Cooking After Covid: Passion Meets Purpose in Portland

831 Southeast Salmon Street,Portland OR 97214

14 January, 2022

Description

An evening of innovative imagery, tantalizing tastings, and compelling conversation Finding beauty, purpose and possibility in all things edible and edifying is the driving force behind food photographer Isabella Cassini’s 10-year body of work. Because of this, Isabella found herself irresistibly inspired after encountering the entrepreneurial efforts of three extraordinary fellow foodies during her time spent in quarantine: - Nikeisah Newton's "Meals 4 Heels," a service dedicated not only to delivering delicious dishes for underserved sex workers, but also in ensuring food makes it to those fighting directly on the frontlines for social justice - Cydnie Smith-McCarthy's juice brand, "Drink Mamey," that bottles various combinations of the nectars sorely needed to meet the nutritional necessities of the historically neglected - and the debut cookbook from five-star chef Gregory Gourdet, "Everyone's Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health," filled with recipes that aren't just his tips and tricks for how to be a Top Chef like him; his book is heavy with heart-conscious how-to's capable of transforming hapless home cooks into heroes of healthy eating During these turbulent and trying times, it's easy to feel surrounded by story after story of sickness, cynicism, divisiveness, and despair. Isabella believes their accomplishments aren't something to admire from afar; the impact of their efforts and the positive example they have now set for those who'll come after, offers cause for celebration and implores us to gather. So on January 14th, 2022, thanks to generous support from like-minded sponsors Market of Choice, the Regional Arts and Culture Council, and Ecotrust, Isabella is immensely grateful for the opportunity she's been given to bring them all together for the first time, to share their stories and successes publicly, with an exhibition of her photography, a tasting, and a moderated discussion exploring why unique expressions of progress and resilience like theirs are imperative if we're to ever find the restoration and recompense we have all been so hungry for. 6:30 - 7:00pm: Doors open for early access to a photography exhibition from Isabella Cassini and an open-concept cooking space with Gregory, Nikeisah, and Cydnie. Guests receive two complimentary drink tickets. Additional alcohol available for purchase. 7:00 - 8:00pm: Food stations open with vegan, meat, fish, dairy and gluten free options. Market of Choice’s "Diverse Is Delicious" experience will feature additional locally sourced food samplings. 8:00 - 9:00pm: Seats open for a moderated conversation with the artists, followed by an audience q&a. 9:00 - 9:45pm: Meet-and-greet and book signing with Isabella, Nikeisah, Cydnie, and Isabella 10:00pm: Event concludes. Making ugly food pretty since 1986.