Voyages: Chapter 8 Sneak Peek With Featured Artist Tim "Chyno" Chin

We all know the saying: Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. For culinary storyteller Tim "Chyno" Chin (also known as @boywiththebluebeard and @thebaltimorefoodie), the Aquarium was a happy childhood memory that became a place of healing during the pandemic. Now, he can't wait to marry his two great loves—Baltimore and the National Aquarium—in a symbolic wedding celebration.

Food personality and creator Chyno is the featured artist for the National Aquarium's Voyages: Chapter 8 event on July 16. Chyno will be joined by his team of four Baltimore culinary powerhouses: Chef Amanda Mack, Chef Cia Carter, Chef Samara Greene-Scott and Chef Kiara Young. Through food, Chyno and his culinary "wedding party" will showcase the diets of different animals at the Aquarium to encourage guests to put sustainable eating back on the menu.

"A huge portion of my life is dedicated to uplifting the Baltimore food scene," said Chyno. "My way of connecting to people has always been food, and in these wild times, the best way to meet people and find commonality is at the dinner table."

To connect with the animals at the Aquarium, Chyno and his culinary team visited the animals' food prep kitchens at the Aquarium's Animal Care and Rescue Center (ACRC). From fish to veggies, the team's honed knife skills made meal prep a breeze for the ACRC's residents. Chyno met with National Aquarium experts across Animal Care and Welfare, Animal Health, Exhibit Experiential Design, Guest Engagement and Life Support teams to get a holistic view of what it takes to care for and feed a building full of animals. He also met with experts from the Aquarium's Catered Events and Government Affairs teams to learn what it takes to feed a million guests annually with sustainable seafood and reduced waste practices, like compostable tableware, already in place at the Aquarium.

"Whether I was learning about the Aquarium's pump system, how to cultivate microorganisms for fish food, or policy drafting to bring something back from extinction, I was inspired by Aquarium staff's passion and love for their work," said Chyno.

Exploring Blue Food

Ready to branch out into humans' diets, Chyno was inspired by the Blue Food Assessment, an international joint initiative, and insights from scientific leadership member Ben Halpern. Blue Food Assessment defines blue food as "food derived from aquatic animals, plants or algae that are caught or cultivated in freshwater and marine environments." Their research shows that blue foods are nutritious, less environmentally stressful, and provide necessary nutrients for billions of people. In addition to providing scientific data, the initiative has drafted policy recommendations to protect the future of blue foods.

"The biggest takeaway from my conversation with Ben is that change starts with a conversation in your community," said Chyno. "We can all enact change even at the lowest level by having a conversation with our friends, neighbors or loved ones about how we're eating, what we're eating and why we're eating it."

Here Comes the Bride

After months of research, Chyno now pronounces you formally invited to attend the union of the National Aquarium and Baltimore. Chyno's immersive Voyages event will transport guests to a wedding reception unlike any before. Guests will be welcomed with music performed by Chanel Kelly, also known as the Trap Cellist, as they pose for a wedding photographer and toast to the bride and groom.

Throughout Blue Wonders, food stations will serve easy-to-eat dishes inspired by the diets of the animals nearby. From meaty proteins to charming veggies, the night's menu, created by four talented chefs, will delight every palate.

"Baltimore is experiencing a culinary renaissance," said Chyno. "And I think it's paramount to uplift Black women in Baltimore City because they're at the forefront of our food spaces. These four chefs have proven time and time again that not only is their food amazing, but their passion extends to the people they serve and the community they build."

The award-winning team of Chef Mack (owner of Crust by Mack), Chef Carter (owner of Miss Carter's Place), Chef Greene-Scott (owner of Soul Smoked BBQ) and Chef Young (lead baker at Rooted Rotisserie) are all stars in Baltimore's culinary scene and are ready to wow guests with their food.

"I wanted to highlight two well-established chefs and two established but still up-and-coming chefs," said Chyno. "If the tide raises one, it's going to raise all. And if my waters are lifted, I make sure the people around me rise, too."

And the fun doesn't stop there. The event will also feature a few extra surprises along the way, including a poetry performance, an interactive oyster reef with support from Oyster Recovery Partnership, and a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community with a specially curated playlist by performer Kotic Couture, also known as Queen of the Underground. The night will conclude with the wedding dance party to end all wedding dance parties, featuring USVNI and the Bloom Orchestra with special guest vocalist Black Assets.

It's a Love Story

Chyno wants guests to feel overjoyed as they dine and explore the Aquarium. He hopes everyone will feel inspired to care for our waterways and be more intentional about the food they eat.

"When I think of dream places to have a wedding, the Aquarium is at the top of the list," said Chyno. "This event will let guests celebrate their love for each other, while also representing Baltimore's love for the Aquarium and the Aquarium's love for Baltimore."

Support for Voyages is provided by the Marjorie Lynn Bank Endowment. The after-party is supported in part by Open Water.