Ahead of the Easter holiday, the beauty of spring was on full display as our community gathered for an unforgettable evening of artistry at Chef’s Dinner Table in New York City. Hosted by the Tulipán Foundation, this exclusive, hands-on workshop invited guests to explore the intricate craft of Hungarian egg decorating. With every detail thoughtfully curated—from the challah-making demonstration to the live music—it was a true celebration of culture, creativity, and springtime renewal.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the Tulipán team as guests grazed on traditional Hungarian snacktrays and wine, hand-selected by our friends at Palinkerie. Soon after, they settled into their seats, where artisan tools and high-quality wooden eggs awaited, offering everyone the chance to create lasting Easter keepsakes. As a meaningful way to give back amid the ongoing egg shortage, Tulipán partnered with City Harvest to donate the cost equivalent of 1,000 eggs, supporting efforts to fight food insecurity in New York City.
Guided by three master artists, guests explored the centuries-old tradition of Hungarian egg decorating through a variety of techniques. Award-winning decorator and Tulipán grantee Ildikó Fekete introduced the wax-resist method, demonstrating how intricate patterns emerge as dye is layered over beeswax designs. Emőke Benkovics showcased the drop-pull technique, stretching tiny wax droplets into delicate designs, then finishing them with a touch of gold. Ilona Szelesné Kása introduced an eco-conscious approach, using natural dyes made from ingredients like red cabbage and onion skins to add rich, organic color.
As creativity came to life at each of our crafting tables, so did the traditional flavors. One highlight was a live challah-braiding demonstration led by Imre Ungvári, the talented baker behind Operenciá Bakery, a Hungarian bakery based right here in New York City. Generously volunteering his time and talents for the evening, Imre guided everyone individually in braiding their own mini loaves.
Guests also enjoyed freshly roasted ham from the beloved Hirsch Sausage Market, cooked on-site and served alongside a stunning array of accompaniments. Throughout the night, the joyful sounds of Fényes Banda, a New York-based Hungarian string band, filled the space with energy, elevating the atmosphere and drawing a few spontaneous foot taps beneath the tables.
From the intricate egg designs to the shared stories and laughter, this workshop perfectly captured the spirit of spring and the power of cultural connection. We are so grateful to all who joined us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for future celebrations like this in our future headquarters at 1065 Madison Avenue, set to open in late 2026.