During the holiday season, we often become nostalgic remembering family traditions we hold dear. But have you ever wondered how different cultures celebrate? Join us on December 14 at 7 pm CST for a virtual conversation about traditions around the world and how they're shaped by the meals we share with loved ones.
“Culinary Festivities,” the first of an ongoing Creative Culture series, celebrating creative works from around the world, will feature Kansas City culinary artists representing different cultures. They’ll discuss their favorite food traditions and even share recipes to try at home. Attendees have the opportunity to pick up free meal kits from Sura Eats in advance of the event. See Chef Keeyoung Kim's profile below for more information.
Meet the Chefs
Fannie Gibson, Fannie's West African Cuisine: Owner of Fannie’s West African Cuisine, Gibson was born and raised in Liberia in West Africa. She grew up on traditional foods prepared by her grandmother, including plambutter (a favorite), cassava leaf, fufu, groundnut soup (which is the same as peanut butter soup), and pepper soup, just to name a few.
Cooking has been a passion of Gibson's since she was young. When she came to America, Gibson wanted to share the same great foods her grandmother used to make back home. She began with a home catering business and shipping food to friends and family while posting pictures online to build a customer base. As demand for her food grew, Gibson realized her dream of opening her very own restaurant. Since April 13, 2018, Fannie’s has been the Kansas City area's go-to spot for authentic West African food.
For the Creative Culture event, Gibson will be preparing peanut butter soup, a traditional and tasty dish. It goes great with Fufu/Eba/Rice and can be served as a vegetarian dish or with your choice of meat. You can stop by Fannie's Tues-Sat (11a-7p) or Sun (1-5p) to order her peanut butter soup.
Keeyoung Kim, Sura Eats: Kim was born in Seoul, Korea and raised in the DC area. His love for and fascination with food started in his mom’s kitchen and was further realized while eating diverse foods at friends’ homes. After graduating from college with an Economics degree, he decided that his passion was food and restaurants. He's honored to have helped launch several concepts, ranging from coffee, frozen yogurt, and Italian food. Kim moved to Kansas City in January 2016, did his first “pop-up” restaurant in July of 2016, and hasn’t stopped serving Korean comfort food since!
Sura Eats is a team of people constantly seeking and preparing inspiring experiences in the form of comfort food. Many of the Korean dishes served today have evolved from those prepared exclusively for Korean royalty throughout history. The Sura Eats team believes these dishes need to be shared with anyone who has its same passion (and stomach!) for food, especially in the city that we call home, Kansas City.
For the Creative Culture event, Kim will prepare kimchi fried rice with spam and will also offer a vegan/veggie option. Attendees can order a DIY kimchi fried rice kit for two in advance of the event to make at home. Contact hello@suraeats.com to reserve your free kit.
Thomas Luna, Yoli Tortilleria: Born and currently based in KCMO, artist and KCAI graduate Thomas Luna focuses on painting, sculpture, and installation-based art. His work has been shown in Kansas City and New York City, NY, and he has curated exhibits locally. Luna's work has been published in local, national, and international magazines, including Kansas City Voices and 491 Magazine, as well as other online publications.
Luna is currently the Program Director and Gallery Manager at Vulpes Bastille Art Gallery and Studios. His passion for the arts extends past visual disciplines, having worked on curatorial exhibitions, art writing, stage sets and showcases and music packaging. His interests also lie within the culinary arts. Luna constantly expands his knowledge of the arts by exploring the facets of both his life and interests, while collaborating with artists who share similar passions.
Yoli Tortilleria is open Tues-Sat (8a-4p).
Creative Culture Art Series
In addition to this event, we’re putting out a call for entries for our Creative Culture art series. This is an opportunity to share your artwork inspired by your culture or favorite traditions. Over the next year, we’ll collect stories, illustrations, and art – and, we have some exciting ways we plan to share these! Use this form to submit your entry.
Attendance & Donation
Attendance at the December 14 event is free, but we encourage you to support the local chefs who will be presenting with a donation when you sign up.
