Valentine's Day in Maine

I am looking forward to spending Valentine's Day celebrating Black History Month in Portland, Maine. Thank you for sharing the event Avery!

Maine a la Carte

Dishing on food and drink news

Vegan soul food served in celebration of Black History Month

Friday January 18, 2013 | 11:56 AM

Posted by 

Avery Yale Kamila

akamila@mainetoday.com

Vegan soul food from Wheeler del Torro
Vegan soul food from Wheeler del Torro

Do your heart some good when Chef Wheeler del Torro comes to Portland on Valentine's Day to dish up vegan eats as part of the free "An Evening Celebration of Soul Food and Jazz Music." The owner of the micro-creamery Wheeler's Frozen Desserts in Boston, a sought-after caterer and the author of "The Vegan Scoop," del Torro is interested in food justice and how food connects us with our heritage. He's also a proponent of obtaining health through food.

On Feb. 14, del Torro will show how to make a soul food inspired vegan menu of bourbon candied yams, black truffle mac and cheese and Southern braised greens, composed of beet, collard and dandelion greens. Audience members will get to sample the dishes.

A musical performance by jazz and blues singers Lorraine Bohland and Olivia Crupi and pianist Terry Foster will follow del Torro's cooking demonstration.

The event is presented by the University of Southern Maine's Office of Multicultural Affairs as part of the school's Black History Month celebrations.

The cooking demonstration and concert takes place at 5:30 p.m., Feb . 14 at the Wishcamper Center on the University of Southern Maine's Portland campus. A reception will take place during intermission. For more information, call 780-5798.