Community Dinner Series at Books & Books

An Evening of Food, Stories, and Community Vibes

Pull up a seat at our table for a night that’s all about good food, good vibes, and great company. Hosted by Miami’s very own Carlos Frías, 2-time James Beard Award winner, and Jonah Kaplan, master of meaningful conversations, this special dinner features the culinary magic of Chef Papo Santiago.

• Seats are limited, so don’t wait—this is your chance to grab a spot at the table.
• Menu by Chef Papo Santiago: A curated dining experience blending love, culture, and bold flavors.

Reserve your spot now and be part of the magic.

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A celebration of flavors from around the world, honoring traditions and new beginnings.
Appetizer

Hearty Lentil Soup

Origin: Middle East and Mediterranean

Lentils have long symbolized prosperity and abundance, making them a traditional dish for New Year celebrations in many cultures, especially in Italy and Brazil. This comforting soup is rich with vegetables, herbs, and tender lentils, representing the hope for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.
Salad

Soup Joumou-Inspired Salad

Origin: Haiti

This vibrant salad reimagines Haiti’s iconic Soup Joumou, a dish traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day to celebrate Haitian independence. Layers of roasted squash, cabbage, and protein are dressed with citrus and spice, echoing the flavors of freedom, resilience, and hope for the year to come.
Entrée

Pastelón (Plantain Lasagna)

Origin: Puerto Rico

A sweet and savory masterpiece, pastelón features layers of ripe plantains, seasoned ground meat, and cheese. In Puerto Rico, this dish is a celebration staple, symbolizing community and togetherness as families gather to embrace the New Year with gratitude and hope.

Johnny Cake with Mahi Mahi Stew

Origin: Caribbean Islands

This dish highlights the Caribbean’s vibrant culinary traditions. Golden Johnny cakes, often seen as a symbol of sustenance and home, are paired with a flavorful Mahi Mahi stew. Topped with a tangy dollop of crème fraîche, this pairing represents the region’s rich maritime heritage and the promise of bountiful blessings in the year ahead.
Dessert

Pomegranate Basque Cheesecake

Origin: Basque Country (Spain) and the Middle East

This creamy, caramelized Basque cheesecake is infused with the vibrant flavors of pomegranate, a fruit deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean New Year traditions. Pomegranates, with their many seeds, symbolize fertility, prosperity, and the sweetness of life in the year to come.

• $65 per person plus tax and a 20% gratuity – includes a 5-course meal.
• $100 per person plus tax and a 20% gratuity – includes a 5-course meal with a natural wine pairing.

Host or Publisher Books & Books