A “Juneteenth Culinary Celebration” hosted by chefs Tarsha Gary and Sheri Raleigh along with Community Artists Collective will offer curated food and drink tastings along with an afternoon of entertainment to include an African drumming ceremony, quilt exhibit, marketplace and ticketed guests receive unique swag bags.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Houston’s historic Third Ward at 2015 Berry Street. Admission to the event is $100 and tickets are available through Eventbrite. Tickets cover indoor participation, however, the outdoor market and exhibits will be available complimentary to the community.
As a fourth-generation Creole, Raleigh aims to enlighten and inspire others to try Creole cuisines and is the founder of Cast Iron Skillet Culinaire, LLC. and Gifts From The Ancestors. Cast Iron Skillet Culinaire specializes in Creole culinary techniques and offers catering and cooking classes.
Gary is the founder of Ecotone World and Crave Gourmet Bakery & Catered Café. Ecotone is an urban sustainability model advocating urban agriculture (community gardening), food education, organic commerce, and global enrichment.
“Our food tells a beautiful soulful story,” says Gary. “The contributions of Black women are a rich part of America's culinary palette. Historically, Black chefs were not recognized and their recipes and cooking were passed off without recognition. With every bite, the flavor of our culture presents new excitement while ingredient profiles remind us of our rich culinary past. Event attendees will be treated to curated tastings with that in mind.”
This collaboration between the two Houston chefs is to raise funds for community educational programming including St. Charles Urban Community Garden, Community Kids Cook with Chef Tarsha and the Lawrence J. & Viola M. Raleigh Hospitality Education Fund. The event will feature an exclusive Bari Jenks art exhibit, spoken word by “Blacqwildflowr” and Jazz Saxophonist Dean James. Jenks is known for her African-inspired mixed media with a contemporary twist.
Current event sponsors include Title Sponsor H-E-B Diversity & Inclusion, Mortgage Dynamics, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC and 38 Reasons. For more information, visit www.ecotoneworld.com or contact Chef Gary at (832) 265.9425.
To purchase tickets for this special Juneteeth event, go to Eventbrite. Donations are also be accepted to sponsor a ticket for community members who want to attend and need financial assistance. To donate, go to http://www.ecotoneworld.com.
