July 8, 2024 [DETROIT] – The Black Food & Wine Experience (BFWE) will make its Detroit debut Sept. 12 through Sept. 14 with three ticketed downtown events and an invite-only dinner highlighting the talents of Black entrepreneurs across the culinary, hospitality and beverage industries. Founded by Aminah “Chef Mimi” Robinson-Briscoe in Oakland, California in 2016, BFWE showcases and celebrates Black excellence and the delightful fusion of flavors and rich heritage featured in food, wine and cocktails inspired by African Diaspora.  

“After starting the Black Food & Wine Experience in Oakland eight years ago, the event has become an annual success, and we are thrilled to expand to Detroit this year!” Robinson-Briscoe said. “My goal for this event is to showcase the beauty of Detroit’s unique, rich history of Black culture through the celebration of food, wine and craft cocktails.”  

Presented by Bedrock, Detroit’s Black Food & Wine Experience will kick off Sept. 12 at Book Tower with a reception for chefs, restaurant owners, winemakers, hospitality patrons, culinary enthusiasts and more to immerse themselves in Detroit’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. The following day at One Campus Martius, The Black Food & Beverage Summit will provide a forum for insightful dialogues and networking opportunities, featuring esteemed speakers and industry leaders discussing themes of empowerment, entrepreneurship and economic advancement in the food and beverage industries for Black and diverse entrepreneurs. The invite-only Black Renaissance Dinner Friday night will highlight the culinary prowess of chefs from the Diaspora. The experience will conclude on Sept. 14 at State Savings Bank with The Grand Tasting, an unforgettable tasting experience where guests can embark on a sensory journey through an eclectic selection of cuisines representing the African Diaspora, complemented by exquisite Black-owned wines and spirits. Renowned local chefs and culinary experts will create an unforgettable tasting experience, showcasing the richness and diversity of Black culinary arts. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite cocktail attire paired with designer sneakers. 

“In a city filled with immeasurable talent of world-class design and innovation, Detroit’s culinary, beverage and hospitality scene is an experience of its own with a unique style and presence you can only receive, while in the motor city. The Black Food & Wine Experience is a welcome celebration of Black culture and culinary expertise,” said Nadia Sesay, Bedrock’s chief community growth and development officer. “Chef Mimi adds to Detroit’s culinary excellence and entrepreneurship, while fostering unique opportunities for all Detroiters and food enthusiast globally to connect, share and savor the diverse flavors and stories of the African Diaspora.” 

Black Food & Wine Experience Schedule: 

• Kick-off Reception: Thursday, Sept. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. Book Tower, 1265 Washington Blvd. Detroit, MI 48226  

• Black Food & Beverage Summit: Friday, Sept. 13 from 12 to 3 p.m.  One Campus Martius, 1000 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48226  

• Black Renaissance Dinner (Invite-only Event): Friday, September 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. Table No. 2 Restaurant, 1045 Brush St. Detroit, MI 48226  

• The Grand Tasting: Saturday, Sept.14 from 7 to 11 p.m. State Savings Bank, 151 W. Fort St. Detroit, MI 48226  

Tickets for the three public events will go on sale July 8, 2024.  Click here to download high-resolution BFWE photos, courtesy of Christopher William. For additional information and to purchase Black Food & Wine Experience tickets, please visit BlackFoodWineExperience.com and follow @blackfoodwinexperience on Instagram.   

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The Black Food & Wine Experience 

The Black Food & Wine Experience founded in the Bay Area, is an immersive journey into the heart of culinary excellence, culture, and education. At its core, BFWE is dedicated to showcasing Black food, wine, and culture through meticulously organized events that celebrate Black hospitality and excellence.  

Since its inception, the Black Food & Wine Experience has supported more than 150 Bay Area businesses, boosted sales for participants and created numerous employment opportunities. The event has significantly contributed to the local economy through hotel stays, transportation and restaurant visits. Additionally, BFWE invests in educational programs and initiatives to support Black and Indigenous-owned food and beverage entrepreneurs, fostering the next generation of diverse hospitality leaders. The June 2024 event showcased culinary talents like Bravo’s Top Chef German Nelson, Lita’s Executive Chef Streete and Stanford University Executive Chef Terry Braggs. The event featured wines by Penfolds, Bacardi, D'USSÉ, Premium Patrón El Alto Tequila and the official launch of BFWE "Sparkling Wines by Chef Mimi." 

About Chef Mimi  

Aminah “Chef Mimi” Robinson-Briscoe founded the Black Food & Wine Experience in 2016. She is passionate about bringing Black culture and food together for unparalleled culinary experiences. For more than a decade, she has focused on the intersection of food, social justice, and entertainment. Chef Mimi is a graduate of the California Culinary Arts Academy in San Francisco. Through Chef Mimi LLC, she has established three distinct brands: The Black Food & Wine Experience, "Bringing It to The Table" – the first culinary competition show highlighting Black chefs, and Chef Mimi Catering, a boutique catering company serving Bay Area tech companies like Facebook and Lyft. A classically trained chef, Chef Mimi believes food is a universal experience that brings people together, sharing passion and heritage.  

About Bedrock 

Bedrock is a full-service real estate firm specializing in innovative city building strategies. Since its founding in 2011, Bedrock and its affiliates have invested and committed more than $7.5 billion to acquire, develop and operate more than 140 properties in Detroit and Cleveland with landmark developments at the Hudson’s Site, Book Tower, City Modern, Tower City Center and the May Company Building.  

Bedrock’s projects include new construction, adaptive reuse and a portfolio totaling more than 21 million square feet of office, retail, residential, industrial, hospitality and parking. For additional information about Bedrock, please visit bedrockdetroit.com or engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.