The Medicine of Food

Name: The Medicine of Food
Start: 2025-02-23T13:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-02-23T16:00:00-06:00
Location: Minneapolis American Indian Center

Schedule

Sun Feb 23 2025 at 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Minneapolis American Indian Center | Minneapolis, MN

Explore the profound connection between food, culture, and wellness at the American Indian Center in Minneapolis! This unique event, brought to you by Gentleman Forager in collaboration with Linda Black Elk and Chef Vernon DeFoe, is an immersive journey into the flavors and traditions of spring foraging and the healing power of food.
What to Expect:
Medicinal Plants & Mushrooms Presentation: Renowned ethnobotanist Linda Black Elk will share her extensive knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants and mushrooms, highlighting their cultural significance and practical uses.
Foraging Identification Presentation: Mike Kempenich, the Gentleman Forager, will teach you how to identify spring treasures like morels, ramps, and other wild-foraged ingredients to elevate your culinary adventures.
Cooking Demonstration: Watch Chef Vernon DeFoe as he prepares a delicious dish featuring wild rice, wild ramps, and golden-brown morel mushrooms. Learn how to bring this recipe to life in your own kitchen.
Hands-On Takeaways: Take home a medicinal mix curated by Linda Black Elk, showcasing the healing properties of wild plants and mushrooms.
Sampling Headwater: Taste Gentleman Forager’s Headwater, a functional mushroom beverage crafted to promote wellness through natural ingredients.
Tastings: Enjoy a sample of Chef DeFoe’s dish and experience the delicious harmony of foraged flavors and cultural traditions.
Meet the Presenters:
Chef Vernon DeFoe: A culinary leader in Indigenous food sovereignty, Vernon brings over 20 years of expertise to his role as Executive Chef at Gatherings Cafe, where he combines traditional Anishinaabe ingredients with modern techniques.
Linda Black Elk: A highly respected ethnobotanist, Linda is renowned for her knowledge of medicinal plants and mushrooms. Her work bridges the gap between traditional wisdom and modern wellness practices.
Mike Kempenich: Known as the Gentleman Forager, Mike has been a champion of wild foods and fungi for nearly two decades. He’s passionate about educating others on the wonders of foraging and the health benefits of wild ingredients.
When and Where:
Date: Saturday February 22nd and Sunday February 23rd
Time: 1:00-4:00
Location: Minneapolis American Indian Center, located at 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Why Attend?
Curated by Gentleman Forager, this event is designed to inspire, educate, and connect. From the medicinal insights of Linda Black Elk, to the culinary artistry of Chef Vernon DeFoe, and the expert guidance on mushroom identification and foraging from Mike Kempenich, you’ll leave with knowledge, flavors, and tools to embrace the power of food as medicine.