WELCOME What an exciting time this is to be in the country’s capital and to be celebrating the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture that will share our powerful history as African Americans to the world. I remember like it was yesterday when the announcement was made in February 2012 that construction would start on the museum and here we are four years later celebrating its historic opening. On behalf of myself and my team at Cuisine Noir, we are excited that you are celebrating with us. This evening is about honoring culinary icons such as Joseph Randall, Edna Lewis, Leah Chase and Patrick Clark who have influenced how we think about, cook and share food with others. Their influence continues to touch so many chefs today and will do so for years to come.
t f a r d A special thank you to all of our chefs for sharing their talents with us to make this evening possible. I also want to thank our wine and spirit partners for partnering with us to make this night special.
Lastly, congratulations to Mr. Lonnie Bunch, Founding Director, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to make the museum one that will share our “narratives from slavery to freedom and despair to celebration.” This moment as been in the making for many years and we are honored to be a part of it. Celebrating in victory,
V. Sheree Williams - Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Cuisine Noir Magazine
CHEF PARTNERS
Chef Joseph Randall Chef Joe Randall’s Cooking School | Savannah, GA
Chef Joe Randall is a 50-year veteran of the hospitality and food service industry. He created Chef Joe Randall’s Cooking School in the fall of 2000 as a facility where he could use the food of the South, the Low Country, and the Atlantic Georgia Coast as a vehicle to dispel the myths and misconceptions many visitors and locals alike held about Savannah and her cuisine. Bookings: info@chefjoerandall.com Visit: chefjoerandall.com | Follow:
Chef Timothy Dean Timothy Dean Burger | Washington, DC Chef Timothy Dean, owner of Timothy Dean Burger (TDB), got his first job in a kitchen as a dishwasher. He has worked alongside notable chefs to include Joe Randall, Patrick Clark, Alain Ducasse, Roberto Donna and Guenter Seeger and appeared as a contestant on season 7 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Bookings: tdeandc@aol.com Visit: timothydeanburger.com | Follow:
Chef Rock Harper SolidRock Creative Food Group | Washington, DC
After winning “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 3, Rahman “Rock” Harper went on to fulfilled his contract as head chef for one year at Terra Verde at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, NV. He has worked in restaurants throughout Washington, D.C., authored the book, “44 Things Parents Should Know About Healthy Cooking for Kids,” and is the president of RockSolid Creative Food Group. Bookings: rocksolidfood@gmail.com | Follow:
Chef Jumoke “Mr. Foodtastic” Jackson Entrée Metropolitan | Washington, DC
Chef J. Jackson has become synonymous with great food. He is a successful private chef and motivational speaker based in the DC metro area, as well as serving clients globally. He is a regular culinary contributor on Fox and Friend’s Morning Show, “Good Day DC” and “Let’s Talk Live DC” and has also appeared on “Good Morning Washington,” “Neighborhood Chef ” and ABC’s “The Chew,” and competed on the Food Net work’s “Beat Bobby Flay” and “Cutthroat Kitchen.” Bookings: jjackson@chefjjackson.com Visit: chefjjackson.com | Follow: Chef Padua “SugaChef ” Player SugaChef Desserts | Washington, D.C.
Executive pastry chef Padua Player, also known as SugaChef, is as dedicated as they come and is serious about his desserts. Padua has been praised for his work by Vice President Joe Biden, featured on Platinum Weddings and was a competitor on the Food Network’s “Sweet Genius” and season 2 of the “Holiday Baking Championship.” He lends his time and pastry talents to Best Buddies International and is also a volunteer instructor at DC Central Kitchen. Bookings: padua@sugachef.com Visit: sugachef.com | Follow:
WINE PARTNERS FLO Wines – FLO Brands, LLC Washington, DC
FLO Brands is a lifestyle company created by Marcus Johnson, an internationally renowned, Billboard Top 10, NAACP Image Award-nominated jazz musician and entrepreneur from DC. FLO Brands is on a mission to enhance the lives of their customers one sip and sound at a time with products that include FLO CD series, FLO Wine, FLO Fest and more. FLO and Marcus Johnson Bookings: sedoniab@aol.com Visit: flowines.com | Follow:
Mouton Noir Wines New York and Oregon
Mouton Noir is a two-fold lifestyle project producing both a T-Shirt line and Oregon wines. Founded by sommelier André Hueston Mack in 2007, both ends of Mouton Noir incorporate a trademark attitude and personal perspective on wine subculture. In alignment with its unique and distinctive garage wines, Mouton Noir apparel is inspired by wine lifestyle/street culture with a throwback to the 1990’s independent skateboard company apparel. Bookings and Inquiries: robinmcaldwell@gmail.com Visit: moutonnoirwines.com | Follow:
P. Harrell Wines Oakland, CA
The creation of P. Harrell Wines emerged from owner Paula Harrell’s long standing passion and appreciation for wine. From the smell of freshly picked grapes after a successful harvest to sampling wines in a barrel and ultimately indulging in in the enchanting wine culture with others, Paula loves all things wine. Bookings: paula@pharrellwines.com Visit: pharrellwines.com | Follow:
SPIRIT PARTNERS CÎROC™ Ultra-Premium Vodka New York, NY
CÎROC™ Ultra-Premium Vodka is gluten free and distilled from fine French grapes which are for an exquisitely smooth, fresh vodka experience. The grapes are distilled a fifth time at the historic Distillerie de Chevanceaux in the South of France to create the essence of CÎROC™. Visit: ciroc.com | Follow: DELEÓN® Tequila New York, NY
DELEÓN® Tequila is made from the finest 100% Highland Blue Weber agave sourced from the rich earth of the Los Altos region of Jalisco. Hand-selected at harvest for high quality and peak ripeness, their plants yield the sweetest piñas, giving the tequila its abundant character and balance. Visit: deleontequila.com | Follow: