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A Taste of the American Century

A Taste of the American Century

A Taste of the American Century

A Taste of the American Century

Wed, Apr 26, 2023, 5:30pm
  • AWAACC
  • August Wilson Cultural Center

Closing out the first season of Beyond the Red Door: a theatrical event series, we invite you into a unique, foodie experience in “A Taste of the American Century” on Wednesday, April 26th at 5:30pm at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

Recipes are stories and histories; they are a passing on of culture, love, and memory. Because of this, August Wilson featured many historically Black recipes and businesses throughout his plays.

The AWAACC café will transform to host an experiential dinner featuring food and dessert mentioned throughout August Wilson's American Century Cycle. The evening will have a demonstration featuring local Chef Mike Barnes of RouxOrleans' special take on recipes highlighted in the American Century Cycle.

Happy Half Hour (passed hors d'oeuvres)

  • Shrimp & Grits [JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE/THE PIANO LESSON/TWO TRAINS RUNNING/KING HEDLEY II]
  • Gumbo (Andouille and Chicken)  [MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM]
  • Coffee (NOLA) [THE AMERICAN CENTURY CYCLE]
  • Fresh Lemonade [JITNEY]

Cooking Demonstration and Tasting

  • Fried Pork Chops [THE PIANO LESSON]
  • Bread Pudding [RADIO GOLF]


Dinner (Buffet Style)

Mains

  • Fried Pork Chops [THE PIANO LESSON]
  • Creole Chicken [THE AMERICAN CENTURY CYCLE]
  • Red Beans and Rice (w/ Sausage) [SEVEN GUITARS/TWO TRAINS RUNNING]

 

Sides

  • Mixed Green Salad
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes [TWO TRAINS RUNNING/KING HEDLEY II]
  • Sautéed Green Beans [SEVEN GUITARS/TWO TRAINS RUNNING]
  • Cornbread [GEM OF THE OCEAN/THE PIANO LESSON/SEVEN GUITARS/FENCES/TWO TRAINS RUNNING]
  • Fruit Tray [FENCES]

 

Desserts

  • Bread Pudding [RADIO GOLF]
  • Mini Bourbon Pecan Pie [TWO TRAINS RUNNING]
  • Mini Sweet Potato Pie [SEVEN GUITARS]
  • King Cake [FENCES/TWO TRAINS RUNNING]

About Chef Mike Barnes of RouxOrleans 

New Orleans native who moved to Pittsburgh’s East End in 2014 with his family. While he worked in restaurants throughout his life, Chef Mike “BIG EZ” Barnes realized that he could add his own flavor to the ‘Burgh through his food. He created Roux Orleans in 2017 to bring Southern Cajun/Creole flavors up North. Chef EZ has worked in several kitchens, including his Grandmothers over the past 3 decades in Louisiana and Texas perfecting knife skills and flavor profiles from some of the best chefs in Louisiana. With Roux Orleans, Chef EZ is able to bring some of his home-grown passion to a new city while focusing on developing the communities around him through job creation.