Building a Bigger Table: Mahjong, Community & the North Fork

A couple of years ago, I found myself learning something completely new—Mahjong.

I’ve always loved games that bring people together. I played bridge for years, and somewhere along the way I built a book club, a pickleball group… and now, a Mahjong circle that started with a few friends just trying to figure it out together.

Mahjong felt intimidating at first—foreign, complicated. But once I started playing, it became something else entirely.

It wasn’t about the tiles. It was about the table.

It became a ritual—a reason to gather, to slow down, to connect. No phones, no distractions. Just conversation, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.

That feeling stuck with me.

At NOFO LIVE, we’re always thinking about how to bring people together beyond the podcast. How do we create real-life connection here on the North Fork—especially for those of us who are here year-round? Mahjong became one of those answers.

What started as a small winter gathering has quickly grown, 20 people, then 30, then 40… each time selling out, each time confirming the same thing: people are craving this.

Not just something to do rather somewhere to belong.

And that’s what these gatherings have become.

They’re not about being an expert. They’re not about playing perfectly. They’re about pulling up a chair, meeting someone new, and being part of something warm, welcoming, and a little unexpected.

Think of it as a traveling table. First The Shoals in Southold, now Borghese Vineyard in Cutchogue, and who knows where we’ll pop up next, giving us all a chance to discover local spots in a fresh, unexpected way.

On July 15th, we’re heading back to Borghese Vineyard, this time leaning into a summer happy hour vibe. Think: a glass of wine in hand, golden hour light, Mahjong tiles clicking, and a table full of new and familiar faces.

Come with friends, or come solo—we’ll make sure you have a seat.

Because our philosophy has always been simple: build a bigger table.

“It’s not really about Mahjong—it’s about giving people a reason to sit down together. We’re just trying to build a bigger table on the North Fork.”

-Sunita

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