The 42nd Annual Black Ships Festival Gala held at Ochre Court in Newport on August 23rd was a delightful spectacle and a culinary treat. This Gilded Age edifice also made an appearance in Season 3 of The Gilded Age. Moreover, the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island rolled out the proverbial “red carpet” for the attendees. Likewise, the hospitality was first rate from beginning to end.
The Black Ships Festival Gala generously presented by Toray Plastics (America), a Rhode Island based subsidiary of Toray Industries.
Commodore Matthew C. Perry
The man responsible for opening up trade with Japan in 1854 was Commodore Matthew C. Perry. His fleet, known as the “Black Ships” (kurofune), entered Uraga Harbor near Tokyo on July 8, 1853. The Convention of Kanagawa signed on March 31, 1854 opened the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships, thus ending Japan’s 220-year policy of isolation.
Not to gloss over history, Perry’s mighty warships were not without controversy. A mixture of fear and curiosity by the Japanese residents met the ships. However, it was the beginning of Japan’s modernisation, in addition to the restoration of imperial rule in Japan.
The Black Ships Festival Gala is a reminder of the importance of the American-Japanese partnership. In addition to the event at Ochre Court, the opening ceremony took place in Bristol on Friday with the Taiko drum performance. Additionally, the Cultural Marketplace Fair on Saturday was a wonderful all day outing for families.
Without a doubt the Black Ships Festival Gala will be a “staple” for The Social Diary on our planned annual outings.
Black Ships Festival Gala: Ochre Court
Here is a bit of trivia. Did you know that Ochre Court is the second largest mansion next to The Breakers? Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, inspired by the French chateaux, this large châteauesque commissioned by Ogden Goelet completed in 1892, cost an estimated $4.5 million.
The Goelet family donated the property to the Sisters of Mercy in 1947 and is currently part of Salve Regina University. In addition to a perfect event venue, it serves as Salve Regina University’s administration building with offices on the top floors.
The Gilded Age Season 3
Ochre Court doubled as the dining room at Sidmouth Castle, the seat of the Duke of Buckingham. He marries Gladys Russell for her money, but falls in love with this feisty beauty.
Black Ships Festival Gala: Hospitality Notes
A boat load of sushi to start the evening
Oftentimes in our offices, The Social Diary staff discusses all things food! We are avid Foodies and have dined at some fabulous “watering holes.” We also actively participate in James Beard Foundation house events, in addition to wine and food festivals around the world.
So, what is the one food offering we cannot live without? Sushi!!! Some of us are too young to know when sushi became so popular in the west. But during the Black Ships Festival Gala, sushi was definitely on the menu. A buffet of sushi set up included two boat loads!
Bite sized morsels
The evening’s reception continued with tray-pass hors d’oeuvres by Audrain Hospitality, who also catered the dinner. Chicken Satay with peanut sauce, crab cake with a dollop of creamy avocado and fried polenta made the rounds. All perfectly portion sized, not so big or too small. One note, however, we would recommend adding more spices to the peanut sauce to balance out the chicken, which sometimes can taste pretty plain, if not well seasoned.
Taiko Drum hits the right notes
The Japanese hospitality continued with a wonderful entertainment segment. The Taiko drums were on full display with the artistry of the performers! It added to the ambiance of the evening, a celebration, a partnership and friendship across the seas!
Dinner and Table Service
During the Summer Art Ball, The Social Diary wondered, “where’s the beef?” Because the menu listed chicken, but we couldn’t really find it on the plate.
However, on this occasion, we didn’t have to look any further than our plate. Audrain Hospitality knows how to prepare a good filet of beef! It would have been rude to take pictures whilst at an elegant affair. To put this in perspective, the size of the beef was definitely bigger than a hockey puck. Additionally, dinner needed no extra seasoning.
One note about the accoutrements, however. The peppers did not quite work out as they contained too much water. Since this was an American-Japanese event, The Social Diary recommends lotus root, as a nice root vegetable to accompany the potatoes and asparagus.
When dessert rolled out, it was a question mark, unfortunately. The dessert listed as “Japanese cheesecake,” was actually a Matcha cheesecake. Matcha itself is bitter, and an acquired taste. We enjoy a good Matcha latte or tea, but not necessarily as a cheesecake component.
There is an actual Japanese cheesecake with a soufflé texture. It’s jiggly and tall, rising pretty high in the oven. We made it in our test kitchen and it’s really light and airy. This would have been a better option to the Matcha cheese cake, in our honest opinion.
The dinner service was prompt and fluid. During the Sam Waterston dinner service, we waited almost an hour for the main course. During The Black Ships Festival Gala, all the tables served their courses similarly. Prompt, courteous and efficient!
Indoor Floral Extravaganza
The Social Diary talks about table settings more often than some of the premiere etiquette professionals. There is a reason for this, of course. The table sets the mood for the rest of the meal! This evening, the table was elegant and inviting. The place setting included a menu card, Swan origami and a fan.
Forget the Newport Flower show! Check out some of these amazing works of art, as beautiful blooms adorn each table, in a unique presentation. We captured just some of the artistry below.
