Last Saturday was a very special event in the City of Newburgh. The Salo Project is an underground pop up dinner founded by Filipina chef, Yana Gilbuena, who has been touring all 50 states bringing Kamayan style (hands on) Filipino food. Held at the Atlas Studios Warehouse, 71 attendees ate with nothing but our bare hands. We sat next to strangers, made friends, giggled and marveled at this new culinary experience. The extras, when possible, were provided by local businesses in the City of Newburgh. New city residents and business owners Limegreen and Industrial Craft provided the candles. Palate Wine & Spirits provided the wine, and of course the beer came from the Newburgh Brewery.

One of the main reasons this event was so special was because just a few years ago, this warehouse was a bricked up barren shell. It would have been terrifying at night (and probably during the day). Tom and Joe at Atlas had the vision to see this building as something more. Ever since they moved in, the windows on Spring Street and South William glow at night. As a few others mentioned, sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to see the potential. City folk easily see it, but it was exciting to see native Newburghers from the town enthusiastic about the changes happening in the city.

Chef Yana Gilbuena at center, flanked by the gracious hosts Shay Sellars (left) and Diana Mangaser (right). The other exciting aspect of this event was that it was created by newcomers to Newburgh. Each new person that arrives always has a special talent or interest they bring to the city that makes it a more diverse and chaotic place to be. There’s more to explore and discover.

Thanks ladies for a wonderful night!

To fully appreciate all the progress at Atlas just look at what this building use to look like before.

And what it looks like now.