Cook, Paint and More! Learn the ‘Art of Fufu’ at Pop-Ups Hosted by Houston-Based Nigerian Chef
Feb. 14, 2023
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.
From Your Site Articles
- Four Female Artists, Three Galleries, One Day! Here Are This Weekend’s Most Exciting Art Openings - Houston CityBook ›
- Inaugural ‘Black Art Houston’ Celebration Takes Place City-Wide This Weekend - Houston CityBook ›
- Iconic Grocer Rings in 30th Anniversary, Renews Its 'Wows' to Customers with Delicious Ways to Celebrate - Houston CityBook ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
Freebird
SOME OF THE city’s most chic boutiques are ready to rodeo! In this month's retail roundup, we're lassoing spring looks, great deals and more.
Chloe Dao
A spring look by Chloe Dao
After 23 years, Chloe Dao is closing her eponymous boutique, previously known as Lot 8. After decades of serving fashion-forward Houstonians — and shining a spotlight on the city’s design scene —Dao is offering 50 percent off the entire Rice Village store, including regular priced items, through Feb. 28. Bonus! The designer’s rodeo collection features orange, nude, gold ochre and red hues; find fringe bags, leather pleated miniskirts, satin frocks and more.
Christina Greene
Christina Greene X Saturday Silks
Jewelry designer Christina Greene and Saturday Silks have collaborated for a new, limited-edition scarf, officially licensed by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The scarf print features the brand’s signature squash blossom and hat bands, along with the HLSR logo and various symbols of Texas — think boots, belt buckles and yellow roses. The scarf, which can be worn as a wrap, shawl or scarf top, is made from 100-percent silk and has hand-rolled edges. Add it to a handbag or wear as a belt for a unique touch to your rodeo style.
Elizabeth Anthony
Shop Chris Davies’ fine jewels and meet the designer Thursday, Feb. 23, and Friday, Feb. 24, at Elizabeth Anthony. Crafted one piece at a time, and drawing from disciplines as wide-ranging as lacemaking, woodworking and tailoring, Davies brings an haute-couture eye to the goldsmith’s hand. Materials like delicate 18K gold beads, seed pearls and spinel are seen in his trademark gemstone nets that encase larger gemstone beads and pearls.
Freebird
Freebird
Denver-based boot brand Freebird has opened its doors to store No. 15 in the Galleria. Located in the Nordstrom wing on the lower level, the boutique has classics alongside trendy pairs, like booties in fun colors with elegant detailing.
Gucci
Gucci The Woodlands
Attention, Gucci lovers in The Woodlands! The luxury house has opened its first outpost at Market Street (9595 Six Pines Dr., Suite 607). The boutique — the brand’s ninth in Texas — spans more than 6,500 square feet and showcases a vast collection of men’s and women’s shoes, handbags, luggage, small leather goods, jewelry, watches and eyewear.
Shoppers can expect a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere — but a luxurious one, to be sure. There are custom-painted geometric wood floors, and vintage-inspired display units that contrast with the softness of the rich fabrics that adorn the rooms. Lavish chairs can be found throughout the boutique, while vintage oriental rugs are layered over each other for a textured effect.
Hemline
Hemline
With numerous locations across Houston, Hemline makes shopping for in-style seasonal looks easy and fun. This year, look to denim, fringe, maxi skirts, metallics and cobalt blue for rodeo and spring. Elevate your denim with wide leg crop jeans from Frame or a denim mini dress for warmer days. A classic white button-down with fringe detail, like the Hausen Ellie Top, pairs nicely with any of your favorite bottoms.
Kendra Scott
Devin statement earrings by Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott’s spring collection is inspired by the season’s plants and animals. Featuring pastel shades and organic design details, the new styles are also convertible and playful. The Devin suite includes multicolor gems, for example.
In addition to the spring collection, the brand has introduced Color Bar Links, enabling shoppers to transform their style in an instant with interchangeable pieces. Available in the brand’s iconic Danielle and Ell shapes, the links are offered in a variety of materials, including ivory mother-of-pear, rose quartz, turquoise magnesite, mixed metal and more.
Plus! Cowgirl up with Kendra Scott’s Rodeo-exclusive collection. Read more about that here.
Ligne Roset
Ligne Roset at BeDesign
BeDesign, the largest destination for European design in Texas, has welcomed its first French brand. Ligne Roset, which previously had a presence in Houston a decade ago, opened within the newly expanded BeDesign showroom at 2016 W. Alabama. Known for its artful collaboration with both established and up-and-coming talents in contemporary design, Ligne Roset touts furniture collections and complementary decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, textiles and occasional items.
From Your Site Articles
- Petal Pushers: Cute New Flower Shops Bloom ›
- Several Stylish New Retailers Opening at the Galleria ›
- The Retail Scene Is Still Bustling — Here's Where to Shop Now ›
- Euro-Chic Design Haven Celebrates 10th Anny with Stylish Soiree and Mega Showroom Expansion - Houston CityBook ›
- Rodeo Tix on Sale NOW! Here’s Who’s Playing When - Houston CityBook ›
- Get Rodeo Ready at These Cool Apparel Pop-ups, Y’all! - Houston CityBook ›
Keep Reading
Show less