In a tradition that reaches back decades, West End Collegiate Church is hosting a block party and invites the neighborhood to attend. West 77th Street between Broadway and West End will be closed to traffic this Wednesday, July 12, to make room for a food truck, bounce house, games, jazz quartet, and more.
Church leaders say that the event is intended to reinforce the importance of houses of worship as community spaces, regardless of religious affiliation. “COVID upended a lot of traditions, but it also helped us evaluate what traditions are worth keeping,” said Cambridge Ridley Lynch, church elder. “Evenings where neighbors gather face to face are more important than ever.”
The event will run from 5-9 pm. In addition to the family-friendly games, folding chairs will be plentiful. “We bill ourselves as a ‘neighborhood church for all people,’” Lynch continued, “Nothing would make us happier than to see old friends sitting down and catching up in the middle of the street.”
Who: All in the community, especially those in the West End-Collegiate Historic District and its environs
When: Wednesday, July 12, 5-9 pm
Where: West 77th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue
For more details, please click here.
I will be making my soup for the block party! Here’s how to make it yourself:
Upper West Side Chicken Soup Delight
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
2 onions, chopped
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 celery stalks, sliced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
1 turnip, peeled and diced
1 bunch of fresh dill
1 bunch of fresh parsley
1 tablespoon of whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
Salt, to taste
8 cups of water
Instructions:
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the whole chicken under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat it dry with paper towels.
In a large soup pot, place the chicken, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, parsnip, turnip, dill, parsley, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Add salt to taste.
Pour the water over the ingredients in the pot. The water should be enough to cover the chicken entirely. If needed, you can add a bit more water.
Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the soup to a boil.
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 2 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the simmering process.
After 2 hours, carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a cutting board and let it cool slightly.
While the chicken cools, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or large bowl. Discard the solids, including the vegetables and herbs.
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and discard it. Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones or cartilage.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the strained soup. Heat the soup over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve the Upper West Side Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley, if desired. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or matzo crackers.
Enjoy the hearty and comforting flavors of this world-famous Upper West Side Chicken Soup, renowned for its rich taste and nourishing qualities!
Gloria S.
+1 for no political content . Meet your neighbors. Enjoy! Enjoy!
states “closed to traffic June 12…” Should read July 12.
Thanks, fixed.
I very much enjoyed the block party. It was well organized both for children and adults. The church people were very courteous and went out of their way to make people comfortable. they walked around handing out water melon and cold water. Free mexican food from a truck was a bonus. Chairs and tables made it easy to meet new people.Listening to the jazz band made me forget it was a hot humid night.
Much thanks and I hope for a repeat.