This spring, the renowned, non-profit culinary arts organization, James Beard Foundation, partnered with Google and Jamestown, a design-focused real estate investment and management firm, to create a mission-driven culinary project at Pier 57 in New York City’s Hudson River Park called Platform. Found in the Market 57 food hall, Platform by the James Beard Foundation, a state-of-the-art show kitchen, event space, and educational hub for outstanding culinary arts programming, and Good To Go by JBF, a retail incubator, is now the physical gathering place for likeminded culinary professionals to gather. The space brings the James Beard Foundation’s Good Food for Good mission to life.
Platform by the James Beard Foundation is now open to the public, welcoming visitors to experience the best of American food culture and the people behind it.
On Friday, April 28, accomplished panelists Sharene Wood and Syreeta Gates, along with moderator Kysha Harris, spoke to a sold-out audience at Platform as part of their April programming. The “Hip-Hop to Hospitality: Ladies First” panel’s conversation covered the intersection of hip-hop and food culture, what it takes to be a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur across two male-dominated industries, how they define hip-hop culture, and how it has impacted their careers. It was right on time, as 2023 celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
“The creativity of our community is limitless. I know that creativity equals profitability. We took a business that we didn’t know was a business and monetized it, and that’s how we’re so successful,” said Sharene Wood, President & CEO of 5001 FLAVORS, HH Bespoke Spirits and Harlem Haberdashery during the event.
Max Flatow / Courtesy of the James Beard Foundation
“Hip-hop is my first language and allows me to be in a culinary space. It’s because hip-hop opened the door for me,” said Syreeta Gates, a serial social entrepreneur, when asked about the interconnectivity of both professions.
Wood shared, “I am a lifestyle entrepreneur. There was a strong connection between hospitality and hip-hop; it’s a seamless lifestyle, everything you touch and feel,” she says. Regarding how hip-hop and food can be intertwined, Gates believes the examples are right under our noses. “You can’t talk about hip-hop without talking about food. The food lyrics in hip-hop music were my entry to food.”
To further drive home that perspective, all of the ladies were asked what their favorite food-focused songs are. Wood said “Champagne on the Campaign” by Mook Boy. Gates dropped “Gin & Juice” by Snoop Dogg. And Kysha Harris made sure to mention “Ice Cream” by Raekwon.
Max Flatow / Courtesy of the James Beard Foundation
Following the hour-plus conversation, there was a reception curated by Chef Lexis Gonzalez, author and owner of Lady Lexis Kitchen, and Chef Lay Alston, owner of Soul & Wheel. Staying on the night’s theme and paying homage to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the evening’s menu was inspired by the 80s and 90s hip-hop era. Panelists and audience members were treated with bites like Boogie Down Veg, a black-eyed pea burger, Ladies Snack Cake, a housemade Twinkie, and drinks like aLadies First signature cocktail by HH Bespoke Spirits.
This is just a taste (pun intended) of offerings through Platform.
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Recently, the Foundation launched its inaugural lineup of Platform events, with the first three months of programming curated along the following themes:
April—Empire State of Mind: Honoring New York State’s culinary history and culture, featuring incredible food and beverage talent within the state and city’s borders.
May—Road to the Red Carpet: Presented by Capital One, May programming will kick off the Chef-in-Residence program with a series of 2022 James Beard Award Winners in the run-up to this year’s James Beard Awards ceremonies in June.
June—Celebrating Pride: Spotlighting the delicious food and achievements of LGBTQ+ members and allies in the culinary industry.
Max Flatow / Courtesy of the James Beard Foundation
From weekly chef-in-residence programs to intimate dining events, exceptional beverage-focused programming, exciting cooking demos, hands-on culinary classes, interactive exhibits, book signings, industry convenings and more—there’s something for everyone to celebrate their love of food and beverage while highlighting the diverse people, cultures, traditions, and innovations shaping our food culture today.
Check out more original programming from Platform by James Beard Foundation here.
Bridal Bliss: Ozioma And Obi Tied The Knot In Stunning Fashion At A Castle In Barcelona
Four years after their wedding celebration was postponed due to COVID-19, the couple went big, in planning and opulence, with their destination wedding in Spain.
Ten years before Ozioma and Obi said, “I do,” they were just young pre-med students preparing to work hard to make their dreams come true. They didn’t expect to find love in the process.
Introduced in 2014 by a mutual friend and classmate, Ozioma, from Baltimore, and Obi, from New York, felt an instant attraction and even became study partners. Shortly after, the two began dating, and while they’d find themselves separated as they started medical school, the distance couldn’t keep them apart. Love began to grow, and after completing their programs, they did their clinical rotations in Miami, living together and solidifying their bond.
“Obi has consistently brought a sense of peace to my life,” Ozioma tells ESSENCE. “He makes me feel safe, and I never have to worry about anything when he is around. My friends and family always say, ‘Obi does not play about Ozy,’ which is very accurate.”
And she doesn’t play about him, either. Obi notes that her care for him and those around her, even her pups, let him know she was someone he needed. “Her consistency sealed the deal for me,” he shares. “Despite the ups and downs, she was always there—making sure I ate, was taken care of, and stayed connected with her friends. She genuinely took care of those around her — especially her dogs. She did not feel the need to go out all the time, but when she did, it was always joyful and a good time.”
By 2018, he was ready to propose. And while a grandiose proposal is nice, sometimes the more simple gestures can be just as impactful. According to Obi, he asked for her hand while they road-tripped from her native Baltimore to Georgia, where they would complete the same residency program together.
“As I navigated to Baltimore, memories flooded my mind, but it was a heartfelt conversation with my mother that truly encouraged me to take this leap,” he recalls. “I chose to seize the moment and popped the question during our drive to Georgia, which marked the start of our lives together.”
In the summer of 2019, they had their traditional Nigerian wedding and planned to have their white wedding in October 2020. But, of course, COVID-19 made that impossible. The couple canceled their original plans and opted for a courthouse ceremony, hopeful that they’d have their big celebration soon enough. But a postponed wedding didn’t stop them from starting their lives together. The pair welcomed their first child, a daughter named Zara, and during their babymoon to Barcelona prior to her birth in 2022, they fell head over heels for the locale.
“During that trip, I instantly fell in love with Barcelona because of its beauty, the beaches, shopping and nightlife, and of course, the food!” Ozioma says. After stumbling upon a stunning venue on Instagram, the Castillo de Sant Marçal, a restored castle dating back to the 12th century, they locked it down and prepared to tie the knot in Spain. On October 22, 2024, four years from their original white wedding date, they did just that. From the extravagant aisle Ozioma journeyed down with her father to marry her soulmate to the incredible decor, including flowers from the floor to the ceiling, and a combination of sparklers inside and fireworks outside, after the pandemic tried to put a damper on their efforts to celebrate their love, they joyously went all out with their young daughter by their side. The day was a dream come true.
“My planner and her team perfectly executed my vision,” Ozioma says. “I couldn’t have been happier after planning for this day for such a long time. It was truly a day filled with joy and love.”
This is evident when you take a look at the couple’s gorgeous wedding album, shot by star wedding photographer Stanley Babb. Learn more about their love story, how their day came together, and what their future holds in this week’s Bridal Bliss and the relaunched video series “Behind Bridal Bliss” — just in time for Valentine’s Day!
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Sitting Pretty
“Over the past 11 years, Obi has demonstrated intentionality and unwavering care for me from the big to the small moments,” says Ozioma, captured on a bed of white roses during wedding prep. “I have no doubt he is my person.”
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A Dapper Dude
Obi puts the finishing touches on his look, with a little help from his friends. When asked how he knew Ozioma was his soulmate, he says, “I tend to be logical, so I knew early on she was my person, during our prep class for medical school. Her discipline and priorities were clear—she cooked twice a day, stayed very connected with her family, had a close-knit group of friends, and maintained a strong sense of faith, all while managing her classes and daily studies.”
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Gorgeous Girls
“In practice, I knew she was the one during our second year living together in Miami during med school rotations. That’s when I truly got to really know her. I met most of her friends, and they were all solid, decent people,” Obi says. Ozioma is pictured here with a few of her closest friends, her bridesmaids.
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The Groom and His Men
Obi shares a light moment with his groomsmen during pre-wedding portraits.
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The Bride’s Tribe
The ladies served looks during their last pre-wedding portraits together. The bridesmaids’ gowns were made by image consultant and bridal stylist King Aiyéh, who helped Ozioma obtain her own Matopeda Atelier gown.
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Ready for Love
A gleeful Obi is captured in his ensemble, a look by Uomo Migliore. He would wear two suits from the designer, and the groomsmen wore the designer as well.
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The First Look
We love the excitement both parties expressed when they saw each other for the sweet first look moment. “I envisioned a gown that would shimmer with crystals but was still elegant and timeless,” Ozioma says of her look. “Also, given that our wedding was set in a castle, I wanted my gown to reflect a fairytale ambiance. Matope brought my dream to life. I was very happy with my wedding gown.”
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The Road to the Altar
The aisle leads to the altar, which was placed in front of the steps of the stunning Castillo de Sant Marçal.
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Obi the Father
“The little girl Obi helped walk down the aisle is our 23-month-old daughter, Zara Adaora,” says Ozioma. “It was a surprising moment because during the wedding rehearsal she was shy and would not walk down the aisle.”
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Here Comes the Bride
Escorted down the aisle by her father, Ozioma looked good — and more importantly, she looked overjoyed to be making her way to her soon-to-be husband. She says it’s one of her favorite moments from the day.
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Reading of the Vows
Ozioma and Obi exchanged vows as the ceremony commenced. They, along with the castle, were lit up in a lovely way as the sun set while the event was underway.
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An Extra Special Kiss
Obi kissed his bride as sparklers and colorful smoke were let off behind them.
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A Family Affair
The couple took portraits with many important guests, including their parents. We love this image of Ozioma and Obi with a VIP, their daughter Zara.
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The Reception
While the wedding was outside, the reception was inside the castle. The hall space was elaborately decorated, with stunning chandeliers sitting among beautiful florals. Elisa Bertrán was responsible for all the flowers, and the wedding planner, Priscilla Llorens Corbellini, made the couple’s vision a reality.
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Happy Campers
“My favorite moment was watching my wife’s reaction when she saw the inside of the wedding venue,” Obi says. “She had put so much effort into bringing her vision to life, and seeing it all come together was truly special.”
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Spray Me
As the lovebirds made their entrance for the reception, they had to make a beeline to the dance floor, where they were met by their guests, ready to spray them with money and dance with them.
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The First Dance
After being welcomed in, Ozioma and Obi took to the dance floor again to two-step together for the first time as husband and wife. Cold sparklers went off to mark the moment.
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Daddy-Daughter Dance
Obi shared a special dance with all of the women in his life, including Ozioma, his mom, and as you can see here, the littlest lady he loves.
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This Calls for a Spray
Of course, it was only right that father and daughter were sprayed by loved ones, including the proud bride who hit the dance floor with a large stack of dollars.
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Let Them Eat Cake
The couple cut the towering creation that was their wedding cake during the reception fun. Clearly, a regular knife couldn’t do it justice, so they utilized a sword.
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Baby, You’re a Firework
Everyone stepped outside to enjoy a firework show, and the couple were in their element as the sky sparkled.
“Khris designed and created my silver after-party dress, inspired by Tina Turner,” says Ozioma. “It embodied a carefree, celebratory vibe as the wedding came to an end.” Obi was in another look by Uomo Migliore, whom he lauds for creating elegant, charming and fashion-forward looks that felt in step with Barcelona style.
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It’s a Circus in Here
During the reception, in addition to dancing the night away, guests enjoyed performances from a stilt walker and juggler.
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What the Future Holds
“We are excited to spend the rest of our lives together, and to experience all that life has to offer,” the bride says. “We both share a love for traveling, and we cannot wait for many more adventures and exploring new cultures along the way. Above all, we are truly each other’s best friends, and we are thrilled to see what the future holds for us.”