When fashion designer Peter Som invited friends over to sample dishes from his debut cookbook, it was more than just a dinner party—it was a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the seamless blend of culinary art with personal connections. In his West Village apartment, lit by an amber glow, Som shared not only recipes but also stories of family, friendship, and the unexpected paths life can take.
A Night of Flavor, Friendship, and Fresh Beginnings
The Host with Heart: A Fashion Icon Embraces the Kitchen
Peter Som, known for his precision in fashion design, has found a new canvas in the kitchen. The evening unfolded in his cozy West Village home, where guests were greeted with warmth and laughter. Long-time friends, some who had known Som since college, were immediately drawn into the preparations. Seth Johnson, a gardener and florist, deftly shaved cucumbers on a mandoline, while Christine Y. Kim, a curator at the Tate Modern, lit candles and filled water glasses. Kim wore a black wool dress with petal sleeves from Som’s first collection in 1999, a nod to their enduring friendship.The atmosphere was lively as guests mingled around the table, anticipation building for the meal ahead. Roopal Patel, the fashion director of Saks Fifth Avenue, arrived in a plush black ribboned dress, playfully challenging Som to guess its designer. “You’re rusty,” she teased after he made several attempts. “It’s Prada.” Moments like these highlighted the ease and familiarity among the guests, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.Culinary Creations: Blending Tradition with Innovation
At 54, Som’s career shift from fashion to food might seem surprising, but it’s a natural evolution for someone who has always sought balance. Cooking, he explains, has been his constant—a grounding force amidst the chaos of fashion shows and deadlines. Since closing his runway collection in 2019, Som has immersed himself in the culinary world, finding new ways to express his creativity.His debut cookbook, “Family Style: Elegant Everyday Recipes Inspired by Home and Heritage,” is a testament to this journey. The book features over 100 dishes that draw inspiration from Som’s Chinese American upbringing, offering international twists like cinnamon toast with miso and brown sugar or a potsticker frittata. Each recipe is designed to be approachable yet sophisticated, reflecting Som’s philosophy of creating dishes that people will want to make again and again.A Feast Unveiled: Showcasing Signature Dishes
On this February evening, Som gathered close friends to celebrate the Lunar New Year and preview recipes from his cookbook. The centerpiece of the meal was a dish that borrowed techniques from both Chinese and Persian cuisines—fried rice with a cracker-crisp top, inspired by the Persian tahdig. Som confidently inverted his Dutch oven onto a plate, revealing the golden crust, much to the delight of his guests who captured the moment on their iPhones.Another highlight was Som’s Crispy Deviled Tea Eggs, marinated in soy sauce, sichuan peppercorns, anise, and black tea, then topped with fried panko crumbs, nori, and bonito flakes. These eggs, along with his Famous Lemon Chicken—a recipe passed down from his grandmother—were a nod to tradition while showcasing Som’s innovative approach to cooking.Beyond the Plate: A Story of Personal Growth
For Som, the transition from fashion to food represents more than just a change in profession; it symbolizes a deeper connection to his roots and a newfound passion. The recipes in his cookbook are not just instructions for meals; they are stories of family, heritage, and the joys of sharing food with loved ones. As Som prepared each dish, he spoke of how cooking has allowed him to stay grounded and explore a creative outlet that brings him immense satisfaction.The evening was a perfect reflection of Som’s dual worlds—his impeccable sense of style and his love for the kitchen. It was clear that whether designing clothes or crafting recipes, Som’s commitment to elegance and simplicity remains unwavering. His ability to blend tradition with innovation ensures that his culinary creations, much like his fashion designs, will continue to inspire and delight.
