Eli Goldman smokes meat for the Inauguration BBQ at Sek’end Sun.
(Photo: @ahnp/ Patricia Ahn)
Jan. 20, 2021 By Christina Santucci
An Astoria cocktail bar is partnering with a local meat smoker for a popup event to celebrate today’s inauguration and raise money for a neighborhood volunteer group.
The Inauguration BBQ at Sek’end Sun, located at 32-11 Broadway, will run from from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday with 50 percent of the proceeds of several dishes going to the Astoria Mutual Aid Network,
The Astoria-based non-profit group started in March and helps the elderly and homebound residents with errands. Its members also hold events such as food drives.
Eli Goldman, who runs Tikkun Bakery, will be smoking the meat for the three dishes that are part of the fundraiser: smoked brisket sandwiches ($16); pork belly sandwiches ($16); and loaded fries ($12).
Goldman said since April his popups have raised $50,000 for organizations like the Astoria Mutual Aid Network, the ACLU, the Minnesota Freedom Fund and Safe Horizon, which works with domestic violence victims.
“During the pandemic, I needed an outlet to channel excess energy into. My answer was let me start doing popups with bars and restaurants,” said Goldman, who works as a fundraiser for City Year, an education-focused nonprofit.
Goldman said he has been smoking meats for three or four years, but the popups are a relatively new hobby.
“BBQ is about bringing people together and community,” Goldman said. “We just wanted to start the year off on the right foot. Plus everyone loves good BBQ, and we can give back to the community.”
Today’s event will be the first time that Sek’end Sun is open this year. The restaurant, according to its website, plans to reopen for regular business again in spring.
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Goldman needed an outlet for his energy-a toilet bowl .