Canal Street Dreams - Episode: The Dylan Hales Interview (June 6, 2025) - Summary

In this engaging and candid episode of Canal Street Dreams, hosts Eddie Huang and Natashia Perrotti sit down with their friend and flower shop owner, Dylan Hales. This conversation delves deep into their personal friendships, the journey of opening a new restaurant in New York City, and the intricate design inspirations behind Dylan's flower shop. Throughout the episode, the trio shares humorous anecdotes, insightful discussions on community building, and glimpses into their lives as parents navigating the bustling cityscape.

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene [01:00 - 03:20]

Natashia introduces Dylan Hales as not only the owner of their beloved flower shop but also their new landlord, highlighting the multifaceted relationships that thrive within their community.

Natashia Perrotti [01:10]: "You guys aren't paying rent though."

Eddie humorously adds to the introduction, emphasizing the camaraderie and light-hearted nature of their interactions.

2. The Genesis of Friendship and Collaboration [03:20 - 07:00]

Eddie reminisces about meeting Dylan outside the Knicks-Celtics game, recounting how a chance friendship blossomed into a collaborative venture.

Eddie Huang [03:28]: "You have been integral in my, like, return to New York."

Dylan shares memories of their initial outings, including a memorable walk in the rain and dinners at local spots like Little Ways and Mulberry Bar. Their shared experiences laid the foundation for their upcoming restaurant venture.

3. Launching a New Restaurant in New York [07:00 - 11:05]

The conversation shifts to their ambitious goal of opening a restaurant in New York City. Dylan expresses excitement about the project slated to open on June 11th, emphasizing the importance of creating a space that fosters community and connections.

Dylan Hales [06:05]: "I think what I'm most excited about...is the mix of folks that are going to come through here...create a sense of community."

Eddie reflects on how natural and organic their partnership has been, underscoring the seamless integration of their personal and professional lives.

4. The Flower Shop's Unique Design and Inspiration [11:05 - 16:30]

Dylan provides an in-depth look into the flower shop's design, revealing the thoughtful inspirations drawn from Midwestern, English, and Australian pub styles. He highlights specific features like the dedicated pool table plaque for Dylan Reeder and the couple's wall adorned with parents' memorabilia.

Dylan Hales [14:39]: "There was a lot of inspiration from, like, Midwestern style, you know, pubs and bars... English and Australian pubs."

Natashia marvels at the meticulous arrangement of the space, comparing it to "somebody's parents basement of the coolest parents in the world," showcasing the personalized and lived-in feel of the establishment.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Life in New York [16:30 - 22:00]

The trio delves into light-hearted banter about allergies, personal hygiene habits in NYC, and parenting quirks. Eddie shares his struggles with severe allergies upon returning to New York, while Dylan humorously talks about his robust immune system developed from frequenting the flower shop.

Eddie Huang [19:36]: "Sanitizing is not working for me. But I did go to the doctor because I... every tree, every grass. I'm allergic."

Their conversation spans from humorous takes on public health practices to the challenges of maintaining personal well-being in the city's fast-paced environment.

6. Excitement for the Restaurant's Menu [20:00 - 21:43]

Natashia and Eddie express their enthusiasm for the restaurant's diverse menu, highlighting signature dishes like Lion's Head Meatballs, Taiwanese Turkey Rice, Beijing Lamb Skewers, and Chinese Chicken.

Natashia Perrotti [20:04]: "Lion's head meatballs. Oh, it's my favorite thing you've ever made me."

Dylan elaborates on the balance of flavors and cultural inspirations behind each dish, ensuring a unique culinary experience for patrons.

7. Tattoo Talk and Personal Style [21:43 - 26:19]

In a lighthearted segment, Eddie and Dylan discuss tattoos, sharing their own experiences and aspirations for future ink. They joke about the pain and endurance required for long tattoo sessions, reflecting their playful camaraderie.

Dylan Hales [26:19]: "It's just going to take a long time and it's going to require a lot of thought because it's like...25 hours."

This segment adds a personal touch, showcasing their individual personalities beyond their professional endeavors.

8. Closing Remarks and Teasers [26:19 - 27:21]

As the free preview concludes, Eddie and Natashia encourage listeners to subscribe for the full episode on Substack, hinting at more engaging content and in-depth discussions in future episodes.

Eddie Huang [27:04]: "That is the end of the free preview of this week's episode. For the full paid version, Please consider becoming a paid subscriber on our Substack Canal Street Dreams. Thank you."

Key Takeaways:

• Community Building: The importance of creating spaces that foster connections and a sense of belonging.

• Collaborative Ventures: How organic friendships can lead to successful business partnerships.

• Personal Narratives: Sharing personal stories and challenges enhances authenticity and relatability among hosts and guests.

• Culinary Creativity: Emphasis on a diverse and thoughtfully curated menu to provide unique dining experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Eddie Huang [07:00]: "It's beautiful when shit comes together like that. It's just meant to be."

• Dylan Hales [06:05]: "Creating a sense of community...that's what we've always wanted to do."

• Natashia Perrotti [20:04]: "Lion's head meatballs. Oh, it's my favorite thing you've ever made me."

This episode offers a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and insights into the entrepreneurial spirit driving Eddie, Natashia, and Dylan. It serves as an inspiring narrative for creatives striving to turn their dreams into reality, all while maintaining strong personal bonds and community ties.