by Haley Cullingham
In honour of leather jacket weather, we create a culinary homage to our favourite leather jacket wearer: the lady who defines cool, Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s. Whether she’s dressing up as Boy George for Halloween at the age of five (we know, it hurts our ego too) or rocking a giant silver poncho-cape in 35 degree festival weather, Karen O knows how to make a statement. Below, a dinner party that defies the rules to make better ones, just like the lady herself.

THE INVITATIONS
Get inspired by YYY’s guitarist Nick Zinner and his Slept In Beds photography-take a photo of a trashed, post-meal dining room table, and scrawl meal info on the back.

THE DECOR
NYC cool. If you can turn your dining area into a cross between a graffiti-covered Brooklyn watering hole and an underground drag club, you’re doing it right.

THE DRESS CODE
Dress to impress. Leather, sequins, body suits, black eyeliner, geometric prints, crazy masks: anything goes except boring.

THE MUSIC
Do you really need to ask?

THE FOOD
Karen O was born in South Korea, so whip up some asian delicacies.

KOREAN HAMBURGERS
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon sesame seed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 dash black pepper

Directions
-Mix thoroughly
-Shape into 4 patties.
-Grill or fry as usual
-Serve on a bun with Teriyaki sauce

SESAME GREEN BEANS
Yields 8 servings

Ingredients
2 pounds green beans, stemmed
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation
-Bring a large pot of water to boil
-Add beans and cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes and drain
-Whisk together remaining ingredients. Blend well
-Add beans and toss, seasoning with freshly ground pepper to taste

THE DRINK
Whiskey rocks.