Join us on June 16th as we celebrate the spirit of Black queer communion, through storytelling and craft cocktails at this virtual cocktail party.
The night will kick off with cocktail demos, (recipes will be provided beforehand) to make alongside two of the best queer beverage experts in the game, Andra Johnson and Tiffanie Barriere. From there, we'll sashay into some not-to-miss entertainment and storytelling with chefs Lovie & Preetika (Two Dykes and a Knife) and drag artist Junior Mintt.
This program is being produced thanks to support from The Blend and is part of a virtual partnership series between MOFAD and Queer Food Foundation in June in celebration and recognition of Pride Month.
TIFFANIE BARRIERE
Tiffanie Barriere is a bartender, influencer, and educator who has been awarded with some of the beverage industry’s highest honors. The Bar Smart graduate is a Tastemakers of the South award-winner who spent seven years as the beverage director of One Flew South, the “Best Airport Bar in the World.”
She is known for creative and innovative cocktail menus for pop-up dinners and bar consultancy clients; hosting mixology classes around the nation, and connecting culinary and farm culture with spirits. Tiffanie is a member of the Tales of the Cocktail Grants Committee, the James Beard Beverage Advisory Board, and a member of the Atlanta chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier. She received the Tales of the Cocktails Dame of the Year award 2020 and the cover photo of Imbibe Magazine for the Top 75 for Imbibe.
Photo by Maya Oren (IG @mojalvo)
ANDRA JOHNSON
Andra ("AJ") Johnson is currently the Bar Director of Serenata/Zumo concept in La Cosecha where she renews her commitment to providing exemplary service and thoughtful cocktails each day. Her forthcoming book, 'White Plates, Black Faces', continues her work telling the stories of people of color in the restaurant industry.
She is also a co-Founder of DMV Black Restaurant Week and heads up a cocktail pop up initiative called 'Back to Black' that strives to raise funds to donate to overlooked and underfunded charities and organizations in the DC area.
JUNIOR MINTT
Junior Mintt (she/her) is a drag artist and motivational speaker based in Brooklyn, She is a proud Black Transwoman out to show how Minty the world can be with a little kindness, empathy, and a strong Black, Trans, Queer perspective. You can find her featured in The CUT and Gayletter for the work she does not only on the stage, but also in the community.
She’s the creator and producer of “In Living Color”, A drag variety show operating for 2 years, showcasing the talents of the Black, Brown and Trans community members.
Junior Mintt has brought to life her message of Black Transpower through motivational speaking, burlesque, drag, visual arts, and stand up flavors you love, but with an empowering and intersectional twist. But no matter what stage or what classroom, stage, or runways, when you see Junior Mintt, you'll leave feeling motivated and embraced.
LOVIE OLIVIA & PREETIKA RAJGAARIAH (TWO DYKES AND A KNIFE)
Two Dykes and a Knife (TDAAK) was conceived in 2017. Their shared theory is that the dining table is a plentiful site and platform for copious intersections; be it your race, class, politics, religious beliefs, or orientation -- food is a necessary nourishment that unintentionally unites people.
THE BLEND
What if there were a secret door in the back hall of your favorite bar or restaurant and it led to an incredible library and bustling community center devoted solely to the art of hospitality? The Blend is a meeting place where all of us, from those just starting out to the icons in the industry, can learn, collaborate, innovate and inspire. Beam Suntory and industry professionals like us are coming together to share our wisdom and passion.
QUEER FOOD FOUNDATION
The mission of The Queer Food Foundation (QFF) is to promote, protect, fund and create queer food spaces; to celebrate and honor queer food workers and chefs that produce radically diverse and equitable food.