Art + Aces: A Night of Culture, Flavor, and Celebration at the Tampa Museum of Art
At Good Food Events + Catering, we believe that food should be more than a meal—it should be an experience. This year, we were honored to partner with the Tampa Museum of Art to bring that philosophy to life at Art + Aces 2025, an unforgettable evening celebrating culture, creativity, and community.
With more than 300 guests in attendance, the event was a perfect showcase of art meeting cuisine. From a lively VIP cocktail hour to Macau-inspired dinner stations, every detail of the menu was designed to immerse guests in the theme while adding our signature Good Food touch.
VIP Cocktail Hour: Small Bites, Big Flavor
The evening began with an exclusive VIP cocktail hour for 120 guests, setting the tone with bold, Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres.
- KFC Bite | A playful twist on karaage fried chicken, served with sriracha kewpie and sesame for a crunchy, savory kick.
- Soy Chili Pork Belly | Rich pork belly topped with chili star anise jam and pickled cucumber on a crisp wonton.
- Ahi Tuna Poke | Fresh sushi-grade tuna marinated in soy, with cucumber, scallions, and sesame.
- Hoisin Mushroom Bao | A vegetarian favorite, filled with roasted mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and cilantro tucked into a soft bao bun.
These small bites paired perfectly with cocktails and conversation, energizing the crowd for the evening ahead.
Dinner Stations: A Culinary Tour of Macau
As the main event unfolded, guests explored three interactive dining stations, each crafted to celebrate the flavors of Macau; a cultural crossroads of Portuguese and Chinese influence.
Jackpot Dim Sum Bar
Modeled after the bustling energy of an Asian night market, this station invited guests to sample dim sum classics presented in bamboo steamer baskets. Vegetable spring rolls, steamed dumplings, and potstickers offered familiar favorites, with dipping sauces like soy, cucumber wasabi, sweet chili, and sriracha giving each bite a unique twist.
Congee + Coins
For a comforting yet adventurous experience, this station highlighted the flavors of Macau’s culinary fusion. Guests customized their bowls of silky congee with toppings like:
- Macanese Chili Shrimp | Succulent shrimp with garlic, ginger, and red chili, offering a vibrant heat.
- Macau Portuguese Chicken | Coconut curry chicken thighs layered with chourico, potatoes, and egg, served over jasmine rice for a hearty and soulful dish.
This station was as much about the theater of cooking as it was about flavor, with our chefs ladling congee and building each plate to order.
Wok the Casino
The final stop was a nod to Chinese barbecue traditions. Guests indulged in:
- Char Siu Pork | Slow-roasted with five spice, garlic, and hoisin for deep, caramelized flavor.
- Seasonal Stir Fry Vegetables + Bok Choy | A vibrant, wok-fired pairing that rounded out the meal with balance and freshness.
A Feast That Mirrors the Art
Much like the art showcased inside the Tampa Museum of Art, the menu was about storytelling, blending heritage with creativity and presentation. Each station offered something different—playful, comforting, or bold—just as each gallery space offered a unique perspective.
Events like Art + Aces remind us why we love what we do. Food has the power to spark conversation, bridge cultures, and create memories that linger long after the last bite.
We’re proud to have been part of this remarkable night and look forward to bringing the same creativity and care to future events across Tampa Bay.
Credits
Photography: Foto Bohemia
Venue: Tampa Museum of Art