The Yogi’s Table: Cool New Yoga-and-Dinner Events in Fairmount

Photo courtesy Full & Happy

I get pitched a lot of ideas. Some of them, honestly, are skippable. Some of them are marginally interesting. And some I find myself thinking — with just the tiniest hint of jealousy — “That is brilliant. Why didn’t I think of that?”

The Yogi’s Table falls into the latter category.

It’s the brainchild of St. Joe’s grad Onna Hepner, who, earlier this spring, opened a culinary-and-event space in Fairmount. Her business is called Full & Happy, and the Yogi’s Table is the first of what she says will be many regular monthly events.

Here’s how it works: Groups of up to eight yogis gather at the space for a one-hour yoga class led by Stacia Nero. (You might know her from Maha Yoga in Center City or Amrita in Fishtown.) After class, the space transforms into a dining room, and the guests, fresh-pressed green juices in hand, come together for a healthy meal prepared by Hepner. They’re even invited to help with the cooking, if they so desire.

“This is really my dream kitchen space,” says Hepner, who trained as a chef at New York’s French Culinary Institute (now called International Culinary Center). “But from the get-go, I knew I needed to host fitness events here. It’s just so conducive to creativity and movement.”

The first Yogi’s Table event was held in May, and there have been monthly gatherings since. Each features a different menu, yoga class and soundtrack, and Hepner hopes guests will make it a regular part of their schedule.

The space is on North 15th Street between Spring Garden and Fairmount. Hepner didn’t want me to include the exact address in this post—understandable, since she lives right upstairs. The cooking space is actually a regular (albeit pimped out) apartment. Hepner rents the downstairs cooking-space apartment and her upstairs home-apartment from the same landlord.

She and a friend from culinary school outfitted the downstairs space with rustic, salvaged decor, some of which was found, rehabbed and repurposed: islands made from shipping pallets, tables made from old floorboards pulled from Philadelphia Brewing Company’s shipping dock, a chandelier that was found on the side of the road. It has that mismatched-cool vibe and is homey, warm and welcoming — exactly what Hepner was going for.

In addition to the yoga events, Hepner offers cooking classes, private chef services and space rental for private parties. Her meals feature locally sourced, nutrient-dense ingredients. The menu for the last Yogi’s Table featured a vegetable quinoa frittata, sweet potato Johnny cakes with ginger butter and maple syrup, spicy vegan sausage, and roasted purple and red potatoes.

The upcoming October 11th event is a brunch at 1:30 p.m. The November 6th event is a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and include yoga and the meal. They’re capped at eight and tend to sell out. If you’re interested in attending, email Onna Hepner at onna@fullandhappy.com.

Like what you’re reading? Stay in touch with Be Well Philly—here’s how:

• Like Be Well Philly on Facebook
• Follow Be Well Philly on Twitter
• Follow Be Well Philly on Pinterest
• Get the Be Well Philly Newsletter