This week, chefs Scott Schroeder and Pat O'Malley officially announced their upcoming Queen Village project, Hungry Pigeon. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot is looking to open this fall at Fourth and Fitzwater, with an aim to create a true neighborhood restaurant with a convivial vibe. Featuring a communal table seating 12 to 16 people (which will also be the only table in the place for which they'll accept reservations), the menu will reflect how the chefs like to eat, with good wine and family-style dinner options.
But before they open, Schroeder and O'Malley are looking to the community to get involved with a potluck and silent auction in July, with items up for bid including a chance to have Schroeder and chef Jason Cichonski come cook you brunch in your own home.
The event will raise funds toward the restaurant's wine and beer draft systems, which Schroeder says will end up costing up to $16,000 altogether. He's hoping to draw 100 to 150 people to attend the $100-a-head party at mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar's Watkins Street art space, which will feature food and drinks from a who's-who of the local food and beverage scene.
The list of chefs contributing dishes for the event so far includes Greg Vernick, George Sabatino, Monica Glass, Joey Baldino, Joe Cicala, Joncarl Lachman, Jen Carroll, Ben Puchowitz, and many more. Schroeder tells us he's giving them "no direction at all" on what to do, with the directive simply to bring a plate of food to share.
He's still working on bringing the auction together and nailing down details, but Schroeder shared a few big-ticket items in the works: among them, "breakfast in bed," which will bring Schroeder and Cichonski into your home to prepare brunch for a group of your friends. You'll also have the chance to bid on a series of intimate guest chef dinners, featuring Vernick and others, to be held at the communal table at Hungry Pigeon after it opens.
Schroeder also said that he's playing with the possibility of a dress code-breaking "shorts and flip-flops" night at Hop Sing Laundromat, in conjunction with owner Lê and chef David Katz. The event flier also promises items like cooking classes and pieces by local artists.
The chef potluck and silent auction is scheduled for Sunday, July 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online or at the door.
In addition to the party, Schroeder and O'Malley are also seeking donations for kitchen equipment via a GoFundMe campaign.
