A new series of black-tie galas featuring the ambassadors, chefs, entertainment, and culture from diplomatic compounds in Tokyo kicked off on March 22 with Embassy Nights: Olé España.
In collaboration with the Spanish Embassy and its resident chef, this black-tie affair featured a multicourse dinner of Spanish delights (see menu below) and exceptional wines.
Each dish was carefully crafted to highlight the authentic flavors and ingredients that define Spanish cuisine, delighting the senses and leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
The drinks selection reflected Spain's rich viticultural heritage and its reputation as a producer of high-quality libations appreciated worldwide.
And since it wouldn’t be a Spanish celebration without flamenco, talented dancer Ken Nagata and a troupe of fellow bailaores and musicians staged a performance of the art form most associated with Andalusia in the south.
“Flamenco taught me to be honest with my feelings and inspiration and to express them all with passion, which is sometimes difficult in Japanese society,” Nagata said.
Nagata and his fellow artists certainly didn’t hold back, and neither did talented bilingual pianist Azumi Nishizawa, who performed classical pieces to accompany a spectacular projection-mapping “tour” of Spain.
The sell-out evening also included a performance of a very different kind, as a venenciador demonstrated the art of sherry pouring with a traditional venencia vessel.
Embassy Nights aims to showcase the rich gastronomic heritage and spirit of each featured nation to members and their guests of Tokyo American Club, while fostering cultural exchange and diplomatic relations.
Embassy Nights will be a unique and memorable experience where food, drinks, and ambassadorial hospitality converge to create an enchanting evening celebrating the best of culture in the heart of Japan's cosmopolitan capital city.
Indeed, other diplomats will be invited; I had an intriguing chat at Olé España with Haitian Ambassador Helph Monod Honorat about his Caribbean nation’s current situation.
The gala series will also serve as a platform for cultural exchange and diplomatic outreach, with the featured nation’s Ambassador to Japan playing a central role in welcoming guests and promoting bilateral ties. The Ambassador's presence should add a touch of elegance and official representation to the festivities, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and friendship between nations.
The next Embassy Night will be held in June and showcases the cultural delights, cuisine and Jamaican Ambassador Shorna-Kay Richards (pictured below), while the Middle East and Europe will also be featured in 2024 and beyond.
Spanish Nights Menu
Tapas: Ibérico Ham Croqueta | Basque Anchovy Gildas | Pulpo a la Gallega | Cerrato Umami Cheese with Membrillo
2019 Pere Ventura Tresor Anniversary Gran Reserva Brut Cava, Catalonia
Classic Seafood Paella
2022 Bodegas Osca Mascún Garnacha Rosato, Somontano
Roasted Spanish Beef
vegetable mille-feuille, spanish artichoke, pedro ximénez sauce
2016 Cune Gran Reserva, Rioja
Basque Burnt Cheesecake
castillo de canena olive oil ice cream
Lustau Fino de Jerez en Rama, Andalucia
Mazapán
Coffee
Simon Farrell
Publisher, Custom Media
