So much to say about Juneteenth 2026 at Azay. Where to begin? Well, there were biscuits (cheddar chive and classic), a Chef Edna Lewis-inspired she-crab soup that did not want for sherry, fried green tomatoes, smothered pork collar, turnip greens, and oyster dressing plus a pork-free entree with Cornish hen. We finished it off with lemon coconut chess pie and two homemade ice creams, vanilla and olallieberry.
All of the wines were made by black South African and Zimbabwean vintners. Our youngest guest was twenty three and our eldest is well into her eighties, a truly elegant South LA native who has now attended three of our soirées. The Hirose family's Little Tokyo restaurant was filled to the brim with old friends, new friends, and future old friends. Pablo and I cannot thank Jo Ann and Philip enough for opening their doors to us. I can only hope your Juneteenth was equally divine and delicious.
Ariell, B. Evy Marie, Yemisi, and Safi at our 2019 Juneteenth dinner. photo by Stefanie Parkinson