An Allegory of Soul

New York Artist-Designer Mike Brown of Lot71 and acclaimed Argentine Chef Fernando Navas, will host celebration to unveil "AN ALLEGORY OF SOUL,” Brown's highly anticipated new street mural on the outside wall of Balvanera restaurant at 152 Stanton Street. Throughout the weekend the restaurant team will celebrate the unveiling with discounted brunch for Kickstarter project backers, a festive late night party and an exclusive ‘BA meets LES’ four course dinner. "AN ALLEGORY OF SOUL" celebrates the story and ‘soul’ of place, and the people at the heart of it all," says Brown. "From the pairing of 2 neighborhoods - New York's Lower East Side and Buenos Aires' Balvanera - I wanted to create a story that captures the community’s imagination and the creative spirit of Fernando’s restaurant." Manhattan’s Lower East Side has many similarities to the bohemian ‘barrio,’ or neighborhood, of Balvanera in Buenos Aires, from which many have claimed tango got its edge. Both areas are known for their immigrant settlements, rich culture, creativity and soul. With these inspirations in mind, Brown marries New York street art and Argentine street tango in his work. A sultry, silhouetted couple dances across the translucent patinas of an aged, lower Manhattan map. The rich, monochromatic tones are interrupted by the vibrant splash of the woman's whirling crimson silk dress. Created by Mike Brown, the mural is painted by Lower East Side neighbor, Dorothy Darker / Darker Studio. The exciting community collaboration is seeking funding through Kickstarter.com from Tuesday, November 28 through Monday, November 17th. In return for their contribution, backers will receive unique rewards - from signed, limited edition prints of the artwork and bespoke Argentine aprons to exclusive tasting menus and afternoon ‘empanada parties’ delivered to Manhattan offices. Mike Brown has lived in the East Village / Lower East Side for 17 years, and met Chef Fernando Navas during the buildout of Balvanera last Spring. The restaurants and bars of one's neighborhood are at the heart of every New Yorker's "pride of place." Long before they opened, Brown was excited to welcome Balvanera to the LES. "We've become fast friends," says Brown. "I had suggested the idea of a mural to Fernando as a way to pair compelling stories, and infuse the outside street space with the heart of the inside." Celebration Schedule:

Saturday, November 15th from 11pm-1am
Join Artist Mike Brown, Chef Fernando Navas and the Balvanera team for a late night celebration and viewing of the piece. Party-goers enjoy $3 Argentine beer, $6 wine and complimentary bites at the bar. Sunday, November 16th from 11am-4pm
Kickstarter Project Backers can make a reservation to enjoy 20% off Balvanera’s weekend brunch. Monday, November 17th from 5pm-10pm
Chef Fernando Navas presents a three course “BA meets LES” tasting menu for $35pp; wine pairings just $15 additional. Details on the special menu can be found at www.balvaneranyc.com > HAPPENINGS. Tax and gratuity additional; reservations required. Mike Brown, Lot71
Mike Brown is an award winning, New York artist-designer who has worked professionally for over 17 years on projects in hospitality, lifestyle, fashion, retail, sports and live entertainment. He is a storyteller inspired by visionaries, outliers, misfits, architecture, design, lifestyle and culture. Brown's first mural on the Lower East Side was the acclaimed 2009 "LostLES" inside Tiny's Giant Sandwich Shop (notably one of the first 50 projects on Kickstarter). Web: www.lot71.com Twitter & Instagram: @lot71. Chef Fernando Navas, Balvanera
Balvanera is a destination for Argentine cuisine in the heart of NYC's Lower East Side Community at 152 Stanton Street. The first project of Chef Fernando Navas (Samba Brands Management, elBulli, Nobu), The menu and philosophy is inspired by the nostalgia of Fernando's Argentine roots, upbringing and the culinary culture he's acquired on his journey through Buenos Aires, Barcelona and New York City.