The creative minds behind “Indy Hall Arts” and “Second Saturday Synesthesia” are debuting their newest artistic delight, “Art on the Menu.” Spend an evening with three artists - one Fine Artist, one Master Chef, and one Mixologist - as they collude to overwhelm your senses. Take in an exclusive fine art collection while enveloped in the scent and taste of dishes and drinks specifically imagined to enhance the experience of the art that surrounds you.
The inaugural event, held at Continental, Old City, is anchored by the unveiling of Philadelphia artist Sean Martorana’s latest collection - a stunning display of 15 new works, deeply inspired by the Old Masters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Europe. The series embodies royalty, beauty, sacrifice, war, opulence, and drama frozen in fluid moments of time. Continental Executive Sous Chef Nick Rada has created three remarkable dishes - modern interpretations of cuisine of the 15th and 16th centuries - that bring you back to Europe’s emergence from the Middle Ages and into a new age of art and discovery. Finally, Kevin Farrell will be offering guests inspirited libations - “Blood & Tears,” “Corpse Reviver,” and “Purple Velvet” - that masterfully celebrate Sean’s art and Chef Nick’s creations.
To immortalize the artistic spirit of the evening, guests will receive a signature food and drink recipe card as well as a special, limited edition, signed and customized print. No two will be identical, and these prints will never be made available to the general public.
Sean, Kevin, and Nick will discuss their inspirations as their creations are viewed, served, and tasted. They will also be on hand to delight in one on one conversations with guests about their collaborative artistry.
Please join us for a "Total Sensory Experience". These tickets include all food and 3 signature drinks. "Art and Food" tickets are also available. Additional drinks may be purchased at the event.
About the Artists
Sean Martorana:
Visual artist. Designer by trade, artist by nature, painter by passion, collaborator by desire, creative by DNA. Spectator of life through a lens. Dresser of t-shirtless torsos, bijoux-less bodies.
Decorator of people, decorator of places. Enhancer of lifestyles.
Former business owner. Brand designer, marketing maker, identity describer.
Shown in galleries, featured in publications, commissioned by passionate individuals. Collaborator with like-minded forces of awesome.
Live to create. Create to inspire. Constantly explore. Become versatility.
Draw life blood and humility through outside appreciation.
Job always well done, because there is no other way.
Life without art is none at all, and I intend on a long, long life.
Nick Rada:
Nick has been working in professional kitchens for nearly two decades. Since starting as a dishwasher in Buffalo, NY at the age of fourteen, he has been climbing the culinary ladder for the past eighteen years. A graduate of the Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts in 2001, Chef Rada traveled the U.S. working with Ritz Carlton Hotels for three years before “settling down” at The Bellagio in Las Vegas for another three years. Nick has been a member of the Starr Restaurants culinary team since 2011 and has been at The Continental since August of 2012.
Kevin Farrell:
Kevin has been holding down the bar at The Continental since 2007. After a degree in Marketing from the University of Scranton and a stint in Insurance, Kevin found his true calling crafting cocktails for the thirsty public. A native of Long Island NY, Kevin didn’t begin his career as a mixologist until reaching the shores of Philadelphia, where incidentally, he met his wife Amy who is also one of the city’s most beloved bartenders. You know what they say about couples who mix drinks together...?
Art for the Eye
See the creations in progress on instagram and facebook, the final pieces will not be revealed until the show.
Art for the Palate
Pickled Vegetables
Fresh lightly pickled vegetables with a lemon dill aioli
Cocktail Pairing Suggestion - Corpse Reviver
Salted Cod & Rye
Classic brendade, rye bread & beets with bull's blood
Cocktail Pairing Suggestion – Blood and Tears
Swine
Crispy pork belly, warm kidney bean salad
Cocktail Pairing Suggestion - Purple Velvet
Art for the Spirit
Purple Velvet - A dark shot of Tawny Port blends with a pint of Guiness to "Warm the Cockles"
Corpse Reviver - The Quintessential "Hair of the dog" Cocktail - Gin, Fresh Lemon, Lillet, and a Spritz of Absinthe for good measure
Blood and Tears - A Devilish mix of Glenlivet Highland Scotch Whisky, Antica Carpano Vermouth, Cherry, and Blood Orange
Ride to the event in style...
We're excited to offer all new users a FREE Uber ride up to $20 using the promotional code below.
Uber is an iPhone/Android app that lets you tag your location and summon a professional driver to your side within minutes. Once in the car, the driver will take you wherever you need to go. The fare is billed to your card, with no need to tip, so you don't have to worry about handling cash.
You'll receive a promo code when you purchase your ticket!
