Bistro 1920

Bistros and cafes have served as a center of social and culinary life in Paris for centuries.   The oldest one, “Café Procope,” opened in 1686 and is still in operation.  Bistros and cafes function as places to rendez-vous, conversation spots, places to relax, refuel and socialize.  Simple yet hearty foods, pastries, wine and coffee are the typical fare for lunch, dinner or a casual afternoon snack. 

Owner and curator of Everyday Clay Studio, Kimberly Young, developed the idea of “Bistro 1920” after she received a deluge of requests for more coffee mugs.  Needing to create an environment in the gallery that was fitting for the anticipated coffee mugs, she pictured people walking into a French Bistro set in the 1920’s, sipping coffee, noshing delicious food and drinking wine.

Setting out to create the atmosphere, she recruited Monique Purguy, French-born artist and mainstay in the VI art world since 1955,
 

Rene Rasy, recipient of an MFA in sculpture from the University of Michigan,

and Tony Romano; artist, restaurant owner and overall food and wine lover. 

With her team of artists chosen, she explained the theme and the style of artwork she was looking for and the artists began creating.  Ms. Purguy, graduate of the Washington School of Art, displayed unique artwork that she has either knitted or crocheted.  Rene Rasy, potter & collage artist, created tarot cards to coincide with the eccentrically random feel of Bistro 1920.  Tony Romano, owner and chef of Romano’s Restaurant, presented oil paintings based on food, wine and drink, while owner, Kimberly Young, will be exhibiting her functional pottery.

Corresponding with the traditional art displayed on pedestals and the gallery walls, will be Gastronomic Creations provided by VI Desserts and DINNER UNDERGROUND.  

Also, the chef team from DINNER UNDERGROUND cateree the event with French Bistro cuisine.  Wine, coffee and espresso were also available. 

With the Bistro setting in mind, Ms. Young created cake pedestals and owner of, and baker for, VI Desserts, Stacy Nicastro Foster,  created cakes each inspired by the different pedestals.   Delicious slices of cake were on sale for purchase during the event.   

Mint Meltdown - Chocolate Devil's Food Cake with Bittersweet Ganache & White Chocolate Peppermint Butter Cream	Red Velvet - Red Velvet Cake with Fresh Strawberries & White Chocolate Butter Cream	Coffee Cake - Espresso Chocolate Cake, Oreo Mascarpone Filling & Cappuccino Butter Cream	Blueberry Polka Dots - Lemon Blueberry Cake, Lemon Curd, & Lemon Butter Cream	PB & J - Peanut Butter Cake with Raspberry Reduction & Peanut Butter Butter Cream

In an effort to encourage guests to use her ceramic creations on the spot and in line with the pieces’ “Everyday” functionality, Ms. Young  included the price of the event’s food and drink with the purchase of a coffee mug, espresso cup, wine goblet or plate.    Additionally, the tantalizing slices of cake, alluring food and aromatic cups of coffee and espresso were on sale. 

French or 1920’s attire was highly encouraged
and a wonderful evening was enjoyed by all!

 

Thank you to everyone who made this evening
so enjoyable and such a success!