soul food

We create personalized classes for museums, educational institutions, and corporate clients.

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Sample courses include:

Flavors of the Harlem Renaissance

Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of the Harlem Renaissance. This class examines the intersection of literature, art, and food that flourished in African American communities. How did art reflect the vibrant experience of African Americans in the city? Which recipes traveled the Great Migration? How were they reinterpreted for the urban experience? Participants in this course will experience and discuss works of literature and art that defined this spirited time while sampling soul food dishes.

Slavery to Freedom at the Kitchen Table: a Historical Look at Soul Food from 1830-1975

This lecture encompasses a historical and anthropological look into the study of Soul Food as an American cuisine that has grown out of African culinary traditions and adaptations necessitated by the conditions of slavery. How has this cuisine been reinterpreted across generations and geographical areas? Can we still detect signs of the African cultures that provided the foundation for many dishes? How do we adapt preparation methods to reflect both traditional flavors and modern health consciousness? Participants will delve into these questions during Chef del Torro\’s lecture and cooking demonstration.

Participants will learn a brief history of each dish –its historical roots, cultural significance, and a healthy method of preparation. They will have the opportunity to sample recipes prominently featuring vegetables like black-eyed peas, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. At the close of the lecture, they will be provided printed miniature recipe books to experiment with healthy soul food in their own kitchens.

Soul Food: A Global Perspective

Soul food is a quintessentially American food with global influence. This course explores how Soul food has inspired, or fused with different cuisines around the world. Participants will discuss and sample international dishes demonstrating elements of soul food.

Sample Menu