Chefs Fire Up the Flavors at Bush Cook

On the fourth day of Bush Cook Chef Cook at Sejah Farm, two dozen chefs fired up their pots and pans early Saturday to create gourmet food and drinks from selected local ingredients. The public was admitted in the afternoon and swarmed from tent to tent the rest of the day, sampling exquisite bites.

The chefs were set up under tents with plenty of room for cookfires, madras balloons, and impressive cooking utensils. All of the chefs were tasked with using fresh herbs, spices, mushrooms, protein, and ripe avocados. Dishes included concoctions with local pumpkin, breadfruit, greens, goat, rabbit, and poultry. D.J. Star General provided music throughout the event. Announcements were made from time to time, including contests for chefs to win prizes. World Central Kitchen sponsored a cleaning station, and the non-profit Saafon manned the pantry.

Saafon is a non-profit organization that advocates for the collective power and prosperity of Black farmers. Ten chapters are located in the Southeastern United States, the Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean to promote Black farming, history, and culture. According to the website, the organization offers technical support to help farmers practice ecologically sustainable methods. They also train farmers, on site, and provide grants for education, infrastructure and emergencies.