Achille’s birthday party was nothing short of iconic, and I was lucky enough to be tasked with curating the menu for this two-day extravaganza held at the Ki Smith Gallery in the Lower East Side. By now, Achille and I had become tight business partners, so when he asked me to handle the food, I was all in.
But let me tell you—this event was no walk in the park. Picture this: 200 guests, an intimate gallery space, and food that had to match the artistic vibe of the night. Moving people around a gallery while making sure the menu was as visually stunning as the artwork was quite the challenge. Thank God for my friend Autumn, who was there to keep me sane. It was all worth it when I saw the room filled with beautiful people, dressed to the nines, and feeling the energy of the night.
AfroBlanc was more than just a birthday party; it was a cultural experience. Inspired by Dîner en Blanc, it merged that elegance with the vibrancy of the African diaspora. Achille, who most call “Bami,” is a true creative force—a writer, singer, photographer, and so much more. His ability to bring together art, culture, and community made AfroBlanc one for the books. We celebrated, we ate, and of course, Mike Eats made sure no one left hungry.
This event was another reminder of why I love what I do. Cooking isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about creating moments that last forever. And trust me, AfroBlanc was one of those moments
