PRIZM Art Fair’s Art Basel Opening Night Preview Dinner
PRIZM is the producer of a cutting-edge cultural platform that is multidisciplinary in scope. Their goal is to expand the spectrum of exhibiting international artists from the African Diaspora and emerging markets. Now in its sixth year, it has become a powerhouse in showcasing diasporic art; With the 2018 program including 63 artists and a series of thought-provoking programs, representing 15 countries and four continents.
I had the privilege of being invited to their Preview VIP Seated Dinner, held on Dec. 3; The day of its opening and lasting through the 9th. The courses were being prepared by one of Barbados’ leading chefs, Michael Hinds, who has worked in some of the world’s finest Michelin Star restaurants including London’s Chez Nico. By age 17, he was a trainee chef at the exclusive Sandy Lane Hotel – where the likes of Rihanna own homes. He received formal training at the Culinary Institute of America and has represented Barbados in the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean regional contests, and brought home gold medals four years in a row.
The dinner was held at the Alfred DuPont Building in Downtown Miami (169 East Flagler Street Miami), which was a stellar choice. The minute you step into the building you feel like you’re looking at art. Something about the Art Deco and history aesthetic of the building that you don’t see as often anymore, is absolutely mesmerizing. Seriously, I’ve never taken so many pictures of an elevator…
However, I chose to walk up a grand staircase that led to a golden metal gate where I could see our tables glimmering with candlelight. I arrived early so I had some time to take in the art before our meal. The variation in pieces was impressive, as one of the things that bores me the most is walking into a gallery where all the artworks look like they were made by the same artist. PRIZM did a great job of curating and showcasing works that really allowed the cultural and artistically diversity to come through…
Once our dinner was announced, we were seated in front of a gorgeous table setting, clearly inspired by the African wildlife. Seems I made a good choice in wearing my leopard-printed blouse… The decor went perfect with the feel of the building, so elegant and exotic. Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of the Africa Center and author of the award winning novel, Beasts of No Nation, delivered a keynote that served as an interesting appetizer for the mind.
The first course consisted of Seared Line Caught Yellow Fin Tuna, Citrus Stem, Ginger & Cucumber pickle. This was my favorite dish of the evening. The tropical and botanical flavors made my tastebuds dance and the soft texture of the tuna would almost dissolve in your mouth in just a few bites.
As our main entree we were served Spice Rubbed & Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Baked Sweet Potato “Pomme William” and Braised Squash in a Charred New Style Ratatouille. I personally don’t eat pork so I didn’t have a taste but the guests next to me asked for seconds… The Ratatouille was flavorful but I would’ve liked more variation of veggies. Though, I do have to say, the Baked Sweet Potato “Pomme William” is one of the tastiest and prettiest ways you could ever ingest potatoes, resembling a small breaded pear.
Dessert was a Coconut & Malibu Panna Cotta with Sorrel Jelly and a Cinnamon Banana Spring Roll. The Panna Cotta had a perfect texture although I would’ve love for the coconut taste to be more pronounced, but the Spiced Rum Caramel sauce in which the Spring Roll sat added more than enough flavor to the entire course.
It was a gorgeous evening, filled with thought-provoking art, essential topics of conversation, and mouth-watering food. For more info on PRIZM and future events please click here.
