Robert Launay, PhD Presents ‘Appetite for Africa’ This Saturday

Chicago Historians of Chicago (CHC) presents speaker, Robert Launay, PhD, who will be presenting ‘Appetite for Africa’ from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 at Sikia Restaurant (740 W. 63rd St., Chicago), student-run by the Washburne Culinary Institute of Kennedy-King College, to introduce the varieties of West African cooking.

Dr. Launay is a Professor of Anthropology and member of the Program of African Studies at Northwestern University. Through his presentation, attendees will learn how Africans have combined native ingredients with imports from Asia and America to develop an overlooked culinary tradition that is distinctive and rich. Dr. Launay’s knowledge can be accredited to the several years he spent in the Ivory Coast living and eating with an African family. Dr. Launay has published two books, several articles about West Africa and descriptions of food in European travel literature.

Attendees are encouraged to get there early as seating is limited. To make a reservation for the lecture, please call Dawn McGlone at (630) 620-1457 or e-mail culinary.historians@gmail.com. The morning lecture is $5 for the public, $3 for students and no charge for CHC members.

An optional, all inclusive luncheon follows the program at an extra cost of $27. Paid reservations are required for the luncheon. Luncheon reservations may be made online by credit card at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/138070 or by phone at (800) 838-3006. The menu includes savory West African dishes including AKARA (Bean Cake), savory, spicy and rich Jollof Rice (Thiebou Jen), Foofoo (pounded yams served with soup), Goat and Groundnut Stew with peanuts, Fish with Attieki (fermented manioc), and Mafe hakoo (beef stewed with cassava or potato leaves). Luncheon dishes are paired with wines.

For more information, please e-mail culinary.historians@gmail.com or call (847) 432-8255.

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