Detroit, a city known for its vibrant culture and innovative spirit, is gearing up for a unique culinary event that promises to be a feast for the senses. Detroit is Different, and Build Institute have joined forces to launch the inaugural Collard Green Cook-Off—an exciting competition that will unite urban farmers, caterers, and chefs from across Detroit. This gathering of culinary talents aims to spotlight the rich cultural diversity of collard greens while celebrating healthy eating and fostering a sense of community.
Scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 4 to 9 p.m., the Collard Green Cook-Off will unfold at the Detroit is Different Garden, nestled at 1634 Clements in Detroit. This event serves as a culinary showdown and as a cornerstone of Detroit is Different’s A Lot of Studio Podcast & Performance Summer Series. Attendees can look forward to live performances by renowned artists such as Queen of Blues, Thornetta Davis, and Luther ‘Bad Man’ Keith.
The event will be more than just a cook-off. Piper Cart and Comedian T Barb, notable Detroit is Different podcasters, will engage in insightful discussions about urban farming and gardening in Detroit. Collaborating with the Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund, they will host representatives including Erin Bevel of Detroit Black Food Security Community Network, Jerry Hebron of Oakland Ave Urban Farm, Tepfirah Rushdan of Keep Growing Detroit, and Shakra Tyler of Detroit People’s Food Co-Op. Together, they will shed light on the nuances of growing fresh foods within the city.
Khary Frazier, the founder of Detroit is Different, exclaims, “This event is going to be a shining example of what community, creativity, culture, and fun is for Legacy Detroiters.” Frazier highlights the event’s significance in celebrating the cultural heritage of collard greens while encouraging healthier eating habits and culinary exploration.
Build Institute, an empowering force in Detroit’s entrepreneurial landscape proudly takes on the event’s official sponsor role. With a focus on fostering business growth, especially among underrepresented and under-resourced communities such as Blacks and Latinx, Build Institute’s support adds a layer of significance to the cook-off.
“We are proud to support this event and encourage everyone to come out and experience the culinary creativity & Detroit community,” states Regina Ann-Campbell, President & CEO of Build Institute. She emphasizes that collard greens, while deeply rooted in Southern cuisine, are versatile and healthful, lending themselves to a variety of delectable dishes.
A panel of expert judges, including Comedian Coco, Tepfirah Rushdan of Keep Growing Detroit, and Brittany March of It’sFoodDetroit, will evaluate the collard green creations based on factors like taste, texture, presentation, creativity, and the use of local or seasonal ingredients. Winners will be rewarded with gift cards and cooking equipment, adding a competitive edge to the event.
The Collard Green Cook-Off promises an inclusive and engaging atmosphere, as admission is free and open to the public. Attendees will be able to savor the culinary creations, interact with participants, and learn about the myriad health benefits of collard greens.
For those eager to explore this unique culinary experience, additional details about the Collard Green Cook-Off, participation, and sponsorship opportunities can be obtained by contacting [email protected]. As the event draws near, excitement is building, and Detroit is gearing up for a memorable celebration of culture, community, and culinary innovation.
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