Chef Brandon Walker is a celebrated local chef who has gained national attention competing on Chopped and has been featured in the book Savor: The Extraordinary Diversity of Black Chefs. He and his wife own and run Essie's in Poughkeepsie's Little Italy, offering elegant, yet casual dining and a menu that incorporates local ingredients and international flavors. Chef Walker talks about the meaning of soul food and shows us how he prepares this Sunday dinner.
In recognition of Black History Month, Poughkeepsie Farm Project teamed up with Essie’s Restaurant, Hudson Valley Farm Hub, and Celebrating the African Spirit to share delicious and locally-sourced soul food with City of Poughkeepsie residents. Many thanks to HV Farm Hub for donating the ingredients and Chef Brandon Walker of Essie’s for preparing the menu - West African roasted chicken, braised winter ale, and Pinto beans with West African poultry gravy. PFP assisted by managing the distribution of this generous gift of food, delivering 100 dinners to residents at the Smith Street Apartments and making home deliveries to some of our elderly or home-bound program participants.
Community members expressed deep gratitude and joy upon receiving the meals , and some also reflected on how the soul food flavors connected them to their family and cultural roots - one person said “I haven’t enjoyed a meal like this since Mamma.” Thank you to the many partners who joined together to make this event such a success.
Cooking with Chef Brandon Walker of Essie's Restaurant
