brittany is a longtime friend, and bringing her in to celebrate Jamaican Independence Day was a no-brainer,” said Chef Fariyal. “It’s all about extending my kitchen to other chefs who don’t have a restaurant and showcasing their talent.”
Chef Brittany stated, “taking part in the Independence of culture and heritage that I’ve been raised in, there are no words to truly delve in or describe the immense feelings of love and honor. I am a proud first-generation American of Jamaican descent. I have been given the gifts and passion to voice the narration of fine dining Jamaican cuisine in a way and on a platform like no other, with people who truly love and care about the true story. I get to cook with an amazing, talented, and down-to-earth bad-ass Chef (Yes, you, Fariyal) whom I consider a good friend. How could I not be stoked for the mash-up of Jamaican and Ethiopian cuisine? When there is so much history and comradery between these two nations! My heart is full and ready to showcase some amazing eats with phenomenal people by my side.”
Hav & Mar is not just about culinary excellence but also sustainability. “We have implemented numerous programs to ensure none of our food waste ends up in landfills. We partner with companies that use our waste to grow more food, going beyond traditional composting,” explained Chef Fariyal. This commitment to sustainability is another pillar of the restaurant’s ethos.
The “Fariyal & Friends” series is more than just a dining experience; it is a movement to unite communities through food. By inviting female leaders worldwide, Hav & Mar provides a platform for these chefs to share their unique culinary skills and cultural backgrounds. “It’s a way to show that talent exists within this industry beyond the typical white male-led narrative,” said Tani Horton, marketing manager at Marcus Samuels Restaurant Group.
The event promises a delectable menu crafted by Chef Brittany and an unforgettable atmosphere. “Guests can expect a vibrant evening with a carefully curated playlist and a sense of community that feels like a family dinner,” said Horton. “It’s about creating a warm and inviting environment where everyone comes together with the same intention…we will have jerk prawns, pimento leaf espuma, scallion oil, callaloo & crab, stuffed squid, ackee remoulade, octopus, fried cassava & scotch bonnet aioli, sorrel granita, pineapple & coconut,” she added.
The “Fariyal & Friends” event will occur at the historical Starrett-Lehigh Building, home to Hav & Mar. The building, known for hosting events such as New York Fashion Week, adds a layer of significance to the occasion. Reservations are available through OpenTable.
“Fariyal & Friends” is more than a dining event; it celebrates diversity, community, and culinary innovation. By bringing together talented chefs from diverse backgrounds, Hav & Mar is paving the way for a more inclusive and representative fine dining industry.
Hav & Mar prides itself on sustainability and transparency. The restaurant’s open kitchen concept allows guests to witness the culinary magic firsthand, emphasizing its commitment to reducing food waste and supporting the planet.
Marcus Samuelsson is the renowned chef behind many restaurants worldwide, including Red Rooster in Harlem (NYC) and Overtown (Miami), Hav & Mar in Chelsea (NYC), Metropolis at PAC-NYC, Marcus Bar & Grille in Atlanta, and its Live! Flagship at American Dream (NJ); and several MARCUS locations, including the Bahamas, Montreal, and most recently, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Samuelsson was the youngest to ever receive a three-star review from The New York Times and recently won a 2023 Emmy Award for the Short Form Program “My Mark.”
