Chef Jeff Strauss, a former writer of the iconic TV show 'Friends', is hosting a Friendsgiving feast at his Studio City gastropub, OyBar. Strauss, who played a pivotal role in popularizing Friendsgiving, is bringing his unique twist to the holiday. The episode he co-wrote in the first season of 'Friends' in 1994 significantly contributed to the normalization of this found-family holiday in American culture. It also sparked a series of memorable Thanksgiving episodes on the sitcom.
Strauss's inspiration for Friendsgiving dates back to 1981 when he organized a group meal at Tufts University with fellow TV writer Jeff Greenstein, who later became the showrunner of 'Will & Grace'. The idea was to create a welcoming environment for those who might dread Thanksgiving, mirroring the group dynamics of the show's iconic characters. While the episode didn't introduce the term 'Friendsgiving', it solidified its essence in popular culture.
Strauss's culinary journey began with his popular Eastside sandwich spot, Jeff's Table, and later transitioned to OyBar in Studio City. The restaurant, housed in the former Oyster House Saloon, offers a unique ambiance with its low lighting and time-warp decor, reminiscent of the San Fernando Valley. OyBar's menu features dishes like a Jewish-style poutine and a Vietnamese-inspired burger, attracting a dedicated following.
For his Friendsgiving feast, Strauss has crafted an eight-course, wine-paired menu filled with food references and in-jokes from the first season of 'Friends'. The menu includes tartlets, various potato dishes, and a duck served with chestnuts, yams, and mushrooms. Strauss explains that the menu selections are personal and evoke a smile, much like the way they would be chosen for a script.
