Local chefs honor African-American tradition with a special dish

BALTIMORE— For many, food remains a fundamental part of embracing culture and tradition, especially during the holidays.

Two local chefs have special cuisine that they prepare as a way of paying homage to those who have come before them.

Chef David and Tonya Thomas of Heirloom Food Group, who have already prepared more than 100 holiday meals, have already sold out due to pre-orders.

From the fish that signifies moving forward, to the loaves of golden cornbread that represent wealth, every element on the plate has symbolic meaning.

“When you think of vegetables, you think of money, you think of prosperity. And then black eyed peas, it’s about luck, blessings, prosperity, wealth,” said David Thomas. “Many of these came across the waters with us from Africa, so these are deep-rooted traditions that came with us and changed, there are variations across the country.”

In all cultures, the new year is a time to set goals and look forward to the year ahead.

For David, this New Year’s tradition is about celebrating prosperity, while celebrating the historic triumphs of the African-American community. “This kitchen is more than food, it’s history, it’s about a legacy of people who made something out of nothing.”