This gumbo hits The Spot: How Prospect KC’s own students cooked up a prize-winning competition entry
October 26, 2023 | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
Gumbo Fest brought two victories for Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant and the Prospect KC.
Students from the Prospect KC serve members of the public at the 2023 Gumbo Fest competition; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
Not only did the weekend event earlier this month raise money to support the Prospect KC’s mission — empowering individuals and communities through increased food access, nutrition education and culinary job training — the Prospect KC’s culinary students also took home the award for best gumbo.
“The success of this year’s festival was a testament to the incredible community spirit that surrounds us,” shared McAfee-Bryant, founder and executive director of the Prospect KC, as well as leader organizer of its annual Gumbo Fest competition. “Together, we created a vibrant tapestry of flavors, cultures, and compassion that reminded us of the power of good food and good company. From the delightful aromas that wafted through the air to the joyful sounds of laughter and live music, we gathered vibrantly through the philosophy that gumbo represents.”
Community members braved cool fall temperatures and drizzle to attend the second year for Gumbo Fest — a popup event Oct. 15 on the patio of The Spot, the Prospect KC’s “for purpose” urban eatery in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District.
Students from the Prospect KC with judges and organizers at the 2023 Gumbo Fest competition; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
The students who cooked up the winning entry are a part of Prospect KC’s current cohort for its 16-week job training program, where “prospects” receive on-the-job culinary training.
“(This student cohort) is an enthusiastic, talented group of individuals eager to learn and practice culinary and technical skills leading to apprenticeships and employment as part of our progressive, on-the-job training and classroom instruction,” McAfee-Bryant said. “They also produce high-quality food for The Spot café and coffeeshop and meals for those in the community who need access to healthier food options.”
Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant of the Prospect KC announces the winning entry at the 2023 Gumbo Fest competition; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
McAfee-Bryant was inspired to start the competition after reading former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial’s book “The Gumbo Coalition,” in which he uses gumbo as a symbol for community development, she said.
“The event celebrates the revitalization of the financially disinvested east side and speaks of the hope for the future,” McAfee-Bryant noted in a news release.
RELATED: Chef Shanita’s urban eatery sets the table for prospects to access power
Chef Bradley Gilmore of Lula Southern Cookhouse poses during the 2023 Gumbo Fest competition; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
Gumbo prepared by Waldo Thai for the 2023 Gumbo Fest competition; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
The winning gumbo entry from the Prospect KC’s culinary students bested six other entries — including the 2022 winner, Chef Bradley Gilmore of Lula Southern Cookhouse — and impressed the panel of judges: Ryana Parks-Shaw, mayor pro tem for Kansas City, Missouri; Shaylyn Dean, director of external affairs for Spire; Drew Eanes, senior client solutions manager at JE Dunn; Katie Van Luchene, lifestyle columnist and author; Dia Wall, KSHB news anchor; and Loren Hallifax, WDAF news anchor.
“The presentation of the seafood skewer was a great touch and the cornbread on top added a nice complement to the flavor,” Wall said about the students’ entry.
“The depth of flavor in the roux was the perfect mix of spicy and rich,” Dean added.
Gilmore’s gumbo entry for Lula took second place with Waldo Thai’s earning third. The entry from BoysGrow — a nonprofit organization that mentors urban youth through agricultural entrepreneurship — won the People’s Choice Award.
Other competitors included Kanbe’s Markets and Thelma’s Kitchen.
Check out a gallery of additional photos from Gumbo Fest below.
Featured Business
2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Court clutter on trial: Olathe legal tech startup puts boxes of evidence one touch away
A Kansas-built innovation is reshaping courtroom outcomes with its one-touch trial prep platform that already has helped attorneys secure billions in verdicts with ease, said Jay Rutler. “I have a reputation for solving complicated problems,” added Rutler, founder and CEO of Litigen, and founder of ICON, a casino chip manufacturer. “A friend of mine, a…
Why a City Market favorite is jumping the state line — to the food court at Oak Park Mall
Its Brazilian dishes — using recipes the owners grew up eating in São Paulo — have been a City Market draw for more than a decade. Now Taste of Brazil restaurant is expanding to Johnson County, but as a quick-serve kiosk with a limited menu. Taste of Brazil Express plans a late September opening in…
Spiced side hustle gives this Kansas culinary teacher a kick (and a growing market)
Richard Wilks is bringing heat to Kansas’ food scene. A chef and community-builder at heart, Wilks created Burro, a line of chili and garlic crunch oils, sauces, and seasonings designed to fuel real connection around the table. His growing lineup can be spotted at the Overland Park Farmers Market, where loyal customers keep coming back…
Animal health innovators: Building on a new frontier means do-overs, even when you got it right first
Kansas City-based ELIAS Animal Health earned full USDA approval for its bone cancer therapy for dogs earlier this year, but the road to commercialization has been long and anything but straight, Tammie Wahaus shared. The veteran CEO shared her story of pivots — including switching from human health to animal health and adapting to ever-changing…