
We recently had the honor of pairing Casey Vilensky's remarkable piece of culinary art, Hereafter, a one-of-a-kind mosaic damascus tuna sword, with an unforgettable culinary event, held exclusively at Ilis. Led by the talented Chef Refslund, the tuna demonstration and dining experience was nothing short of spectacular.
Beautifully captured by NYC photographer Evan Sung, the evening began with the arrival of a magnificent 280lb wild bluefin tuna, freshly delivered to the Greenpoint, Brooklyn kitchen by the dedicated Dock-to-Dish team. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as Chef Fernando took the lead in preparing this oceanic wonder, transforming it into a breathtaking, multi-station meal. Guests were welcome to weave through the open kitchen, indulging in tastes and sips throughout a memorable evening.
It was a true pleasure to witness Chef Refslund and his team perform with grace and purpose in the beautiful space that is Ilis. The meticulous preparation and presentation reflected not only their culinary expertise but also a deep respect for the ingredients they were working with.
Equally mesmerizing was Casey's incredible blade, Hereafter, which he painstakingly crafted over the course of 220 hours for our Art of Cutlery group exhibition. The combination of artistry and functionality in this stunning sword brought an element of magic to the evening, highlighting the beauty of craftsmanship in both art and cuisine.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this evening a night to remember. It was a beautiful fusion of art, cuisine, and community, showcasing the best that culinary culture has to offer. It was such a treasured event that we had to come back a second time!