Convivial Tables

There is no better place to talk about food than around a table while eating. At some point or another, in the most glorious moments of joy, we have all experienced the “sins” of gluttony and gourmandise. Sitting at the table eating a delicious meal inspires calls for new restaurant visits, memories of the unique soup grandma used to make, or father’s unforgettable paella(1), and mostly the call to eat again. No doubt, the shared table inspires conversations, also about food.

To honor these relational practices, TBA21–Academy has organized a series of “Convivial Tables” as the perfect avenue to discuss the complex ties between what we eat and its ecological impact, with a particular focus on its effect on bodies of water. The scarcity of fish resources that were once common, pollution of soil and water, the flow of new species perversely called “invasive,” the urgent need to support alternative modes of production and distribution of food, and the implementation of regenerative economies and practices are the core principles guiding the guest chefs as they design the menus for the “Convivial Tables.” Chefs, their collaborators, and invited guests will eat together and reflect on a future food supply chain that would be regenerative and mindful of the ocean. The research aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion on food resources by raising awareness to the potential harm of everyday routines and encouraging an interspecies approach. Changes begin by implementing new practices. Let’s practice then.

For the first round of Convivial Tables, “Entrée: The Pannier of the Lagoon,” Venice and the lagoon provide the framework. To accompany the guest chefs’ dedication and expertise as regards products and methods, selected local producers, a historian, an anthropologist, a scientist, and an activist will assist in the preparation of the menu and the conversations highlighting some of the most pressing issues explored in the chef’s menu. Alongside contributing to the growing food-ecology community and supporting the existing players in these discussions, the knowledge produced around the “Convivial Tables“ will be published online so that the menus and the reflections on food and ecology from experts and devotees can be shared with others. Enjoy!

“Convivial Tables “Entrée: The Pannier of the Lagoon,”” takes place at Ocean Space, Venice, in close collaboration with TOCIA! and chef Marco Bravetti. The food research is also a central part of the practices of Zoöp, a research program on regenerative and interspecies cohabitation in which TBA21–Academy is a partner.

Led by María Montero Sierra, Barbara Nardacchione with Markus Reymann and Alice Ongaro Sartori.

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1]Dear readers, be my guest as you adapt these images to your favorite dishes and make us salivate across the precious worldwide culinary tastes.

• SATURDAY, MAY 28 2022 - !RESCHEDULED! WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 2022, 6PM- PUBLIC EVENT

“WILD PANTRY”. Foraging session at Sant’Erasmo with Marco Bravetti, an experience of intimate connection with the landscape through the recognition, collection and convivial tasting of spontaneous plants that characterise the lagoon ecosystem.

Participation is free, please make a reservation at this link. Limited places available.

• TUESDAY, MAY 31 2022, 8PM - PRIVATE EVENT

SALTINESS with chef Marco Bravetti, Jane Da Mosto (We are here Venice).

Closed research group. Open call for participation below.

• THURSDAY, JUNE 9 2022, 7PM - PRIVATE EVENT

TOXICITY with chef Marco Bravetti, TOCIA!, and Camila Marambio.

Closed research group. Open call for participation below.

• THURSDAY, JULY 7 2022, 6.30PM - PUBLIC EVENT

"SEEDS AND THE LAGOON", part of the Convivial Tables - At the Crossroads between Food and Ecology program.

A conversation between Andrea Giubilato, farmer from the organic company Madre Terra in Santa Maria di Sala (Venice), and Chiara Pavan, Chef at Venissa (Mazzorbo), who, by starting with their relationships with the land and the kitchen, remind us of the importance of seeds as part of the Food and the Lagoon. Towards An Atlas workshop, the result of a collaboration between IUAV and Ca’ Foscari University. Moderator Marco Bravetti (TOCIA! Cuisine and community).
For more information and reservations, click here.

• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 7PM - PRIVATE EVENT

"INVASIVE SPECIES" with chef Silvia Rozas, and Anna Perdibon. *More details soon.

Closed research group. Open call for participation below.

• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 3-10PM - PUBLIC EVENT

"CONVIVIAL TABLES. TALES OF THE LAGOON IN CAMPO!"

A special day dedicated to the Lagoon, its produce, and the Venetian community through permaculture workshops, book presentations, and meetings with local producers, all accompanied by gourmet cicchetti inspired by the themes of the program "Convivial Tables. The cross between food and ecology", organized at Ocean Space by TBA21–Academy in collaboration with Marco Bravetti from TOCIA! Cucina e Comunità and the Municipality of Venice, Murano, Burano.

Program | Bookings permaculture workshop

If you are interested in joining the research group and attending one of the dinners, please send a letter of motivation and the desire dates to info@ocean-space.org