Behind the scenes of a busy February

This February was a busy birthday month for me!

We started out by celebrating my New Year with a fantastic dinner at Michelin star rated Kikko, led by Chef Mariya Russel, the first black woman to lead a Michelin starred kitchen. I was treated to an amazing omakase experience and walked away both tremendously grateful and inspired.

Then, Nubia was presented an opportunity by our high school classmate (shout out Sakinah) to showcase What I Make for Her catering at her office’s Black History Month Celebration. The event, titled Taste the Culture, was billed as a showcase of African American culture through food, or as the company website described it:

“… a spin on the famous Taste of Chicago, the BLN Midwest/Southwest presented Taste the Culture: a curated presentation of local, black-owned restaurants, bakeries and catering companies."

Being that the event took place only a day after Fat Tuesday, I had the idea to feature a Mardi Gras themed menu. I put my spin on New Orleans classics, Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwiches and Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo. It was so NOLA! We had the Mardi Gras beads, masks (Thanks so much to Lauren for the decorations), and the food… all we were missing was the band.

Stayed tuned for the recipes coming soon!

Also, I have to publicly shout out Nubia who pitched in and went above and beyond, even taking food orders for me while on a live conference call for her actual job! I appreciate her so much and wouldn’t be able to do any of this without her!

Then, to round out the month, Nubia and I hosted the first ever What I Make for Her cooking class!

Titled “Love Through Food”, the class was designed with date night in mind! The objective was to teach men a few tips, techniques, and recipes to guide them in preparing a romantic meal for their significant others. Ladies were able to sit back, have a glass of wine or cocktail and watch “What I Make for Her” in action.

Nubia transformed the Cooking School at Whole Foods kitchen into a serene setting, complete with white tablecloths, fresh floral arrangements, and soft candle light.

We featured custom What I Make for Her cookies by the amazingly talented My Sweet Impact , What I Make for Her napkin rings, designed and produced by The Woodshop, and all the printed collateral was beautifully designed (under a serious time crunch) by La Vie Afroheme.

On the menu were roasted beet and goat cheese crostinis, garlic parmesan risotto, pan roasted salmon, wilted greens with glazed carrots, and chocolate soufflés for dessert. Continuing the celebration of Black History Month, I also received some amazing wine recommendations from Alison at Vinterlude, which were all produced by black owned vineyards.

While there were a few first-time hiccups, the class participants had a great time and enjoyed a good meal, made from scratch by the MEN, a rarity for some but a welcomed change.

Nubia and I are super excited for what comes next and we can’t thank you all enough for attending!

Event Photography by Picture Me Working Photography.