artLIVE – The Festival of Art and Flavor – Taste of Saigon by artLIVE, organized by artLIVE Magazine & Events under the ownership of Bella Ciao Agency, has wrapped up its inaugural season, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
From 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. over three consecutive days (October 6th, 7th, and 8th), Taste of Saigon by artLIVE – the Festival of Art and Flavor – transformed the historic Independence Palace (also known as the Reunification Hall) into a truly distinctive cultural space for young people, Saigon locals, and visiting tourists alike.
“With the mission of bringing art, from cuisine and architecture to painting and craftsmanship, closer to the public, Taste of Saigon by artLIVE is envisioned as an annual event at the Independence Palace. In its first year, themed Set the Vibes, the event’s concept and execution by artLIVE seemed to strike a chord with both young locals and tourists.
Despite being significantly impacted by rainy weather, the festival still welcomed over 23,000 attendees“, shared Ms. Trang Duong, Executive Director of artLIVE Events, the organizing body behind Taste of Saigon. “While we didn’t quite reach our initial target of over 30,000 visitors, what matters most is that we succeeded in creating a space where brands and lovers of art and gastronomy could truly connect.”
A One-of-a-kind artistic experience
In its debut year, Taste of Saigon by artLIVE, themed Set the Vibes, was praised by experts, the media, and attendees alike as a vibrant and refreshing addition to the heart of the city. The entire event – its design, color palette, and youthful energy – was thoughtfully curated to complement the historic architecture and atmosphere of the Independence Palace.
What set Taste of Saigon by artLIVE apart was its continuous lineup of artistic activities, ranging from art exhibitions and hands-on workshops to thought-provoking talk shows, hosted and performed by industry experts and distinguished speakers.
It was also a space where culinary artistry met creativity, where flavors deeply rooted in Vietnamese tradition were elevated with international flair by talented and imaginative chefs from five-star hotels and upscale restaurants. Taste of Saigon by artLIVE offered the public an immersive experience that blended a vibrant artistic atmosphere with the finest gourmet creations.
Continuing the Legacy of Taste of Saigon by artLIVE 2023
Beyond the main festival, artLIVE carries a small but meaningful sense of social responsibility through its community project Draw Your Dream – Vẽ Giấc Mơ Em, initiated and organized by the artLIVE team. On October 29, artLIVE will bring joy to 50 underprivileged children of the Chơ Ro and Châu Mạ ethnic communities in Thác Thượng, Định Quán District, Đồng Nai. The children will receive heartfelt gifts including colored pencils, pencil cases, snacks, sausages, and candies – as well as essential supplies for their families such as rice, cooking oil, soy sauce, and fish sauce.
In addition, following Taste of Saigon by artLIVE, the journey continues with a special spotlight on the champions of two signature competitions: the artLIVE Mixology Championship (AMC) and the artLIVE Pizza Championship (APC).
To share their inspiring journey toward becoming professional chefs and bartenders, and to give the public a chance to enjoy their award-winning creations, artLIVE is launching a post-festival activity series dedicated to both champions. These activities include:
Vietnam Bar Tour – artLIVE Mixology Championship 2023
The Vietnam Bar Tour was part of the grand prize for the Champion of the artLIVE Mixology Championship 2023 (AMC), held within the framework of Taste of Saigon by artLIVE 2023. This unique experience invites participants to explore and hear the stories behind the signature cocktails that earned bartender Lưu Văn Tuấn the championship title at AMC.
Representing Kumihimo – JW Marriott Hanoi, bartender Lưu Văn Tuấn will share his secrets to crafting world-class cocktails. In addition to insightful talks, guests will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and sample exclusive, handcrafted beverages.
The Vietnam Bar Tour is scheduled to kick off in late November 2023 and run through December 2023, with stops at selected restaurants and bars within the Marriott Bonvoy network in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi.
Chef Workshop Tour – artLIVE Pizza Championship 2023
The Champion of the artLIVE Pizza Championship (APC) 2023 is Chef Huỳnh Trần Quế Phương, representing Pizza Piatto in Ho Chi Minh City. Her journey to becoming the APC 2023 Champion was one filled with inspiration and creativity. Building on her story, the Chef Workshop series is set to launch in February 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City.
As part of the “All About Pizza Workshop” series, participants will be immersed in the art of pizza-making—exploring every step of the process that brings a beautifully crafted, delicious pizza to life. A special highlight will be the “bánh khọt pizza”, the unique creation that secured Quế Phương her winning title at APC 2023.
The Chef Workshop led by the APC 2023 Champion will kick off in the spring of 2024, culminating in a heartwarming Spring Meal on February 29, 2024. This meaningful event, prepared by the champion chef alongside special guests, will be dedicated to young cancer patients in Ho Chi Minh City.
Photos: artLIVE
