Party With The Roots Tonight

There may be no cooler Philadelphians than The Roots. They’re so cool, in fact, that band co-founder Black Thought has been quoted shrugging off his Grammies. But one thing they’re not too cool for is the Mural Arts Project, a group they’re stoked to be partnering with on a year-long project that will culminate with the mounting of a Roots mural at Headhouse Square in October.

To wit, at the press conference announcing the collaboration last fall, Black Thought told a reporter, “Grammy-shrammy – I’m not excitable about many things in life.  This is something I’m very excited about. I’m a Philadelphian.”

Which is great, you’re thinking, especially to bring new exposure to one of the city’s proudest non-profits. But how does this pertain to food…?

It pertains to food in that the Mural Arts staff is hosting the Wall Ball fundraising gala tonight at Vie to honor The Roots, and the guest chefs for the VIP session will be no less than Jose Garces and Marc Vetri.

Jose and Marc will be mingling with the VIPS while chef Gregg Ciprioni of Garces Trading Company and chef Damon Menapace of Alla Spina prepare nibbles for guests from 5:30 to 6:30. Once doors open to regular ticket holders, the Vie catering staff will set up dinner stations and mix a Roots-themed cocktail called The Tipping Point, consisting of Stoli Hot, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, muddled cuke and basil, bitters and topped with soda. (Yes, ?uestlove, we agree, the idea of the themed cocktail truly has jumped the drumset.)

The official after-party will be at Route 6, where drinks will be discounted for those coming from the ball.