New ‘Global Grains’ event to spotlight Hudson Valley businesses

A culinary journey from Africa to the Americas – centered on bread and highlighting local bakers and chefs – is the subject of Historic Hudson Valley’s new “Global Grains” event, July 13 at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow 

Voilà Afrique — a Hackensack, New Jersey, food company – will offer samples of èbà, a staple made of grains or starchy vegetables. The Hudson Oven in Croton-on-Hudson will recreate ship’s biscuits form the 18th century. Chef René León – founder of René León Catering, a Westchester County fixture for 10 years, León’s Latin Café in Thornwood in 2023, will showcase empanadas and quinoa crisps. Pam Nyambi will demonstrate the preparation of akkara fritters; Buffalo Jump NYC, Indigenous frybread. Food and beverage options include beer from New Jersey’s Montclair Brewery and sandwiches from the Kinwich food truck. 

This event offers visitors the opportunity to meet these local bakers, watch cooking demonstrations, savor samples and engage in hands-on craft activities that underscore the diverse bread-making traditions from around the globe. 

Representatives from Tarrytown’s Warner Library will be on-site to lead bilingual English and Spanish story time sessions. Visitors will be able to get creative with hands-on activities such as salt dough and paste paper. Tours of Philipsburg Manor, an 18th-century working farm and grist mill run by enslaved Africans for the Loyalist Philipse family, will be available throughout the day. 

Food and beverage options include beer from Montclair Brewery and sandwiches from Kinwich. 

Admission to Global Grains is $14; $12 for seniors and young adults 18 to 25. Children 17 and under and Historic Hudson Valley members attend free. Tickets are available for purchase online at hudsonvalley.org.