The Pennsylvania TCC Chapter met on Sept. 27 for their final meeting of 2020. Philadelphia lifted some of its restaurant restrictions and small groups are permitted to dine outdoors., so seven of us met at Kalaya, a Thai restaurant nominated this year as America’s best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation.
As the group feasted on whole fish in curry, spiced eggplant, sea scallops in red curry, and other gourmet renditions of Thai favorites, we heard from the new CEO of the World Affairs Council in Philadelphia, Lauren Swartz. Lauren was previously director of the international division of the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. She spoke about her prior role as well as her new position. Lauren’s presentation was done via FaceTime to adhere to social distancing recommendations.
Looking ahead to 2021, the Pennsylvania Chapter will convene on Sunday, Jan. 31, at Dandelion, a British pub in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Our featured presenter, Dr. Todd Levin, an infectious disease expert from Jefferson Hospital, will speak about what to do if a pandemic breaks out while you’re traveling overseas. We expect restaurant restrictions are likely to remain in place, meaning that attendance is apt to be limited to eight. More details will be sent via email in November.
—Jane Berryman, Pennsylvania Chapter Coordinator
