SPAC Announces Culinary Arts Events

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) recently announced the return of its “CulinaryArts@SPAC” initiative this fall and winter with three events hosted at The Pines at SPAC. Tickets for the events are available at spac.org.

Project Griddle with Steven Raichlen

Oct. 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Barbecue legend, James Beard Award–winning author, and host of PBS’s “Project Fire,” Steven Raichlen kicks off the CulinaryArts@SPAC fall season with a sizzling celebration of the griddle. In conversation with WAMC host Joe Donahue, Raichlen will share the inspiration behind his newest book, “Project Griddle”—a guide to griddles, planchas, and flat-tops packed with practical cooking techniques, chef’s shortcuts, and nearly 80 recipes. Prized for their accessibility, versatility, and fun, griddles are having a moment—and Raichlen traces their history from the teppan of Japan to the plancha of Spain to champa grilling in South America. Guests will enjoy tastings from Project Griddle including Tapas Bar Shrimp, Griddled Figs and Halloumi Cheese, Bacon-Seared Dates, Vietnamese Pork Meatballs and Manchego Crisps with Greens—alongside wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. A book signing will follow.

Chop Chop: Cooking the Foods of Nigeria with Ozoz Sokoh

Nov. 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

CulinaryArts@SPAC presents an evening of West African culture with Nigerian-born culinary anthropologist and author Ozoz Sokoh in conversation with WAMC’s Sarah LaDuke. Sokoh will share stories from her highly praised new book “Chop Chop: Cooking the Foods of Nigeria,” a guide to Nigerian cuisine featuring 100 recipes that honor and preserve the nation’s rich culinary traditions. The evening’s tasting menu will be prepared by Albany’s Keobi Restaurant, known for its authentic Nigerian dishes, and will feature dishes like Chin Chin and Puff Puff, Jollof Rice, Nigerian Salad, Egusi Soup, Fried Chicken and Mingau de Tapioca. Guests can also enjoy Afro-beat music and explore a marketplace presented by Nine Steps Away from Africa, offering handcrafted silver and beaded jewelry, balafons, soaps, musical instruments, and more. Nigerian cocktails and mocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. A book signing will follow.

Potluck Desserts to Share with Pride with Justin Burke

Dec. 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Indulge in dessert for dinner with an inclusive, joy-filled dessert potluck hosted by baker, activist, and TV personality Justin Burke, in conversation with WAMC’s Sarah LaDuke. The region’s hottest pastry chefs (including Michele Hunter of Familiar Creature, Sam Pierre of Standard Fare, and Vanessa Traver of The Reading Room) will offer sweet creations such as icebox cakes, layered desserts, self-saucing puddings and slab pies from Burke’s new cookbook Potluck Desserts. Champagne and a specialty cocktail will be curated by Saratoga Springs’ Bocage and Standard Fare. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. A book signing will follow.