“Big Night” aboard the SS Yankee Ferry: Part 1

Tonight, as I sat staring at the leftovers I was attempting to stomach for dinner, I could not shake the memory of the immaculate flavor symphony I was able to experience on Saturday night courtesy of Chef JamieBusch aboard the SS Yankee Ferry in Hoboken.

Sometimes you can’t question how or why things happen, but when presented with an amazing opportunity, you just have to say yes and take the plunge. My entire life I have taken the taken risks, forged into the world seeking out unique opportunities, and, as a result, reaped great unforeseeable rewards. Saturday night was no different and I couldn’t be happier for saying, “yes” to the unexpected dinner invitation I received.

Being invited to attend "Big Night" Seasonal Feast & Tour of Yankee Ferry, a houseboat in Hoboken, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. However, I quickly looked up the owner of the boat and co-host of the event with Chef Busch, Victoria Mackenzie-Childs, for a hint of what the night may hold. By viewing items on her store website, I quickly became acquainted with her beautiful, light hearted, design aesthetic and knew I needed to find a sweet colorful outfit for the evening. (Note: If you would like to host an event or inquire about other programs about Yankee, you can contact the correct folks by emailing ahoy@ssyankee.com!)

After choosing the perfect ensemble, I began my journey to the 12^th Street Pier. When I arrived, it seemed like a scene from a movie. The quaint unassuming boat is docked far enough out on the pier that if you don’t make it a point to walk the pier, you might not notice the boat at all. The boat sits quietly basking in light emanating from the Manhattan skyline, a picture of two worlds silently coexisting in the darkness. The entrance to the boat’s gangplank is through a wooden arch and small gate, which you might expect to see at the entrance to a fancy garden and not a boat. This archway served as the threshold to the magical night that lay ahead. 

Photo Credit: "Big Night" Seasonal Feast Eventbrite

The gangplank opens up into the boat’s workshop area with a couple of rope chairs hanging from the ceiling and a window a view of Manhattan’s financial district. We were welcomed with warm mulled apple cider in handcrafted mugs. As guests for dinner arrived, we chatted with one another while marveling at our surroundings. Prior to hearing the history of this 106 year old ship, the master chef of the evening, Jamie Busch, came to greet us. His passion and enthusiasm were evident, further adding to the excitement surrounding our imminent meal.

 

Workshop

Next, the senior crew member addressed our group with the history of the SS Yankee Ferry. I wish I could speak in a more detailed way to the ship’s history, but I decided to soak in the experience instead of scribbling notes. However, it was fascinating and I’ve included some info from memory, with the reference help from Wikipedia (so sue me!) below.

Among her rich history, the SS Yankee Ferry was built in 1907 under the name Machigonne and shipped off to Portland, Maine, where she started carrying passengers back and forth between Portland and the Casco Bay. Next, she was used to transport folks on routes originating in Boston. Then, during World War I, she was acquired by the US Navy to be a patrol boat, and was armed with heavy artillery in case the crew spotted any German U-Boats in Boston Harbor. After the war, she returned to commercial service in the New York Harbor and served as a vessel to ferry arriving immigrants from their ships to Ellis Island and, eventually, to the mainland. A many updates, name changes, and jobs followed her service to arriving immigrants, including a second commission by the US Navy during WWII, until she became Yankee in 1947 and permanently docked in Hoboken in 2006, she doesn't run on her own power at the moment, but for now floats graciously on the Hudson River.

Our tour of the main living quarters was fascinating. Victoria Mackenzie-Childs has truly made this ship her own for herself and her family. Intermixed with the historical elements of the boat from bells to a speaking tube intra-ship communication system are modern paintings, lamp shades, bold designs, playful features, colorful rugs, and more. Off the family gallery, there’s even a small chicken coop providing inhabitants with fresh eggs daily. 

Next, the tour headed up towards the bow of the ship where there was a small love seat stationed with the most beautiful and expansive view of Manhattan straight ahead. Though it was a foggy night, the Empire State Building was still shining through as a beacon directly across the river from the SS Yankee's home.

After taking a quick glance into the old captain's quarters and wheel room, we headed back to the second level, which served as the home base for our meal.

This is where I leave you with a cliff hanger – the meal prepared by chef Jamie Busch was the best meal I have ever eaten! Check out the details of dinner by reading "Big Night" aboard the SS Yankee Ferry: Part 2!

Follow all the cool folks from Saturday night on Twitter!
Culinary Artist, Jamie Busch @letspoon
The Amazing Miss Emma @wordsprout
SS Yankee - @SSYankee
Crew member and new Hobokenite, Thom O'Donnell @Thom0Donnell
Photographer, Gwen Charles @swamigwen
And of course, yours truly! @TheHobokenista

Until next time!