(Many of the fairs, festivals, and other wonderful food events that usually fill my calendar each spring have been postponed or cancelled. This post is based on a past celebration.)
To latecomers, the leavings.
Like Wat Jotanaram in the Bronx, this Cambodian Buddhist temple was once a private residence. On my brief visit to the back yard, I was too late to see for myself what protein had fortified the curry and too early for a recital of traditional dance. But I didn't walk away unfed: One member of the congregation tipped the curry pot to offer me the last of the lemongrass-scented broth, which she ladled over wads of rice noodles. Another offered a beef skewer, well-lacquered and freshly grilled, with a palate freshener of pickled vegetables.
Other occasions to visit the temple will present themselves; figure on an early wake-up call.
Khmer New Year celebration at Watt Samakki Dhammikaram
26 Rugby Rd. (Caton-Church Aves.), Flatbush, Brooklyn
www.WattSamakki.org
(The 2020 celebration has been cancelled)
