San Antonio is gearing up for a mouthwatering convergence of food, art, and sustainability this Friday. Created by Chef Asantewaa Eriyani lo-Liyong, the Secret Food Stories Festival targets the pressing issue of food waste with a zero-waste themed food fest aptly titled "Waste No More". Slated to run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the San Antonio Food Bank, the event will showcase dishes that are sustainable as much as they're delicious. Asantewaa, a South Sudan-born chef and mastermind behind the festival, is determined to make a rib-tickling impression on the local food scene while benefiting the food bank, as part of the event's proceeds will go towards it.
The festival brings an a array of local culinary talent, artists, and thinkers. According to San Antonio Report, on board for this culinary adventure are Chef Dora Cervantes, Director of Food Sustainability Mitch Hagney, and Director of Sustainability Studies Benjamin Miele, all ready to delve into the finer points of food sustainability during a panel discussion. Chefs from around the area, including Monica Chandler, Ted Mariano Kelly, and Lorris Gibson, will offer samples of zero-waste dishes that are not only tasty but also emphasize reducing our culinary footprint.
Asantewaa's ethos is directly linked to her roots, where food signifies more than mere sustenance—it's about bringing the world to your table. "Every time I think of food, I think of how can we create these amazing spaces where people are connecting together and sharing with their loved ones?" she told San Antonio Report. The chef's culinary philosophy is grounded in her upbringing, where food not only told stories but brought a melange of cultures and histories into a single dish.
A competitive edge will also flavor the festival, with attendees getting to vote on their favorite zero-waste dish, most innovative recipe, and best artwork symbolizing sustainability. On top of the food, expect to feast your eyes on art pieces from Angela Weddle, Kaldric Dow, Alethia Jones and others. The feast for the eyes is complemented by music from BillyRay Sheppard, underscoring the festival's vibrant atmosphere. Asantewaa encapsulates the spirit of the festival by saying, "When all else fails, food and art and music are a universal language."
For those looking to experience this unique blend of community, culture, and consciousness, tickets for the Secret Food Stories Festival: Waste No More are priced at $75 with VIP early access available. They can be purchased online and offer an opportunity to engage with the concept of ubuntu—or the belief in the collective well-being influenced by individual actions—which is at the heart of the festival's ethos. It's an evening to savor, ponder and, most importantly, enjoy responsibly.
