The dinner will present inspired interpretations of authentic West African dishes, as well as cocktail creations. A performance of West African drumming and dancing will enhance this cultural evening.

Tickets are $65 (alcohol, tax, and gratuity are additional) and interested diners should call The Market Place in advance at (828) 252-4162 to reserve a seat. A credit card is required to hold the reservation.A portion of the proceeds will benefit Asheville-based, 33rd generation Ivorian djembe player and musician Adama Dembele, in an effort to help secure his permanent green card for U.S. citizenship.

BIOS

Chef William Dissen’s gastronomic exploration began at The Culinary Institute of America in New York. He honed his skills at Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia under Certified Master Chef Peter Timmins, and in Charleston at Magnolia’s Restaurant and Cypress under Chef Donald Barickman and James Beard nominated Chef Chaig Deihl respectively. After earning a Masters degree in Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Management from the University of South Carolina, in 2006, Dissen was ripe to take over The Market Place in Asheville, and has earned numerous accolades for his sustainable approach to food. Here, he presents innovate farm-to-table cuisine, sourcing his ingredients from within a 100-mile radius. www.marketplace-restaurant.com

Chef Nicholas Figel has been the owner and Executive Chef of Cyprus International Cuisine in Highlands since 2003. His interest in ethnic and traditional fare led him to sharpen his culinary skills in Milan and Venice before settling in Highlands. Figel created Cyprus as an outpost of modern style and contemporary interpretation of rustic, world cuisine. Here, he showcases a creative penchant for exotic foods from Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. Figel was the 2010 winner of Highlands’ premier culinary competition, King of the Mountain. www.cyprushighlands.com

Adama Dembele is a 33rd generation djembe player from the Ivory Coast in West Africa, who has performed with various internationally recognized acts on three continents, including Oumou Sangare, Angelique Kidjo, and Salif Keita. He has lived in Asheville for five years, teaching drumming workshops in town and across the country and performing with local bands, including Afromotive, Toubab Krewe, and Zansa. He was a LEAF in Schools and Streets instructor in 2011. Other teaching experiences include regular drumming workshops at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, Stone Academy in Greenville, SC, and in Asheville at Rainbow Mountain Children’s School and Erwin and TC Robertson high schools. Dembele is a cultural gem whose mission is to share his musical heritage. www.adamadembele.com

(Image provided by Adama Dembele.)

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