Friendship Heights: Immigrant Food Stories & Robin Bell Installation
Friendship Heights: Immigrant Food Stories & Robin Bell Installation
WASHINGTON, DC, November 13, 2024 — This month, don’t miss two storytelling events focused on a Colombian chef and a tropical plant. On November 21, the Friendship Heights Alliance is hosting a unique food-focused event about the experience of Chef Dario of Saoco, the popular Cuban restaurant at The Heights Food Hall. On November 15, Robin Bell of Bell Visuals will present the latest iteration of his immersive experience at Milk Tree, a pop-up installation and gallery on Wisconsin Avenue.
Pop-up installations are a key way to bring creative and cultural events to the neighborhood. “Part of our mission is to energize Friendship Heights and make space for creative ideas and activities generated by community partners,” said Alliance Executive Director Natalie Avery.
Third Thursday: Education + Building Community
Third Thursday events this year have explored AI, social isolation, music documentaries, and native plants. For the final event, the Alliance is partnering with The Heights Food Hall and Urbano for a cooking demonstration and storytelling event on Thursday, November 21, 6-8 pm. Washington, DC-based food writer and photographer Nevin Martell will interview Dario Arana-Rojas, chef-owner of Saoco. Dario will tell his immigrant story from Colombia to Washington, DC and discuss his phenomenal Cuban restaurant located in The Heights Food Hall.
“My story reflects how coming from a small town in Colombia and the opportunities given in the U.S. has shaped me into the person I am today — literally telling my immigrant story through food,” Arana-Rojas said.
After the discussion, Dario will give some tips for making a memorable and unique Thanksgiving feast. Registration is highly recommended, as space is limited. Details here. Free.
Milk Tree: A Creative Space by Robin Bell:
After their first lauded exhibit in Friendship Heights in 2023, Robin Bell and partner Sorane Yamahira transformed a Grosvenor-owned space at 5221 Wisconsin Avenue NW into an immersive lighting and video exhibit focused on the succulent plant Milk Tree. Don’t miss the event on Friday, November 15, 6-8 pm, with an after-party starting at 8 pm in the neighborhood. The installation is a seated experience with timed-entry tickets; space is limited. Free.
Learn more about other fall events in the neighborhood and the VÜK Pinball pop-up at Chevy Chase Pavilion.
About the Friendship Heights Alliance
The Friendship Heights Alliance envisions a more vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive future for Friendship Heights, with diversity in housing opportunities and retail experiences, and a people-friendly public realm. This place-focused nonprofit coordinates the community building needed to reinvigorate Friendship Heights, focusing on the commercial corridor along Wisconsin Avenue from Oliver Street in Montgomery County, Maryland, to Fessenden Street NW in Washington, DC. The Alliance is a 501(c)6 nonprofit created in 2021 to focus on public space management and coordination; increase collaboration amongst property owners in both Maryland and Washington, DC, as development continues; promote the neighborhood; and engage with residents and businesses. For more information or to get involved, contact hello@friendshipheights.com, visit friendshipheights.com, or follow the organization on Instagram @FriendshipHeightsAlliance.
###
For Immediate Release
Media Contact
Rachel L. Davis
rachel@friendshipheights.com
202-510-1450