Rain at the Pond

Food: Seila Herrera, Las Palmas Restaurant & Catering

Bar: Nick Mallia

Photographer: Lindsay Tierney

June, 2023

The sunlight lingered just long enough for us to navigate down the meandering path that led to the cottage by the pond. As the storm approached, the scent of petrichor filled the air. We found ourselves nestled in a snug hideaway, surrounded by a room filled mostly with unfamiliar faces.

Henry’s friend Jon Mills, who has put his life on hold and moved to Warsaw, joined the party via Zoom to update us on the progress of Spynka (“Spine” in Ukrainian.) Thus far Jon and his team have opened 82 childcare centers around Poland serving traumatized Ukrainian refugee children. A recent addition to the program: Polish language lessons for those children who are becoming old enough to attend public school.

We were warmly welcomed by Seila, the proprietor of Las Palmas, a culinary haven showcasing dishes inspired by the Dominican Republic. The menu boasted fluffy yellow rice, toothsome pigeon peas cooked to perfection, and a comforting stewed chicken. The countertops were adorned with platters of crispy empanadas and abundant fresh fruit, creating a delightful sight for the guests who mingled in the room.

Nick Mallia skillfully crafted a Dominican rum-based cocktail. that perfectly complemented Seila’s food and the gentle pitter-patter of the spring rain on the pond. Notes of fresh basil reminded us that summer is right around the corner.