Dinner & Diplomacy: Connecting Cultures & Inspiring Innovation

04/04/2024 - From 18h30 - Public

"Across cultures, nationalities, religions, and politics, food serves as a universal bridge between people and cultures despite their many differences. Diplomacy, it turns out, is a beautiful marriage with the culinary arts."

Join us for a one-night-only dinner conference, where we will learn more about the US Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, and how the unique power of food & connections can inspire a more equal and inclusive world in the kitchen, society, and across borders.

The Nine is excited to welcome Michelin-star chef Daniella Senior to the kitchen, who will be in Brussels as part of the U.S. Secretary of State’s American Culinary Corps and Arts Envoy programs to support events celebrating NATO’s 75th anniversary in the lead up to the NATO Summit in Washington next July.

She will prepare a special Latin-inspired three-course meal while also presenting her vision of culinary innovation and diplomacy. In addition to being an accomplished chef, Daniella is a successful business owner in the U.S. and her native Dominican Republic.

Joining for the presentation, we are honoured to hear from Anne McBride, VP of Programs at the James Beard Foundation, where she oversees initiatives around policy advocacy, women’s leadership, sustainability, education, and industry support.

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MENU

Welcome drink: An exclusive cocktail based on South American gold

Starter: Chayote & Citrus
With blood orange, pistachio, red onions, sherry vinegar

Main: Prawn Asopao & Coconut
With arborio rice, peppers, coriander, shiitake mushrooms, green cardamom

Dessert: Corn Majarete
Fresh corn with coconut milk, cinnamon, feuilletine, olive oil

Yen Mai is a Vietnamese, born in Hanoi in the 80s.

She was only 10 years old when she found her taste for gastronomy. At that moment she was helping her parents in their small neighborhood street food restaurant in the center of the capital Hanoi. For several years she nourished her passion and amplified her knowledge of Vietnamese gastronomy combining hard work and studies.

Inspired by her father who had lived in Europe in the 70s, she developed very young an affection for the old continent and moved to Sicily (Italy) in 2000 where she stayed for 4 years in a host family. Thanks to her adopted Italian grandmother, with whom she shared the same passion, Yen Mai discovered the intensity of Italian gastronomy.

Always attracted by challenges and adventure, she decided to emancipate herself and moved to Brussels in 2005. There she worked in several European food restaurants learning French and enjoying the European gastronomy.

In 2017, combining all her knowledge and experience, she decided to open a small salad bar of 30 sqm.

Seven years later she owns two restaurants and a catering corporate service. Beautifood served more than 68 000 meals in 2023 and expect a growth of 30% in 2024.

 

*Tickets include the three-course meal, welcome drink (non alcoholic alternative available), table water, and coffees. The menu is gluten-free and can be converted to vegetarian on request.

Please inform the team in advance of any allergies

Click here to register to this event