Mark Bittman Launches Community Kitchen Project in Lower East Side

Food journalist and author Mark Bittman has launched a new initiative aimed at transforming the dining experience in New York City. The pilot project, named Community/KITCHEN, is a non-profit restaurant model designed to provide equitable access to quality meals. Located in the Lower East Side at the Lower East Side Girls Club, the restaurant will open its doors on September 19, 2023, serving dinner from Wednesday to Saturday for a three-month trial period.

This innovative concept features a sliding scale pricing system, allowing diners to choose from three different price points: $15, $45, and $125. The goal is to accommodate varying financial situations while ensuring that all workers are compensated fairly, with staff earning at least $32 per hour. The menu will focus on seasonally sourced ingredients, prepared by skilled chefs committed to both quality and social justice.

Building a Mission-Driven Restaurant

Bittman emphasized the importance of defining “good food,” which he describes as meals that are not only nutritious and delicious but also sourced responsibly. In his words, “It’s food that’s sourced well, from farmers who care about the land and their workers.” He aims to address issues within the food supply chain, particularly the treatment of workers, by creating an environment where employees are respected and fairly compensated.

To bring this vision to fruition, Bittman assembled a team of experts, including Mavis-Jay Sanders, a James Beard Award-winning chef focused on food and social justice, and Rae Gomes, the executive director with extensive experience in food equity. They have designed Community Kitchen as a space where everyone, regardless of their financial status, can enjoy high-quality meals and a welcoming atmosphere.

The advisory board for the project boasts renowned figures in the culinary world, including Alice Waters and José Andrés, enhancing the credibility and potential impact of the initiative.

Engaging the Community and Measuring Success

As the pilot program unfolds, Gomes has identified community feedback as a key indicator of success. “We want to create different types of spaces for people to share their thoughts,” she noted, highlighting the openness to diverse perspectives. The team aims to foster an inclusive environment where patrons are encouraged to engage with the concept and share their experiences.

Sanders expressed a vision for Community Kitchen that transcends conventional dining. “We want people to come here and feel like you’re going to your favorite cousin’s house,” she said, emphasizing the goal of creating a familiar yet surprising culinary experience. The menu will feature dishes that reflect the diverse culinary traditions of the neighborhood, aiming to connect with the community’s rich cultural tapestry.

The team is also considering future iterations of the project, with Bittman expressing hope that Community Kitchen could establish a long-term presence on the Lower East Side. “If we said we’re staying here, we’d feel really happy,” he remarked, indicating a desire to integrate the restaurant into the local community.

Community Kitchen represents a bold step towards redefining the restaurant landscape by prioritizing accessibility and social responsibility. As the opening date approaches, the team looks forward to welcoming diners and exploring the potential of this innovative dining model.