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Past Events
affrilachia
Cultural Collaboration with TXTUR
UGK Culinary Director Steve Glenn and Stock Executive Chef Kevin Coleman will spotlight the hidden history and cultural significance of Black Appalachian food ways. An evening of culinary stories and flavors that highlight the resilience, creativity, and deep connection to the land of Black Appalachian communities. The dinner was held at TXTUR, Manchester's beautiful new retail space featuring high-quality handcrafted furniture.
This is more than a meal –
it’s a celebration of history, culture, and community spirit
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Samurai: Rituals & Rice
Tribute & celebration to valor & traditions
Celebrating the legacy of the Samurai, each dish is a tribute to their valor and traditions, seamlessly blending their timeless significance in Japanese culture with modern culinary finesse.
The Samurai's traditional lifestyle, though seemingly extreme today, offers valuable lessons in holistic well-being. They prioritized natural diets for peak performance on the battlefield, underscoring the essential link between nourishment and vitality.
It was a culinary voyage from the ceremonial rituals to the savory delights, each course pays homage to the sacred grain that has been a cornerstone of Japanese culinary heritage for centuries, inviting you to savor the essence of the Samurai's legacy.
Afrofuturism
Resistance, economic empowerment, and
cultural preservation
Afrofuturism is a cultural movement that explores the intersection of African diaspora culture and science fiction, fantasy, and technology. It imagines a future in which Black people play a central role in shaping their destiny and their relationship to technology and the universe. Food has played a significant role in the history of black Americans, and Afrofuturism has explored the idea of using food as a tool for liberation and empowerment. Food has not only been a means of sustenance for black Americans but has also been a way to resist oppression, celebrate culture, and promote economic independence.
James Beard House
Cultural Collaboration
The James Beard Foundation extended an invitation to the UGK chefs showcasing their culinary skills at the James Beard House.
Chefs crafted a menu celebrating their diverse cultural backgrounds, resulting in a fusion of distinctive flavors and innovative techniques. The dishes showcased the depth and richness of their culinary traditions, a celebration of diversity and inclusivity in the culinary world, marking a historic moment for the industry.
Black Winemakers Tasting
Kumusha Wines
Six course menu complemented Kumusha's wines and featured locally-sourced ingredients that are significant to the Olifants River Region of South Africa, where the winery is situated. Each wine course, meticulously selected to enhance the flavors of the dish and savor the intricate layers of each vintage. An exceptional culinary experience showcasing the best of the region's cuisine and wines.
Conversation with
Valerie Cassel Oliver
Curator of Modern Art & Contemporary Art
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Dinner conversation with Valerie Cassel Oliver, a renowned curator and writer with extensive knowledge of African American art and culture, spoke passionately about the various Freedom Trails across the United States, significant landmarks to the history of the civil rights movement and the struggle for racial equality. Valerie shared insights into some of the most well-known Freedom Trails, providing a rich and engaging discussion about their importance and impact on American society.
Black Family Dinner
Virtual Cooking Class
Jack and Jill of America Brooklyn, NY
"Black Family Dinner" virtual cooking classes celebrate the tradition of black family dinners. Our UGK chef teaches participants how to make culturally significant dishes that have been passed down through generations. The virtual format allows families to participate from anywhere in the world and connect with others. By participating in these classes, families can honor the legacy of these dinners and continue the tradition for years to come. These classes provide an opportunity to learn new skills and pass down traditions through food.