about: shoATE
Naming the venture was the first step, and using a common mispronunciation of my last name was the perfect start. Then came trying new culinary techniques, new cuisines and recipes. Eventually, I built out a fun hobby. Of course, being raised in a creative household and the son of an artist, I had to add intrigue and curate an event; lighting, music, plating materials, food installations, these all became calling cards. Additionally, building upon connections with winegrowers I had met during past travels ensured a consistent quality in the wine consumed at all events.
The et amis dinner series was born and served a straightforward purpose: to bring great friends together, and to source and cook incredible food, and combine said dishes with authenticity, intentionality and storytelling. Drink pairings, decor, materials, even the environments themselves, served to exemplify the experience. Nothing gaudy, nothing excessive. Combining art and food would only lead to something interesting and original.
These dinners grew in ambition, size, and location, becoming events taking place across the country and in parts of Southern California. My love of wine and traveling to wine regions led to the next logical progression in shoATE: vino notte, Italian for “wine night”. These events have maintained the intentional nature of any shoATE event: not just drinking wine for the sake of it, but all of us walking away with an understanding of something new related to regions, growers, the winemakers themselves, and much more.
shoATE continues from here with a clear foundation, and seeks to only add of an experience for all future guests. Collaborating and working with chefs, winemakers, artists, brands, and bringing a wide range of understanding to all involved is and will continue to be the goal.
contact:
siahs@outlook.com