Nourishing mind, body, soul

The show was a stunning exploration of contemporary Blackness through the lens professional sports, while still celebrating Black resilience, community and culture.

For each Nourish event, Chef Luc Jean puts together a three-course menu that mirrors the art. After seeing the exhibition, he realized it was the perfect opportunity for a collaboration, and brought on guest chef Patience Mai Moussa to create a menu that blends elements of French and West African food. The food combines the classic spices and styles of Nigerian and West African cuisine with French staples to create a unique culinary experience.

The meal is followed by a tour of the exhibition. Utilizing video, photography, sculpture, and installation, To Play in the Face of Certain Defeat has become an incredibly important show in Canadian art as it delves into themes of race and gender, sexuality, commodification, and exploitation by transforming recognizable symbols of professional sport cultures into beautiful and insightful art.

“The menu is artistic, and has some of the flavour of the theme, while always respecting the culture and the artist, and not overstepping,” says Jean. The three-course menu features groundnut sauce, pounded yam, and suya – a cornerstone of West African street food.

“Come out and try it!” says Jean. “It’s a good excuse to come to the WAG and have a great meal. It’s an amazing opportunity to try something a little bit different.”

Chef Luc Jean is a French-Canadian Winnipegger with over 25 years of experience in professional kitchens. He has worked everywhere from France to Sweden to the Gold Coast of Australia, and is both chef and partner at WOW! Hospitality.