It was a full house last Saturday as readers and guests of Cuisine Noir joined the magazine for its first Summer Celebration event in honor of its second print issue featuring Robbie Montgomery from OWN’s “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” at Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco.
The issue was released on Monday, June 11 and features some of the industry’s top influencers and celebrities for its second national print publication.
Chef Berlin Lillard, Cuisine Noir’s test kitchen head chef and owner of 4ork in the Road Catering, led the event by demonstrating two recipes from the new issue that may have readers scratching their heads. Iced Citrus Cucumber Soup and Decapoda GarGin not only won guests over, but many stayed around for a mini private class and tastings again with chef Berlin at the end as many left.
Maria Hunt, aka the Bubbly Girl, walked guests through the month’s Design & Dine ™ summer cocktail recipe, Strawberry Smash that featured Pink Pigeon Rum made with Bourbon vanilla. Guests were also treated to a demonstration for a custom sangria that infused fruit with three different liquors and a Chandon rosé.
Special guests included celebrity chef Nikki Shaw, Kikkoman’s head chef Helen Roberts, Bill Washington of New Orleans Bill Creole Potato Salad, Andre Crump from Taste TV and Caddie Golf Apparel founder Jill Johnson. Gift bags were provided by Anguilla Tourist Board and filled with many CN Essentials from the magazine. Products included Marley Coffee, Sahale Snacks, Tony Chachere’s cookbook and seasoning, California Olive Ranch, Eat Cleaner wipes, and a luggage tag courtesy of the Bahamas just to name a few.
In addition, guests took part in two giveaways that also include CN Essentials and wines from the Wines in Review feature. Funky Chunky by Ediblegiftsplus.com, Chia/Vie smoothies, G.H. Cretors Popcorn Mix, cookbooks by chef Dana Herbert and Roger Mooking and a hot sauce set from Urban Chefs had guests holding their tickets high in anticipation of winning. Wines from Chandon, Mouton Noir, Seven Sisters and Concannon Vineyard were hot giveaway items as well.
It was a wonderful afternoon enjoyed by all and the event promises to grow each year as Cuisine Noir continues to expand its reach and cultural culinary movement in the Bay Area and beyond.
Future events will be announced soon for the remainder of 2012 and 2013 that will include food and wine pairings.
To purchase a copy of the Summer 2012 print issue, click here.
