Meet The Chef Behind Eventbrite’s 36-Course Wu-Tang Inspired Dinner

Eventbrite's RECONVENE Accelerator provides direct support to emerging creators who build community and shape culture by laying the groundwork for interactive opportunities for creators to not only share ideas and grow their skills, but also contribute to the growth of others. Eventbrite chose five winners this year, with events ranging from a queer comedy and arts festival to an Indigenous People's Day Block Party.

Each creator received funding to assist with the start-up of their creative event series. The winners took part in an interactive educational program led by executives from Eventbrite and product and marketing specialists.

Syd Suntha, a Seattle chef, was one of five winners who received $10,000 to host All In Together Now: A 36 Course Wu-Tang Clan Inspired Food and Beverage Experience. The event took place September 11th, 2022 at Queen Anne Beerhall, in Seattle Washington.

Before rising to fame as a chef in Seattle, Suntha began his career in the music business. He created the idea for a 36-course dinner that was inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan by fusing his love of music and food. The meal's courses included food prepared by regional chefs and specially chosen beverages.

Suntha cites his love of Wu-Tang as something he had in common with many other people who worked in the kitchen.

The 36-course meal was designed as an homage to Wu-Tang's first studio album, "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)". Suntha explains that having nine chefs take part in the event represented the original nine members of the group.

Each course was prepared by nine of Seattle's most distinguished and rising chefs, and included nine specialty cocktails created by Niles Peacock (Niles Peacock Kitchen & Bar). The chef lineup included the host, Syd Suntha (Kottu), Shubert Ho (Feed Me Hospitality), MacKenzie DeVito (No Bones About It), Luis Brambila (Bar Dojo), Dave Storm (Buckshot Honey), Demond Thomas (Arc), Ed Smith (Shambles), Rhys Nunnelee (Queen Anne Beer Hall), Denali Foglietti (Barking Frog), and Niles Peacock (Niles Peacock Kitchen & Bar).

The RECONVENE Accelerator set out to track down hustlers and trend-setters. In his self-definition, Suntha makes reference to the fact that his success to date has come from being transparent, following his instincts, and ignoring unfavorable predictions.

“Many people advised me not to do this dinner. They thought it was a bad idea. The chefs who said no four years ago saw the press and then called back. I believed in myself from the start and surrounded myself with people who shared my enthusiasm,” expressed Suntha.

With tickets costing at $300 per person, the 200 guests in the full room were treated to nine Wu-Tang-inspired experiences throughout the evening, including live painting, cellists playing Wu-Tang music, performative dance, a fire breather, comedy, and more. The full list on encounters were:

• Hip Hop themed Stand up comedy by A-Queen, Femi, Narin Vahn
• Live painting by Artist Rich Hall
• Break Dancing performances by Massive Monkees
• How the Wu-Tang Clan influenced by Rick Reams
• Performative Dance by Kisha
• "String Battle" By Cello Face Jilla and Friends (Cello+Violins)
• A Seattle Tribute to the Wu-Tang Clan by Last Night Sound, Nia Nikol, and Pesky Penguine
• DJ'ing by DJ Klavicle
• Wu Tang Trivia and Hot Sauce eating Contest presented by Ballyhoo Hot Sauce and Hab Hot Sauce

Suntha described to For(bes) The Culture how he easily recruited nine chefs.“If you look at the resumes of the chefs involved, for instance, Denali from the Barking Frog is listed as one of Seattle's finest restaurants. I didn't anticipate finding someone from the Barking Frog, having hands on this event but, he adores Wu-Tang; we just so happen to share that connection.”

There is no gatekeeping music in the kitchen, according to Suntha, so you have to push through service.

“Skin color is irrelevant; it makes no difference. Whether you work as a chef, line cook, or dishwasher, everyone loves Wu-Tang. It's just banger in the kitchen. It completes the day's tasks. The entire discography can be listened to and you won't feel like you're hearing the same songs over and over again.

On his mission to expand the dinner, Suntha says his goal is to keep on chasing the high of connecting people and bringing the dinner series to various cities across the country.