You can’t visit a Woldy Kusina pop-up without feeling a sparkle in the crowd of fully satiated fans. Woldy Reyes, founder of Woldy Kusina, has that effect on people with his modern take on Filipino cuisine. Reyes, who moved to the Hudson Valley during the great Covid migration of 2020, has garnered quite a buzz, partnering with local businesses to serve up delicious culinary creations with an intention to explore acceptance and celebration through food. “Food is really important, but connecting with people is equally important,” he says.

Reyes grew up on the West Coast and often felt like an outsider being that he was Filipino, queer and deaf. “I just wanted to be one of those kids who brought the lunchables to school,” he says, remembering what it was like to be raised by first generation “unapologetically Filipino” immigrants.

But over time, he recognized the value of his upbringing and the ways it has inspired his work. He recalls a Filipino stew his father would cook for family gatherings, which included a trip to the farm to hand pick their goat, plus a wait so it could be freshly butchered. This, coupled with produce from his grandmother’s garden, made for quite a culinary experience. It’s no wonder he values locally-sourced, fresh ingredients for all his Kusina events.

After college, Reyes eventually made his way to New York, specifically NYC’s fashion industry, working at publications such as Elle and Nylon, all while maintaining his deep love of food. It was here that he saw a unique opportunity: “I knew friends that were in PR and constantly doing events… and they were always looking for caterers. So, I started catering for fashion events.”

Then in 2020, when social gatherings were put on hold, Reyes was forced to pivot. He moved to Leeds, NY and began a brunch pop-up at Hartland on Hudson – offering his culinary creations on weekends while honing his staple Bibinka recipe. Soon, Reyes was able to creatively infuse himself into the Hudson Valley culture. “I carved my own path,” he says.

Said path has brought him to partnerships in both NYC and the Hudson Valley that reflect a common ethos. “I knew what kind of environment I wanted to create,” he says. “I wanted to work with people who are like myself, who are queer and people of color and women.” Garnering partnerships with local businesses like Gaskins, Homemade Hudson, and Piaule have allowed him to do just that. (The team at Escape Hospitality is currently dreaming up a collaboration with Woldy for next year, stay tuned!)

When asked about his plans for the future, Reyes remains open to any and all possibilities, including a brick-and-mortar location. “I’m starting to see a glimmer of hope for that one day,” he says, “Yeah…one day.”

But until then, Reyes is game for it all – whether it’s teaching a class on Bibinka decoration, hosting vast outdoor cooking events, or just popping up at a local eatery. “I really enjoy connecting with people, and what better way than through food.”

Find @woldykusina in New York’s Hudson Valley. www.woldykusina.com

By Carrie Shaw

Images by Erin Glover and Woldy Kusina

Volume 9