The Culinary Scoop

Proposals due by May 1, 2019

Landmarks Illinois, a statewide historic preservation nonprofit, is seeking a new owner for the one-of-a-kind former Johnson Publishing Company Test Kitchen, designed in 1971 by Palm Springs-based interior designers William Raiser and Arthur Elrod. Landmarks Illinois (LI) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified institutions, organizations, corporations or other entities interested in accepting ownership of the former test kitchen and reassembling it for educational display or use.

The iconic test kitchen, featuring bold colors, patterns and appliances, was previously housed on the fourth floor of the Johnson Publishing Company Building at 820 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago and was where Ebony Editor Charlotte L. Lyons would experiment with new recipes before putting them in the magazine’s monthly feature, “A Date with a Dish.” The former test kitchen strongly reflects the mod interior design styles and bright colors of the 1970s. It also corresponded with Raiser and Elrod’s interiors throughout the former Johnson Publishing Company building, designed by local African American architect John Warren Moutoussamy.

Saturday, March 30, Appellation St. Helena (ASH) will host their 10^thannual wine and food pairing event, bASH. The event, which draws attendees from all over the country, provides guests with the experience to taste wines from one of Napa Valley’s most respected viticulture areas, paired with creations from local restaurants and rising star chefs. Attendees explore the art of food and wine pairing and vote on their favorites alongside notable industry professionals.

Held in the historic barrel room at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), guests visit tasting stations where wines from about 30 wineries will be paired with savory bites prepared by culinary students, as well as by esteemed winery chefs and St. Helena restaurants. Attendees also serve as judges, tasting each combination and voting on their favorites throughout the evening, to determine the “People’s Choice” awards. Attendees consistently call it “the best food and wine event in Napa Valley.” 

Ice cream maker unveils its #1 global flavor, with everything but the cow

Dairy-free fans: your chip has come in. Ben & Jerry’s has created a vegan version of its #1 fan favorite, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

For years, Non-Dairy denizens focused on what’s not in dessert. Ben & Jerry’s celebrates what is—rich, creamy almond milk; euphoric chunks and swirls; and incredibly indulgent flavor combinations. Today’s announcement  introduces two new additions to the company’s collection of Non-Dairy frozen deliciousness:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough–Vanilla with gobs of chocolate chip cookie dough & fudge flakes

Chocolate Caramel Cluster–Chocolate with peanuts, fudge chunks & salted caramel swirls

The trip is in commemoration of the country’s “Year of Return”

A Black-owned travel agency called Sisters and Suitcases has announced that it is offering a once in a life-time opportunity for female travelers to experience the “Year of Return” in Ghana. The trip will commemorate the 400th year anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arrival to English Colonial America from Ghana in 1619. The trip will be led by the company owner, Tamaya Walker McClendon, August 9-15, 2019 or August 22-28, 2019.

“The Year of Return is the commemoration of the diaspora’s return to the continent and the opportunity for women of all backgrounds to experience Accra and how Pan-Africanism is a true part of Ghanaian culture,” Walker McClendon said. “People have come to have a negative connotation of Africa. I want to unlock this hidden gem and allow women to experience Ghana and have a taste of Africa they have never seen before — breathtaking views, loving people, delicious cuisine, cool places filled with lots culture, music and so much more.”

Five Renowned New York Chefs Curate “The Immigration of Flavor” at James Beard House, March 8, 2019, 7pm

The International Association of Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR) announces a singular culinary event, curated for International Women’s Day, featuring top first-generation immigrant chefs. WCR, these hand-selected chefs, and partners are coming together on March 8 to present a unique dinner that underscores themes of globalism in marking this important yearly celebration. Held at the storied James Beard House, the dinner’s menu, created by these celebrated chefs, marries an international array of flavors.

Featured Chefs 
Chef Einat Admony (Israel) Balaboosta, Kish-Kash, and Taim, NY. 
Chef Selassie Atadika (Ghana) Midunu Europe. NY. 
Chef Emma Bengtsson (Sweden) Aquavit, NY. 
Chef Fany Gerson (Mexico) Dough, LaNewYorkina NY 
Chef Hong Thaimee (Thailand) Thaimee Table, Thaimee Box, and Thaimee Magic NY.