Art Basel Recap: Resy and American Express Design District Pop-Up
Restaurant booking platform, Resy, and American Express celebrated the intersection of food, art and culture with a four-day pop-up in the Design District headlined by Michelin and James Beard Award winning chefs, Massimo Bottura, Missy Robbins, Mashama Bailey and Michael Solomonov, and with art by renowned artist Phillip K. Smith III. Basel is one of the busiest weeks in the year in Miami, and Resy’s footprint there has grown 4X since 2017.
Tuesday, Nov. 29: Dinner with Massimo Bottura (Chef Patron of Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy) and Phillip K. Smith III’s Garden of Reflections
Chef Massimo Bottura headlined opening night of restaurant booking platform Resy and American Express’ four-day pop-up in the Miami Design District. The space featured a commissioned art installation by artist Phillip K. Smith III, Garden of Reflections, who previously showed at Art Basel Miami (2017) in the Faena Arts District. Smith’s piece, called Garden of Reflections, was composed of 17 mirrored, columnar structures that reflected the dining experiences taking place around it. See Smith’s posts about the work here and here.
Italy’s most famous chef – who will open a restaurant in Miami in 2023, Torno Subito – gave guests a taste of his highly artistic cuisine and drew some of the art world’s top names. Attendees included art dealer Jeffrey Deitch, artists JR and José Parlá, Sotheby’s VP of Contemporary Curated Charlotte Van Dercook, Phaidon CEO Keith Fox, Vincenzo de Bellis, COTE Chef and Co-Owner David Shim, and more. The menu of Bottura signatures (The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna, Oops… I Dropped the Lemon Tart) delighted the 120 guests who snagged reservations through Resy before they sold out in under 30 seconds.
“Art has always been my passion, together with music, poetry, fast cars and motorcycles, and of course food” says Massimo Bottura, Chef Patron of Osteria Francescana and Founder of Food for Soul. “When we are able to put together all these things and create an amazing event I am always on. It is the only way you can transmit emotions. I can’t wait to come in Miami again. It’s all about emotions.”
Wednesday, Nov. 30: Viewing of Phillip K. Smith III’s Garden of Reflections with food and drinks by Michael Solomonov (Chef and Owner of Zahav, Abe Fisher, Merkaz, Dizengoff, Goldie, Laser Wolf, Federal Donuts and K’Far in Philadelphia, PA and Laser Wolf in Brooklyn, NY).
Solomonov’s delicious Mediterranean inspired spread included Instagram-worthy Ceviche in Bissli Bag, Hummus Cones with Brussel Sprouts & Green Garbanzo and Mushroom Baklava.
“Food, culture and art are so intricately linked and I am thrilled to be partnering with American Express and Resy to bring this exciting experience to guests in Miami,” said Chef Michael Solomonov, Chef and Owner of Zahav and five-time James Beard Foundation award-winner.
Thursday, Dec. 1: Dinner with Missy Robbins (Chef and Owner of Lilia, Misi and MISIPASTA in Brooklyn, NY) and Phillip K. Smith III’s Garden of Reflections
The menu included Wood Roasted Mussels, Grilled Clams, Grill Roman Spiced Lamp and Olive Oil Cake, and all 120 guests, who were lucky to snag reservations through Resy before selling out in seconds, enjoyed every bite.
“I am excited to be a part of an event that brings the world of food and art together,” said Missy Robbins, Chef and Owner of Lilia, Misi and MISIPASTA. “It is a great opportunity to showcase our form of expression outside of the four walls of our restaurants and to introduce our food and hospitality to international and local guests.”
Friday, Dec. 2:
American Express presents SAVOR & SOUL™ Brunch with Mashama Bailey (Chef and Co-Owner of The Grey in Savannah, GA and Diner Bar in Austin, TX) featured a discussion on the current state of Black art and artists.
American Express is building on its deep efforts to support underrepresented communities by once again creating a multicultural experience for its Card Members to celebrate Black chefs, artists and culture. Guests joined us for an invite-only brunch to engage in art exhibitions by artists Adrian Brandon, Sabrena Khadija and Gianni Lee and enjoyed a delectable menu curated by two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, Mashama Bailey. We also hosted an exclusive panel discussion on the “State of Black Art & Creators,” where guests heard from Black artists, curators and collectors, including Artist Sabrena Khadija, Gallerist and Collector Hannah Traore (Hannah Traore Gallery) and Everette Taylor (CEO of Kickstarter and former CMO of Artsy), moderated by Phillip Collins (Founder and Curator of Good Black Art).
Announced at American Express Presents SAVOR & SOUL™, Artists Adrian Brandon, Sabrena Khadija and Gianni Lee have teamed up with premier live-stream shopping app NTWRK and American Express for an exclusive art drop, which was unveiled during the event. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase the three pieces on December 9th at 3pm PT/6pm ET, exclusively on the NTWRK app. Proceeds will be donated by NTWRK to Good Black Art, a global platform centered around the most promising emerging Black artists.
Dinner with Mashama Bailey (Chef and Co-Owner of The Grey in Savannah, GA and Diner Bar in Austin, TX) and Phillip K. Smith’ III s Garden of Reflections
The menu, including Foie and Grits and Banana Pudding, delighted the 120 guests who got a Resy reservation in time.
“Miami is such a lively and vibrant city, rich in Caribbean culture,” said Mashama Bailey, Chef and Co-Owner of The Grey. “We are excited to showcase dishes rooted in these cultures and cook for people who love art and beauty, and who have a discerning eye and palate – it is always a welcomed challenge.”
Additional restaurant events for Global Dining Access Members
Art After Dark at COTE Miami x Global Dining Access
- Thursday, Dec. 1 – Friday, Dec. 9: For eight nights, Global Dining Access members can book tables at Michelin-starred KOREAN STEAKHOUSE™ COTE Miami and view world-class art from private collections. Pieces not typically shown in public will be on display at COTE in partnership with Artline, a public art project consulting firm based in New York City. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the collectors and their vision and personal stories while indulging in a specially curated menu.
Location: COTE Miami, 3900 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, FL
Joe’s Stone Crab x Global Dining Access
- Wednesday, Nov. 30: An exclusive dinner event for Global Dining Access members at South Beach mainstay Joe’s Stone Crab. Guests will enjoy a three-course menu featuring Joe’s Stone Crab classics such as chopped salad, large stone crab claws, jumbo lump crab cakes, fried chicken, hashed brown potatoes, grilled tomatoes and of course, their famous Joe’s Key Lime Pie. Prix fixe menu is $220 per person inclusive of tax and service.
Location: Joe’s Stone Crab, 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL
Mandolin Aegean Bistro x Global Dining Access
- Sunday, Dec. 4: An exclusive dinner service for Global Dining Access members at Mandolin Aegean Bistro, the beloved Design District restaurant in a restored 1940s bungalow. Guests can order Mandolin signature dishes like cheese sakanaki, ali nazik, spanakopita, köfte, and manti.
Location: Mandolin Aegean Bistro, 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL
Art Basel Recap: Resy and American Express Design District Pop-Up, exclusive coverage by Resident Team