Grotto Founder Austa Somvichian-Clausen: The Future Is Queer Hospitality

Hosted by Abena Anim-SomuahProduced by Kerry Diamond and Catherine BakerEdited by Jenna SadhuRecorded at CityVox Studios in NYC This week, we’re looking into the future with Austa Somvichian-Clausen. Austa is a travel writer, author, and the founder of Grotto, the New York-based sapphic pop-up bar for queer women, trans, and non-binary folks. She started Grotto when she realized how few spaces there were in the city for sapphic women to socialize and feel safe. Every detail—from the cozy vibe to Grotto’s seating system that allows patrons to decide just how much they want to mingle—is done with intention. “That’s how you create a space that feels like it’s for the community,” says Austa. On this episode, Austa talks with host Abena Anim-Somuah about growing up in a multicultural household, her writing career, and other dream projects she’s manifesting. Plus, hear her Future Flash Five and her voicemail to her future self.Thank you to Kerrygold for supporting our show. Learn more about Kerrygold’s butter & cheese here.The Future Of Food Is You is a production of The Cherry Bombe Podcast Network. Check cherrybombe.com for show transcripts. Who do you think is the Future of Food? Nominate them here!More on Austa: Instagram, Grotto NYC, websiteFollow Abena on InstagramGet your Cherry Bombe Magazine subscription here