On January 21, Arthritis Society Canada held a one of a kind, immersive dining experience with the goal of raising awareness, as well as much needed funding for research. Arthritis is the number one chronic illness in Canada. In British Columbia alone, there are approximately 900,000 people living with arthritis.
Multisensory Immersion for a Good Cause
The first ever Multisensory Star Chef Soirée was held at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, in a dining room that was completely transformed by Normal Studio from Montreal, the technological visionaries behind “Beyond Van Gogh.” Utilizing numerous projections and screens, as well as sound effects, Normal Studio created a truly stunning setting for an exceptional culinary event. The white tablecloths were used as canvases on which fields of flowers, graphic patterns, or even swimming fish came to life.
The theme of the evening was “Food as Medicine” highlighting the link between diet and health, particularly when it comes to managing arthritis symptoms. There is no cure for arthritis, but research suggests that a nutrient rich diet with whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins can help those suffering from symptoms. These ingredients are frequently used in the Italian cuisine of 3 Michelin star chef, Chef Umberto Bombana.
Bombana: Chef or King?
We sat down with Bombana to learn a little more about his past, as well as his present inspiration for the Multisensory Star Chef Soirée. As he designed his eight-course menu for the evening, Bombana intentionally included these anti-inflammatory ingredients. One is absolutely fundamental to Bombana’s cooking. In fact, he has earned his nickname ‘The King of Truffles’ because of his love of this particular fungus. So, of course, the highly prized and pungent truffles were used in almost every course, including dessert.
It was Chef Bombana’s first time in Vancouver. Born in Italy, he has been living (and cooking) in Hong Kong since 1993 at his restaurant 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo.
Speaking of his time in Hong Kong, Bombana shares, “You feel fulfilled because you are appreciated there. It’s very international and I love it, so I’ve stayed there since then.”
Positive Pressure
Bombana is enthusiastic and passionate in a way that almost seems childlike. When asked about the pressure that comes with 3 Michelin stars, he refused to see the award as a burden.
“It’s a pressure, but for me, it’s a positive,” he says. “You have to take it in a positive way,” he explains further, “I find it quite a stimulant to go and try to do better every day, and work with my team. They are very enthusiastic as well. We look forward to do our best and improve if we can. That’s what it’s all about. Then everything comes along after that.”
Food as Arthritis Medicine
The menu Bombana created for the Multisensory Star Chef Soirée featured Italian classics and of course truffles, as well as local ingredients from British Columbia as well. The truffles were the star of the topinambur (also known as Jerusalem artichoke) salad, the mushroom risotto, and the short rib and beef tenderloin pairing which was finished table-side with a generous topping of black winter truffle by Bombana himself.
In terms of local ingredients, Bombana specifically noted the fine quality of our local uni. This was used as a decadent garnish atop a bowl of fresh cavatelli with shellfish ragout. Also highlighted by Bombana was the pear used in one of the two dessert courses. Gently roasted, the local pear was served with mascarpone cream. Then, guests moved to the final dessert course which was a warm hazelnut chocolate tart.
Between Bombana’s tantalizing food and Normal Studio’s impressive aesthetics, guests were indeed fully sensually immersed for an unforgettable evening of fundraising. Together with Serein Properties who helped sponsor the event, Arthritis Society Canada raised $1.35 million dollars. These funds will be used to research of childhood arthritis.
Changing Assumptions About Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common childhood chronic diseases. At the media preview for the Soirée, Carleen Pauliuk, Vice President (Western Canada) of Arthritis Society Canada shared, “As many as 25,000 children in Canada live with arthritis with some being diagnosed as young as only 18 months.”
Arthritis Society Canada supports funding research to find the causes, ease diagnosis, and improve treatment, and care for all who suffer from arthritis. However, the Multisensory Star Chef Soirée specifically highlighted childhood arthritis. A common perception of the disease is that it only impacts older people. Arthritis Society Canada wants to raise awareness that people of any age can struggle with arthritis.
To learn more, get involved, or support Arthritis Society Canada, visit their website.
