Jermaine Stone, a wine and culture aficionado, joined forces with Tastemade to celebrate the launch of their new series, “Street Somm,” with an exclusive wine tasting event. Stone, known for his podcast “The Original Wine & Hip Hop Show,” which combines his passion for wine and background in hip-hop, embarked on this new venture to explore the intersection of wine, food, and culture with individuals from diverse backgrounds. In the series, Stone indulges in Michelin-star restaurant experiences while also savoring street food, bringing his unique approach to wine to audiences across the country. His mission is to make wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone, breaking down barriers and fostering connections between cultures.
To provide a glimpse into the essence of “Street Somm,” Tastemade and Stone organized an intimate dinner and wine pairing event, inviting notable figures from the food, wine, and culture realms. Held at Brooklyn’s Antidote, the dinner immersed attendees in Stone’s unconventional world of food and wine. The meticulously curated menu featured multiple courses, expertly paired with wines selected by Stone based on his instinctual method of combining flavors. Stone emphasized the importance of considering texture and the various elements of flavor, such as spice, saltiness, and sweetness, to create the most delightful combinations.
The event exuded an inviting ambiance, with wine-colored decor and floral arrangements adorning the tables. Guests embraced the theme by dressing in shades of wine. Authentic Chinese cuisine took center stage, with delectable dishes like steamed tiger prawns, Sichuan chili fried chicken, sticky rice, and mushroom shumai. Stone surprised attendees with unexpected pairings, such as steamed whole tilapia accompanied by red wine.
As guests savored a selection of Sauvignon Blanc, zinfandel, chianti, and full-bodied red wines, Stone’s thoughtfully curated playlists provided a musical journey mirroring the locations he visited during Season One of “Street Somm.” The Cocktail Hour playlist transported listeners to the vibrant streets of NYC, where the first episode unfolds. The First Course playlist encompassed the flavors of Savannah, Chicago, and the Bay Area, while the Second Course playlist captured the essence of Houston, a significant stop on Stone’s travels.
To join in on the journey, viewers can tune in to “Street Somm” every Monday at 7/6c. The series is available on Samsung TV Plus, YouTube TV, and other streaming platforms for free. Additionally, Tastemade offers on-demand access to their content through the Tastemade mobile and TV apps, and an ad-free experience is available with Tastemade+.
