The second program in LongHouse Reserve’s Grounded Conversation series, presented in partnership with the Perfect Earth Project, explores the theme of hope through hospitality. Set for Saturday at 6 p.m., that theme will be addressed by Dana Cowin, former editor in chief of Food and Wine magazine, and Edwina von Gal, founder of Perfect Earth Project, during a multi-course seated dinner.
Ms. Cowin, who is the founder of Progressive Hedonist, will guide an interactive dinner conversation exploring how hospitality and food can nurture connection, resilience, and hope. In conversation with Ms. von Gal, they will discuss how every aspect of what we eat — how it’s grown, prepared, and shared — affects all living things.
The dinner, limited to 30 guests, will be designed around mushrooms, sourced entirely from Long Island growers, with both plant-based and meat dishes included.
Ms. Cowin founded Progressive Hedonist on the premise that taking action and gathering around food are an antidote to fear and isolation. In 2023 she began to focus on reducing food waste, buying sustainably-grown food, and co-hosting events with friends to talk about what can be done to ensure the health of the planet. She launched a Progressive Hedonist podcast in 2024, on which she interviewed people who also believe in the potential of food to bring about change.
Ms. Cowin was editor in chief of Food and Wine for more than 20 years. Her extensive writing on food and culture includes a cookbook, “Mastering My Mistakes in the Kitchen: Learning to Cook With 65 Great Chefs and 100 Recipes.” She has been a judge on “Top Chef” and “Beat Bobby Flay” and is on the boards of Food Education Fund and Hot Bread Kitchen as well as the Food Council of City Harvest and God’s Love We Deliver.
Founded by Ms. von Gal in 2013, Perfect Earth Project is a nonprofit dedicated to educating, engaging, and inspiring individuals, land care professionals, and decision makers to adopt toxic-free, nature-based, and climate-responsible landscaping practices necessary for a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Tickets, priced at $300, include an optional LongHouse garden tour at 5:15.
