Featured
Photos | McMullen Launches Fall Season with Friends and Fashion
Event: McMullen Fall Presentation 2023
Date: August 24, 2023
Location: McMullen, Oakland
Photos (59): Drew Altizer for Drew Altizer Photography
Launching the Fall season in style, Sherri McMullen curated a remarkable Fashion Presentation at her Oakland flagship, McMullen. Attendees were treated to an exciting glimpse of Sherri’s favorite Fall ensembles and prominent trends, featuring a mix of highly coveted and emerging designers like Christopher John Rogers, Diotima, Dries Van Noten, Alejandro Alonso Rojas, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, The Row, and more. Hirsch Vineyards delighted guests with their exquisite blends as they indulged in post-show shopping. Distinguished attendees included Cori Graylor, Tanya Holland, Clara Brenner, Sadie Barnette, Gail Shifman, Dr. Akilah Cadet, and Pandora Thomas.
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Photos | American Heart Association’s Heart Ball
Event: American Heart Association Heart Ball 2023
Date: June 2, 2023
Location: Four Seasons, San Francisco
Photos (27): Drew Altizer and Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography
The American Heart Association in the Bay Area held its annual Heart Ball on June 2 at the Four Seasons, San Francisco. More than 350 guests honored the 2023 Heart of the Bay award winner, Lloyd Dean, executive emeritus of CommonSpirit Health. Many of the attendees met award-winning actor Taye Diggs, who was the gala’s emcee and mingled with the crowd at a reception prior to the main event.
Guests had the unique experience of a winemaker’s supper, which included having one of 26 local wineries act as the table host. Mother-daughter duo Katherine and Kaitlin Lowry, 15, of Palo Alto moved the crowd to a standing ovation after sharing their story of Kaitlyn’s journey with heart disease since age 2. Event Chair Anirudh Devgan, President & CEO of Cadence Design Systems, outlined the impact that the Heart Association is making on his internal efforts to promote health equity through quarterly Heart Association-led wellness workshops for Cadence employees. Generous donors participated in live and silent auctions, helping to raise more than $400,000 at the event.
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Photos | 181 Fremont Salutes Racing on the Spectrum
Event: 181 Fremont Salutes Racing on the Spectrum
Date: May 23, 2023
Location: Neiman Marcus, San Francisco
Photos (13): Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography
On Tuesday, May 23, the team from 181 Fremont celebrated producers from Citizen Film who are creating a new documentary called Racing on the Spectrum. Their film portrays three young competitive race car drivers who are identified as on the autism spectrum and how this difference enhances their ability to perform at the highest levels of their sport. Nearly 100 guests viewed clips from the film, met driver Armani Williams and learned how they could help producers hit their goal of $850,000 to complete this film and take it to wider audiences.
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Photos | Healdsburg Jazz Festival 2023
Event: Healdsburg Jazz Festival 2023
Date: June 17-25, 2023
Location: Healdsburg, CA
Photos (18)
The 25th Anniversary Healdsburg Jazz Festival was celebrated with 9 days of concerts in Wine Country. The Festival honored the past, present, and future by presenting today’s hottest artists like NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves, 2023 Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy Award winner Samara Joy, vibraphonist Joel Ross, alto sax legend Charles McPherson, percussion maestro and Healdsburg Jazz artist-in-residence John Santos, New Orleans clarinetist Dr. Michael White, North Bay vocalist Stella Heath, New Orleans saxophone star NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, powerhouse tenor saxophonist Howard Wiley, and so many more.
They represented a range of genres, and their music was paired with food, wine, film, spoken word, and the visual arts. Each day an event took place in stunning, unique, and intimate settings that reflected the natural beauty and creative spirit of Healdsburg. With both ticketed and free community concerts, the Festival truly had something for everyone.
SF Chronicle, “One of the best small jazz festivals in the country if not the world.”
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Photos | SFCC’s CityBeat Breakfast 2023
Event: SFCC’s CityBeat Breakfast 2023
Date: May 23, 2023
Location: Pier 27, San Francisco
Photos (136): Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography
The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s Annual CityBeat Breakfast – Re:Imagine San Francisco presented by United Airlines was held at Pier 27 on May 23, 2023.
Results of United Airlines CityBeat Poll revealed that 91% of residents agree that a thriving downtown San Francisco is critical to the region’s economy. San Francisco voters are pessimistic both about the current direction of the city, where three in four say San Francisco is on the wrong track with nearly half expecting economic conditions to be worse a year from now. Much of this has to do with concerns about crime, drugs, and the conditions of the streets.
For the fourth year in a row, 75% of residents agree that the overall cleanliness of our streets has gotten worse, and about 70% believe that quality of life in San Francisco has also gotten worse. San Franciscans are overwhelmingly supportive of the solutions to these issues that were proposed in Mayor London Breed’s Roadmap to Downtown San Francisco’s Future.
Over 75% of residents support more housing, events, restaurants and bars, and more entertainment downtown. There is also strong support for offering financial incentives for small and large businesses to stay or move downtown – with 68% supporting incentives for large businesses.
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Photos | An Epic Culinary Affair at Black Food & Wine Experience 2023
Event: Black Food & Wine Experience 2023
Date: June 11-18, 2023
Location: Ferry Building, San Francisco
Photos (37): Christopher Williams
Contributor: Chef B Bevels
The Black Food & Wine Experience was an epic panoramic display of culinary genius. The eclectic fare and libations seemingly seduced the large crowd of sophisticated, well-dressed patrons as they floated from one station to the next amusing their palate inside of the host venue, at the San Francisco Ferry Building. There was something for every type of foodie… newcomer, refined, and folks in between. it was spectacular!
Gumbo Social was in the building, dolling out generous portions of his signature Chicken & Sausage Gumb. This was “Slap Yo Mama” good! Chef Marisa Gittens of Cook & Run developed a tasty bite of juicy grape tomatoes, balsamic caviar, and microgreens. Not to be outdone, California Rose Catering & Events dropped the mic with a crave worthy Shrimp Cluster adorned by black sesame seeds. On the spicier side of things, Chef Selasi Dotse of Eladetes Kitchen, took no prisoners in the VIP while offering a play on a West African favorite, Jollof rice seasoned party wings. As luck would have it, Hella Costal Craft Beers and Coco’s Cocktails were available to extinguish the heat of flavors, offering a welcome reprieve.
Chef Mimi, the amazing curator of The Black Food & Wine Experience, showed up and showed out again this year, while San Francisco’s Mayor, London Breed gave a star studded welcome that literally got the party started! Chef Mimi’s attention to detail and collaborative spirt was palpable. My recommendation is that you put this on your “things to do” in 2024. Until then, eat well!
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Photos | Juneteenth Family Reunion 2023
Event: Juneteenth Family Reunion 2023
Date: June 17, 2023
Location: San Francisco Filmore District
Photos (163): Donald Bowden Photography
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Video | Visit Ayesha Curry’s sweet retreat in Oakland!
“He was right here,” said Daniella Lake, a senior at UC Berkeley, pointing at Sproul Hall.
“7,000 students,” added Gia White, Administrative Director of Global International and Area Studies at UC Berkeley.
When Lake and White look at UC Berkeley’s Sproul Hall they see more than a building. They see history, Black history. “Martin Luther King, Jr. Came here in 1967, in May of 1967,” White explained. “He gave an anti-war speech, civil rights and anti-war against the Vietnam War. And he was just tons of people at his feet, 7,000 students and people from the community that came to hear him speak.” More…
Photos | Over 900 Guests Honor Randall Kline and Raise $2.20 Million at SFJAZZ Gala
Event: SFJAZZ Gala 2023
Date: May 4, 2023
Location: SFJAZZ, San Francisco
Photos (136): Ando Caulfield, Devlin Shand, Natalie Schrik, David Zahrobsky for Drew Altizer Photography
The SFJAZZ Gala 2023 was held on May 4, 2023 at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, honoring Founder and Executive Artistic Director Randall Kline with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award. Attended by 900 guests, the SFJAZZ Gala raised $2.16 million for SFJAZZ education and artistic programs.
In the past 40 years, Kline grew a small community festival into a San Francisco cultural institution and one of the most influential jazz organizations in the world. After a lifetime of championing this uniquely American art form, he is stepping down in November 2023. SFJAZZ was founded in 1983, and 2023 will mark the 40th Anniversary of the organization and the 10th Birthday of the SFJAZZ Center.
The All-Star SFJAZZ Gala Concert was hosted by NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves, the SFJAZZ featured exclusive musical collaborations between artists who have had a long relationship with the organization. Artists included Regina Carter, Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, Ravi Coltrane, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Harland, Branford Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, John Santos, SFJAZZ Collective, Veronica Swift, and Miguel Zenón (musical director).
THe SFJAZZ Gala After-Party featured Trombone Shorty from New Orleans and global music pioneers Red Baraat.
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Video | This premier golf program inspires East Bay youth with every putt
Since 1998, Ace Kids Golf has introduced over 8,000 Oakland youth to the wonderful world of golf. With every putt, kids develop the life skills needed to succeed both on and off the course.
The premier East Bay junior golf program is open to youth ages 5-18, hosting up to 900 underserved youth each year. Ace Kids Golf aims to build friendships, confidence, and integrity while teaching kids the basics of golf in a peaceful, outdoor environment.
“Offering golf to our youth is very important because it gets them out of their neighborhoods. You come to a beautiful golf course, like here at Lake Chabot, you’re here in nature,” expressed Ace Kids Golf Program director Preston Pinkney. “When you think about the kids coming up from the inner cities, you know, there’s a lot of violence going on. There’s a lot of negativity. So, this is another place for peace and calmness.” More…
Press Release | MoAD’s Diaspora Dinner brings together top Black chefs for a celebration of African foodways hosted by new Chef-in-Residence, Jocelyn Jackson
(San Francisco, CA, May 10, 2023) — The Museum of the African Diaspora’s (MoAD) first Diaspora Dinner curated and hosted by new Chef-in-Residence Jocelyn Jackson brings together top Black culinary talent, including Top Chef Junior finalist Rahanna Bisseret Martinez and Carla Hall, Top Chef All-Star and longtime co host of ABC’s The Chew, for an exceptional evening of international cuisine, lively entertainment, and insightful conversation.
Celebrating the ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavor profiles of the African Diaspora, the Diaspora Dinner features an international, multi-course menu drawn from Martinez’s soon-to-be-released first cookbook, Flavor + Us, a delicious dive into cuisines from all over the world with recipes, tips, tricks, and stories from the 19-year-old college sophomore who has already cooked in some of the world’s finest restaurants, including local standouts Chez Panisse, Tartine Bakery, and Mister Jui’s.
The feast, accompanied by music reflecting the places and cultures highlighted on the menu, is being prepared by renowned chef Sarah Kirnon, known for her Afro-Caribbean fare at the beloved Oakland restaurant Miss Ollie’s and pop-up Holder’s House. As part of the evening’s program, rising star Martinez will chat with Emmy award-winning chef, author, and television host Carla Hall about their televised competitions and the importance of intergenerational collaboration. Guests will receive a signed copy of Flavor + Us, published by 4 Color Books, the new imprint founded by MoAD’s prior Chef-in-Residence Bryant Terry, who will participate in the program as well.
Says Jackson, who started her MoAD residency in January 2023, “MoAD’s Diaspora Dinner is one of the Chef-in-Residence touchstone events because it provides the platform to highlight both the extraordinary passion and delicious creations of a significant and provocative Black chef of our time. This year we have not just one, but five Black chefs at the event all present to support and amplify the beautiful food and stories of Rahanna Bisseret Martinez and her newly published cookbook. Top Chef Carla Hall will be in conversation with Rahanna about her brilliant work. Chef Sarah Kirnon will cook a powerful menu inspired by her book. Chef Bryant Terry is her esteemed Four Color publisher and mentor. And I am delighted to be the Chef-in-Residence to bring all of these cooks together in one room to celebrate the multiplicity of African foodways that our ancestors created to get us free! Diaspora Dinner is our love letter to that taste of freedom.”
The 2023 Diaspora Dinner is MoAD’s fourth since 2015 when founding Chef-in-Residence Bryant Terry launched this series of community dinners prepared by African or African descended chefs celebrating food of the African Diaspora and showcasing local farmers and food artisans. MoAD’s Chef-in-Residence program, the first of its kind in a contemporary art museum, has been seminal in creating space for people of color to give voice to crucial issues around food justice, climate justice, and social justice while nurturing a love of healthy foods, creativity, and community.
Diaspora Dinner 2023 takes place June 7, 2023 from 6-9pm at the new Southeast Community Center, 1550 Evans Avenue, San Francisco. This is a museum members event, but the general public can purchase tickets for $400 each which includes a yearlong membership to MoAD. Information and tickets
MoAD’s Chef-in-Residence program is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, lead sponsor since the program’s inception in 2015.
Press Release | The Black Food & Wine Experience to Host Events throughout Bay Area June 11-18 for its Sixth Celebration
Oakland, CA – April 24, 2023 – For the first time ever, the Black Food & Wine Experience—a mission-driven event that bridges food, beverage, education, health, and Black culture—will return for its sixth celebration from June 11-18, 2023, expanding beyond Oakland to locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout the weeklong event, attendees of all backgrounds are invited to sample a range of food and beverages that span the African Diaspora; meet industry veterans as well as up-and-coming Black chefs, winemakers, and spirit makers; learn about the latest trends; and network among their fellow foodies.
Founded by Aminah “Chef Mimi” Robinson-Briscoe, the Black Food & Wine Experience provides a space where Black excellence and hospitality are cultivated, celebrated, and explored by everyone. Highlights include a Food & Beverage Summit, Winemaker Dinner Series, and Afro-Caribbean Experience—not to mention a Grand Tasting at the historic Ferry Building in San Francisco.
“It is a joy and privilege to showcase the rich food and beverage culture and incredible hospitality professionals of the African Diaspora in the Bay Area, arguably one of the best culinary destinations in the world,” said Chef Mimi. “This experiential escape for foodies into a world purveyed by Black culinary creatives, chefs, restaurants and vintners is a wonderful way to highlight often overlooked Black industry talent allowing them, too, to inspire, share and to grow in these challenging times.”
Part of this year’s Black Food & Wine Experience is the second annual Black Food & Beverage Summit, which is aimed at supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) Food & Beverage entrepreneurs. The Summit will be led by Colleen Vincent, vice president of community for the James Beard Foundation on June 15, 2023 at 1955 Broadway in Oakland. In addition to opportunities for community building and recruitment, this industry-focused event will feature educational panel discussions addressing topics ranging from access to entry and funding, business resources, and navigating the food and beverage industry.
2023 speakers include:
● Julia Collins, founder and CEO, Planet FWD
● Sheila Hackbarth, director of sales and business development, Moët Hennessy US
● Fern Stroud, founder, Black Vines
● Kai Nortey, CEO and co-founder, kubé Nice Cream
● Dr. Chris Wachira, owner of Wachira Wines and Karibu Wine Lounge
● Chadwick D. Spell, chief operating officer, Wachira Wines
● Alicia Kidd, Coco Noir Wine Shop & Bar
● Julian Peebles and Tory Brown, Common Ground Spirits
● Lamont Perriman, owner, Montperi Catering and Events
More Program Highlights
● The Afro-Caribbean Experience (Sabor Caribe) – June 13 (5 or 7 p.m.) – Lita’s Restaurant & Bar
Nourish your soul and appetite as we welcome Juneteenth with Sabor Caribe, an extraordinary epicurean adventure honoring the African influence in Caribbean culture. In partnership with Gabriela Fernandez of The Big Sip and Lita Walnut Creek, The Black Food and Wine Experience invites everyone to immerse themselves in a joyous Afro-Caribbean celebration where Chef Sean Street will bridge his Trinidadian and Tobagonian heritage alongside Latin spices and flavors with a four-course dinner and cocktail pairing.
Of course, no feast is complete without entertainment! Sabor Caribe will feature dancers, live music, and iconic Black & Latin community members from the greater Bay Area. Get a full taste of Afro-Caribbean culture fused with upscale Miami vibes as we come together in the heart of Walnut Creek. Two seatings are available at 5 and 7 p.m., respectively.
● Black Wall Street Dinner – June 14 (7-10 p.m.) – Oakland Museum of California
Guests will join Chef Mimi and Chef Michelle of Town Fare at the Oakland Museum of California for an intimate, candlelit Tastemakers dinner to celebrate diversity, Juneteenth, and the legacy of Black Wall Street.
● The Grand Tasting – June 17 (7 -11 p.m.) – San Francisco Ferry Building
Sample the food, wine, and cocktails of the African Diaspora at The Black Food & Wine Experience’s Grand Tasting in the famed San Francisco Ferry Building. Celebrate Black culture and excellence with your fellow foodies, while tasting from celebrated and rising chefs, restaurants, winemakers, and spirit purveyors. The event will feature limited available wines, barrel samples, and culinary concepts with incomparable flavor, not to mention live entertainment and activations followed by an afterparty at the exclusive members-only SF Battery.
Sponsors for the Black Food & Wine Experience include Treasury Wine Estates, Barcardi, J-Harden Wines, San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace, Visit Oakland, ESO Ventures and the Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce. For sponsorship inquiries and full program details, please visit thechefmimi.com/bfwe. To purchase tickets, click here.
