A sampling of soul food, jazz music

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 turnip, mustard, beet, collard and dandelion greens. Audience members will get to sample all the dishes. 

Additional Photos

Wheeler del Torro Courtesy photo

"The Vegan Scoop" is the product of chef Wheeler del Torro, who owns Wheeler's Frozen Desserts in Boston. Courtesy photo

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 event will be held 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.

Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at 791-6297 or at: [email protected]

Twitter: AveryYaleKamila

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