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Welcome to VooDoo Chef FriendsgivingFor most people, Thanksgiving is a day spent gathered around the table enjoying family recipes that have been passed down for generations. For Chef Erik Youngs, CEC, Thanksgiving looked a little different.
After spending years working holidays in the foodservice and hospitality industry, Thanksgiving meant roasting countless turkeys, preparing pan after pan of stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, vegetables, and gallons upon gallons of gravy. By the time the holiday arrived for his own family—often a day or two later—the traditional Thanksgiving feast had lost much of its appeal.
So, a new tradition was born.
Rather than recreating the same meal he had prepared for hundreds of guests, Erik began crafting a Thanksgiving menu that reflected his own culinary style—bold, creative, comforting, and just a little unexpected. These dishes became the meals his family and closest friends came to anticipate each year, transforming Friendsgiving into a celebration of gratitude through unforgettable food and shared experiences.
Tonight, Chef Erik invites you to his table to experience those traditions for yourself. This is not a recreation of the Thanksgiving you know—it is a celebration of the Thanksgiving that has become a tradition in the Youngs family.
As you watch, learn, and taste your way through the evening, we hope you’ll discover that Thanksgiving isn’t defined by turkey or stuffing—it’s defined by the people around the table, the stories that are shared, and the gratitude we carry with us.
MENU – Each course will be thoughtfully paired with 689 Wines
Brunch
VooDoo Bennies
A VooDoo Chef twist on a brunch classic. An everything bagel pan-fried flatbread creates the perfect crisp foundation, layered with creamy yogurt, blackened flaked salmon, and perfectly poached eggs. Finished with a silky tequila hollandaise, bright MOJO greens, and fresh citrus Supremes, this dish balances smoky, creamy, tangy, and vibrant flavors in every bite—an unforgettable opening to the meal.
Early Bites
VooDoo Chef Shrimp & Grit Jam
A New Orleans favorite turned all the way up, VooDoo Chef style. Gulf shrimp and smoky andouille sausage are sautéed with the Holy Trinity of peppers, celery, and onion, then finished with Blue Note Bourbon and a rich Creole stock. Served over creamy, cheese-laced Fatboy grits and topped with VooDoo Dirty Pop, these soulful Southern classic delivers bold Cajun flavor with every unforgettable bite.
Main Course
Boliché
A refined tribute to one of Cuba’s most beloved comfort dishes. Tender espresso-rubbed tournedos of beef are paired with house-made chorizo shallot sausage, roasted baby carrots, and buttery yuca. Finished with crisp jamón Serrano and a rich red wine tomato sauce, this elevated interpretation delivers deep, savory flavors while honoring the bold spirit of the classic boliché.
Dessert
All American Apple Pie
Because some traditions deserve to stay exactly as they are. Tart Granny Smith apples are tossed in cinnamon sugar and piled high inside a flaky pastry, then served upside down beneath a crisp candied walnut crown. Finished with a scoop of VooDoo Chef’s signature Barbecue Ice Cream, this playful take on an American classic delivers the perfect balance of warm spices, buttery pastry, sweet crunch, and indulgence—the unforgettable finale to your Friendsgiving experience.
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