Philadelphia Museum of Art - Information : Press Room : Press Releases : 2004

September 14th, 2004

Autumn Dining at Philadelphia Museum of Art Rooted in African Culture

In collaboration with the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s upcoming African Art, African Voices exhibition (October 2, 2004 through January 2, 2005), Chef Tracey Hopkins captures the full scope of cuisine from Africa by highlighting the culinary achievements and influences of this diverse continent. The dynamic flavors of Africa are celebrated in The Museum Restaurant, as well as on banquet menus for catered events.

Chef Hopkins takes diners on a gastronomic tour of the African continent, highlighting indigenous dishes from various countries. From Meshwiya, a chunky Tunisian tomato and green pepper spread, to Kyinkyinga, steak and pepper kabobs from the West African region, diners will have the opportunity to sample some of the basic flavors from Africa. Many of the culinary delights offer an adventure for the palate with a taste of some of the world’s most delectable seasonings.

The October 2, 2004 weekend kicks off African Art, African Voices with an outdoor marketplace presented in collaboration with the producers of ODUNDE. The Museum’s East Terrace will come to life with activities, commerce and food and beverage tents. With dishes from Morocco, Egypt, West Africa, Tunisia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Mali, a variety of cuisines will be represented in epicurean style.

Beverage offerings include: Almond Milk (Morocco), Ginger Beer, Lemon Grass Tea (West Africa) and Yan Soon (Egypt); Hors d’oeuvres: "Kulikuli," Deep Fried Biscuits, and "Akara," Black Eyed Pea Balls (Nigeria), Sauted Almonds (Morocco) and "Meshwiya," Tomato & Bell Pepper Spread (Tunisia); Salads/Soups: "Mtori," a plaintain soup (Tanzania) and Eggplant and Bean Salad (Ethiopia); Entrees: Chicken and Groundout Stew (Mali) and Lamb Tagine (Morocco); and Desserts: Mango Snow (Tanzania) and Date Cake (Morocco).

Chef Hopkins’ African menus will be available from October 2 through the end of 2004. The Museum Restaurant will be open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, and for brunch on Sunday. For reservations please call (215) 684-7990.

For more information on African-inspired catering opportunities for private functions, please contact Vicki Pohl at (215) 684-7989.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among the largest museums in the United States, with a collection of more than 227,000 works of art and more than 200 galleries presenting painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, decorative arts, textiles, and architectural settings from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Its facilities include its landmark Main Building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Perelman Building, located nearby on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Rodin Museum on the 2200 block of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and two 18th-century houses in Fairmount Park, Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove. The Museum offers a wide variety of activities for public audiences, including special exhibitions, programs for children and families, lectures, concerts and films.

For additional information, contact the Marketing and Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art at (215) 684-7860. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call (215) 763-8100, or visit the Museum's website at www.philamuseum.org.