11/07/2024
Look who we have serving us Delicious food at our next BlackWall Street Networking Meeting!
"THE KULTURE KITCHEN"
Maia, Treena, and Khalilah: A Culinary Journey at The Kulture Kitchen**
In the vibrant heart of The Kulture Kitchen, sisters Maia, Treena, and Khalilah carry forward a rich tapestry of culinary traditions woven through generations of strong women. Their journey began with their beloved grandmother, Rosa Lee Dunbar, affectionately known as "Big Mama," whose kitchen was a sanctuary filled with love and laughter. It was there that the sisters first learned the art of cooking, surrounded by the aromas of home-cooked meals that spoke of their roots.
Their great-grandmother, Lula Styles, who lived to an impressive 102 years, played a pivotal role in shaping their culinary identity. A resilient cotton picker from the South, Lula was a staunch advocate for fresh, local ingredients; she never set foot in a supermarket. Instead, she sourced her eggs, milk, and meat from the local live market. teaching the sisters to appreciate the value of real food. With her, they discovered exotic flavors like chicken feet, cow tongue, duck and crackling bread. She often gifted them pomegranates, affectionately calling them "Chinese apples," a reminder of her rich heritage.
Lula’s life intertwined with diverse cultures as she worked for a Jewish family, where she brought her children to share in the delights of pastrami and matzo ball soup. This blending of traditions became a cornerstone of the sisters’ culinary education. Meanwhile, Maia’s grandmother Barbara Tate nurtured their love for cooking with her flourishing garden, introducing her to the joys of squash, zucchini, eggplant, and homemade applesauce and biscuits. Each ingredient was a lesson in love, patience, and creativity.
Their mother, Rudeen Dunbar, absorbed the legacies of two generations, merging Southern traditions with the vibrant flavors of Latin and Caribbean cuisines as she raised her daughters in Spanish Harlem. Here, their culinary world expanded, connecting their Southern roots to the lively culture of El Barrio. Meals became a celebration of this fusion, from collard greens and corned beef to Spanish-style peas and rice, bacalao fritters, and baked macaroni and cheese.
Every dish they created was a tribute to their heritage, a way to honor the women who came before them. Even their adventures with local cuisine, like honied fried chicken wings from the nearby Chinese restaurant, became cherished memories that enriched their culinary repertoire.
At The Kulture Kitchen, Maia, Treena, and Khalilah have built more than just a cooking space; they have created a home where love for one another flourishes alongside their passion for food. In this kitchen, they gather to share heartfelt conversations, experiment with flavors, and celebrate the beautiful mosaic of their cultural heritage. Through each meal they prepare, they honor the legacy of their ancestors, sharing a story of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bond of family.