From Dallas to Irving and even Fort Worth, events labeled "taste of" always give food lovers a reason to get up, get out and try something new. But when it comes to African fare, those opportunities are few and far between. Now, one Dallas chef is looking to change that with Taste of Africa: Nigerian Edition.
With a slew of accomplishments under his belt, including beating Bobby Flay, chef Kevin Ashade of GourmEats Catering Services is tapping his roots to put on an experience that will showcase and honor the cuisine of his heritage.
For this event, there's no detail being left behind. "I'm putting my all into this in terms of the items, the money, me cooking it, it's a process," he says.
That's right, the only food vendor at the event will be Ashade, 31. But he is getting help from a trusted source — his family.
The Dallas native was born to Nigerian parents, and they are helping organize the event. His aunts, whom Ashade is flying in from Nigeria, will help with the cooking. "There's some stuff I know I can't make," Ashade says. "It's like, sure you can make good pizza sauce, but can you make good pizza? Who's making the dough? That's kind of how I look at it."
The menu at Taste of Africa: Nigerian Edition will include 18 items ranging from classics like meat pies, fried plantains and jollof rice to goat stew, honey beans and chin chin, a crunchy snack made of flour, milk and sugar.
"For the people that haven't been back to Nigeria since they were young, or people that only go back every five years, I want them to say, 'Hey this brings me back to home,'" Ashade says.
Taste of Africa: Nigerian Edition, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery St., Dallas. $45 to $60. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite: eventbrite.com/e/chef-kev-presents-taste-of-africa-nigerian-edition-tickets-58022167866.
