Selma Miriam and Noel Furie met in 1972 and divorced their husbands to come out as lesbians and create a place for women to congregate. In 1977, they opened Bloodroot, a feminist restaurant and bookstore in Bridgeport, Connecticut, following a “whole new recipe” philosophy. Selma Miriam passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of embodying her values through Bloodroot.
Bloodroot was a non-hierarchical collective space for good food, conversation, and activism. Serving vegetarian dishes to avoid contributing to animal suffering, the restaurant became a cozy haven filled with feminist literature, photos, and paintings. A mix of immigrant women contributed dishes from their countries of origin, making it a diverse and inclusive dining experience.
Despite financial challenges, loyal customers kept Bloodroot thriving for decades. The restaurant became a landmark in the community, with some customers returning over the years with their own children. Selma Miriam, who was born in the Bronx, grew up in Bridgeport, and had faced her own challenges, including cancer, which she refused to treat with a mastectomy out of dedication to the restaurant.
Known for her toughness and commitment to her values, Selma Miriam left behind a lasting impact on the feminist and culinary world. She is survived by her partner, Carolanne Curry, and her children, Sabrina and Carey Bunks.
Bloodroot continues to serve as a testament to the power of women coming together to create a space that is separate yet connected, echoing the resilience and strength of its founder, Selma Miriam.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
