Cook, Paint and More! Learn the ‘Art of Fufu’ at Pop-Ups Hosted by Houston-Based Nigerian Chef

Cook, Paint and More! Learn the ‘Art of Fufu’ at Pop-Ups Hosted by Houston-Based Nigerian Chef

Chef Kavachi Ulegbu

READY TO COOK, paint, sip and eat? Houston-based Nigerian chef Kavachi Ukegbu is spreading her culture during Black History Month with her signature Art of FuFu Cookbook Experiences. The Art of Fufu is an outreach event designed to spread awareness of the rich heritage of West African cuisine.

What started as a one-off event spearheaded by Ukegbu’s parent company Grubido in 2017 has become a cultural movement, with food and beverage tastings, art shows, and cooking classes. Ukegbu has hosted pop-ups at the Houston Public Library, Central Market, art galleries, and Texas Southern University. The Art of FuFu event has even been reimagined as a cookbook, which can be purchased at Central Market, Whole Foods, Soa Co Book Store and Amazon.

Fufu itself is a popular, filling side dish made from cassava root and green plantains; the passion project dubbed Art of Fufu was born to create more dialogues around West African cuisine.“We truly believe that a West African ingredient staple like fufu deserves recognition on a global scale,” states Ukegbu. “It represents a rich culture that evokes feelings of simple pleasures passed on from generation to generation.”

This month, those wishing to learn more about African roots can enjoy a cooking class on Thursday, Feb. 23, followed by a paint-and-sip party on Friday, Feb. 24. To close out the weekend, Saturday, Feb. 25, there will be a full five-course dining experience on offer.

Each event will be curated by Ukegbu and will be hosted in one of Houston’s artsy, urban-influenced neighborhoods including the Third Ward, Southwest Houston, and the Heights. The events are presented in partnership with Big Brother & Big Sister and the Black-female-owned book store Soa Co.

Click here for more information or to purchase your tickets.

Food

A moment from 'The House,' choreographed by Nao Kusuzaki

WALKING THE GROUNDS of the Heights Ironworks is like stepping back in time, making it the ideal location for choreographer and former Houston Ballet soloist Nao Kusuzaki’s immersive dance performance, The House. Created for Houston Contemporary Dance Company and running Feb. 8-10 (5pm, 7pm and 9pm), The House explores the groundbreaking accomplishments of Barbara Jordan, the first African American elected to the Texas Senate after Reconstruction, and Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird. Although Jordan and Lee’s paths never crossed, Kusuzaki imagines them as guests at the Yale House, a five-room historic landmark built in 1903.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Navy Blue's branzino (photo by Caroline Fontenot)

WINE, CANDLES AND FINE cuisine — almost all the elements needed for a romantic evening. Not into the crowds or strict reservations this Valentine’s Day? When you want to woo your loved one your way, consider Navy Blue’s Mondays with Molly.
Keep Reading Show less