“The Journey Continues—from Zanzibar and the spice islands of the Swahili Coast to the James Webb Telescope”

This year we will focus on the spice trade along the east coast of Africa, which has long been a hub of culinary exchange between East and West. Your BBQ dinner will include many of the spices found on Zanzibar and its neighboring islands. The spice trade of Zanzibar has a fabled and checkered past from the 8^th century when the Persians settled on the island. From the 15^th century lasting 200 years, the Portuguese controlled the spice trade on the Island until 1698 when Zanzibar became part the Sultanate of Oman, and in 1890 the island became a British protectorate. Today, the spice islands are a semi-autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Spices were worth their weight in gold in the early period of the spice trade and were used for preserving fresh meat, for incense, perfumes, and cooking.

The legendary Portuguese explorer Vaso da Gama in the latter part of the 15^th century sailed around the cape linking Asia to Europe. He also visited Zanzibar in 1499, and when he returned to the Kingdom of Portugal, his stories of Zanzibar’s spice farming were the beginning of European influence. Several years later Zanzibar became part of the Portuguese Empire.

The journey continues with Special Guest Member the Honorable Daniel S. Goldin, HON’01. By way of Zoom, Dan will give a brief talk on the highlights and background relating to the James Webb Telescope. Dan was an original visionary and creator of the James Webb Telescope.

From 1992-to 2001, Goldin served under three presidents, two Republicans and one Democrat, as the longest-tenured administrator of NASA.   There were 61 shuttle flights during his leadership including 174 robotic space missions to other planets, asteroids, and comets in our solar system. He also initiated the development and building of the International Space Station. From senior management at TRW, to Administrator of NASA, to visionary entrepreneur, Dan has been involved in space sciences businesses and numerous other technologies including semiconductors, AI and aeronautics, as well as national security and climate change. His leadership at NASA will continue to impact space exploration for many generations in the future.

House Committee Chair: Jonathan M. Conrad, MED’87

Vice Chair, Rodney H. Brown MN’02

Committee: Deirdre B. Brennan MR’04, Kellie Gerardi MR’13, Shade Mazer SM’18, Gaelin A. Rosenwaks FR’06, and Angela M. H. Schuster, FR’91

The Explorers Club 3 Island BBQ will celebrate the exploration and scientific field work of our membership. We will also feature food influenced by the Zanzibar and its neighboring spice islands, with dancing and music provided by one of New York’s best party DJs, Victor Lesser. Casual “island” summer attire is suggested. Zanzibar/Tanzania traditional dress is welcome.

BBQ Feast from the menu include: Hors D’oeuvres: will feature assorted samosas with tamarind dip, grilled spiced shrimp, and spinach-feta & pine nut roulades. Buffet dinner: Zanzibar kebabs on the grill with lamb, chicken, and vegetable with pilau rice. We will also be serving a mélange of spiced chickpea with coconut & turmeric. Chopped salad: will include peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, hearts of palm, olives toasted pitas, herbs, and vinaigrette. We will have assorted chutneys and sauces with the spices of Zanzibar along with assorted flatbreads. Dessert: will be mini tropical fruit tarts, Zanzibar Chocolate Brownies, and Coconut Spice Cookies. Full Bar: to include rose, red & white wine, beer, sodas, Pellegrino, and mixers. Featured cocktail will be a Zanzibar influenced drink mixed with Rum, Watermelon Juice, Mint & Lime.

As this is one of our most popular members events, we encourage you to reserve your tickets now and invite guests. Guests may also make reservations by referring to a member friend’s name and using their own credit card (call the Club to make a reservation if you are a guest or friend). The event will be held at Club Headquarters, 46 East 70th Street; check-in at 6:00 pm and cocktails at 6:15 pm, with dinner served approximately 7:00 PM (food service over at 8:45 PM) and event ending at 10:00 PM

Ticket price: $115 – no refunds after 8/19/22.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

To secure a reservation (members only and their guests), you may also email us at [email protected] , or call us at 212.628.8383.

The Club continues to follow NYC and CDC guidelines which does not require guests to be vaccinated. Please keep this in mind when attending the event. We will be supportive of anyone wanting to wear a mask.