This event is part of the Bittersweet exhibition's “Chocolate Stories Salon” series. Join us for an evening of discussion centered around the history of Saint Valentin and the rum trade in the Boston area. Conversation will be led by Communuty Curators, José Falconi and Santiago Montoya, as well Naomi Levy, award winning bartender from Variety Bar.
Sip hot cocoa and rum while learning about the triangular trade routes and why we celebrate St. Valentine's Day. Seemingly unrelated topics brought together over a hot cup of local Taza hot chocolate and rum. Happening the weekend before February 14th this makes a perfect Valentine’s/Galentine’s date night! Spots are limited, so don't wait to get your tickets.
Admission: $15*; Museum members: $10**
*Admission includes hot cocoa with Taza chocoate and local rum.
**Active Museum members use discount code MEMBER during checkout.
This is an indoor, in-person event at Variety Bar at Bow Market. Located on the second floor of Bow Market, Variety Bar serves "cheeky cocktails and snacks in a no-judgment, relaxed environment. They also offer full-service dining and participants are encouraged to order food from the Bow Market vendors during the event.
About Santiago Montoya: Born in 1974 in Bogotá, Colombia, Santiago Montoya now lives and works in Miami. Montoya’s practice has been dedicated to the exploration of notions of value, nationalism, commodities and the universal consequences and nuances of the production and distribution of wealth. Initially a painter, an inspired progression was to incorporate the actual raw materials in his work – global currencies, gold, silver, copper and other precious materials – exposing the disconnect between official state ideologies and reality itself. Montoya captures the collective consciousness, questioning the systems of power and shining a light on the disparities, injustices, and the absurd. Montoya’s works combine a wry humour and acute insight on a global subject that affects us all, and the inherent systems and structures that we live by.
About Naomi Levy: Naomi Levy is an internationally renowned, award winning bartender based in Boston. Best know for her time as the bar manager of Eastern Standard (2010-2016), she has won multiple regional and national titles including Bacardi Legacy US winner, Herradura Legends National winner, Diego World Class National Finalist, and Speed Rack Boston. In 2019 she was named Best Bartender by Boston Magazine as well as 40 under 40 by Wine Enthusiast. Naomi has most recently been working as a bar & restaurant consultant, developing programs around the Boston area as well as managing Variety Bar and dining at Bow Market. Naomi is also the founder of Beyond the Mixing Glass, a company aiming to bring the principals of bartending and hospitality to a wider audience.
A special thanks to Taza Chocolate for their very generous in-kind chocolate donation. This show wouldn’t be possible without their support.
This program is made possible by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the National Endowment for the Humanities via the American Rescue Plan.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
All attendees must wear a mask when not actively eating and drinking. Attendees must be 21 years of age to drink alcohol.