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

Guests enjoy 360-degree views from the infinity pool

A PARADISE FOR nature lovers, surfers and adventure seekers, Costa Rica often sees repeat visitors. The seven provinces, though different in the way of microclimates and the presence of volcanoes, cloud forests or beaches, are all predictably friendly, green and breathtakingly beautiful. Travelers come to anticipate and appreciate the “pura vida” lifestyle, i.e. an appreciation for the here-and-now beauty and wonder that the country offers so abundantly.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

The patio at Toca Madera (photo by Connie Anderson)

EXPERIENTIAL, OR “VIBE,” dining has been trending for a few years now in Houston, from restaurateurs who assume that diners want more than just a meal. Well, they all just got some stiff competition with the opening of Toca Madera in the Pavilion at The Allen.

Keep Reading Show less
Food