Volume 18




Volume 1807.11.2025

The Bench PT.2


We were graciously welcomed back to the bench for Volume 18. Each of our 34 guests were selected for the love, passion, and joy they bring to New York City. A room full of passionate young minds pursuing meaningful things truly fills a room in a way that doesn’t get old.

As always, guests were greeted with a glass of Rabble/ Society De La Rassi before having their polaroid headshot taken by Nicholas (thank you, Nicholas)

introducing chef berk, he discussed his Turkish roots and Michelin experience. He brought us 45-day aged lamb and presented the following

ANATOLIAN MEZE, HUMMUS, BABA GANOUSH, MUHAMMARA

ELYSIAN FIELD FARMS LAMB TARTARE, SUCUK, POMEGRANATE, PAIN DE CAMPAGNE

WATERMELON GAZPACHO, PEDRO XIMÉNEZ, GOAT CHEESE, SUNGOLD

45 DAY DRY-AGE CÔTE DE BŒUF, RASPBERRY JUS

TURKISH EGGPLANT

BRAISED SUMMER BEANS, BULGUR PILAF

CHILDHOOD MEMORY, STRAWBERRIES, TURKISH TEA BISCUIT, SEMOLINA

After dinner, Ava played a reel taking us through her journey as a dancer and now Broadway actress. The intensity of her hours (sacrificing every family holiday), her need to adapt, and her path to getting on Broadway. Then Misha shared a deck on building a world in music, where she takes her inspiration from, and creating a career as a creative director with her best friend. To close us out, fresh off a sold-out baby’s alright show, Susannah gave us 3 originals on the week of her new album “cult leader”’s release. All acoustic. Just a guitar and her beautiful voice.

We also brought a special friend to hang out. Our dearest Peter (see vol 3 & 7) introduced us to his best friend, John Loken, current CMO of the Recording Academy. Grateful to have his presence and wisdom in the room with us. Cheers to the foundation Peter built with us and a year and a half of 3rd Space.



Creative Highlights


Berk Kalkan - Chef
Ramisha Sattar - Creative Director
Ava Noble - Dancer & Actress
Susannah Joffe Singer/songwriter

Special Guest John Loken


Team


Daylan Sparks - Photography
Nicholas Cordeiro - Photography
Greg Corn - Photography/Videography
Caitlyn Liu - Design
Bella Cvengros - PA
Joe Minde-Berman - PA


Sponsors


Rabble Wine
Society De La Rassi
The Bench




Graphic Assets


Announcement Graphic