Date Night At COOK In Philadelphia

When Jackie Nwobu of Munaluchi Bride asked if I’d like to be a lifestyle editor for the publication, it didn’t take long for me to start concepting my first article. My idea for the shoot was a new take on date night.  Instead of just a night at the movies, I wanted to show couples doing something truly engaging, romantic and fun.  And I couldn’t think of a more perfect date than a night out at COOK, a “kitchen-classroom” in the heart of Philadelphia, where guests can be treated to cooking classes from the city’s best chef’s and hometown heroes like of Questlove of the Roots.

On a cool fall day, four beautiful couples arrived at COOK, some recently married, others just engaged. I was so excited to be producing my very first magazine shoot. It was also a nice moment for our couples, who were going to be a part of the first Lifestyle shoot for the magazine. Our guests were treated to a day of cooking together and connecting as couples to create a dish by Chef Kionh Banh, Executive Chef at Twenty Manning Grill.  It was such a romantic evening and an amazing collaboration with a number of talented women of color. A beautiful tablescape, complete with florals was designed by Erganic Design & Living and photos of the day were taken by talented New York photographer, Petronella Lugemwa. Everyone had a great time at the shoot, and best of all, all that cooking was the perfect encouragement for everyone to spend a few hours after the shoot hanging out at another local restaurant.  For the full feature including the recipe for the ahi tuna summer rolls that were made, see the Fall/Winter issue of Munaluchi Bride Magazine on newsstands now, and turn to page 94.  I hope it gives you some ideas for your next date night.

 {Production: Jeanine Hays; Photography: Petronella Photography; Styling and Floral Design: Erganic Design & Living; Food Styling: Executive Chef Kiong Banh, Twenty Manning Grill.  Couples: Courtney Arrington-Baldwin & Donnell Baldwin; Shanae Salley & Lucas Robinson; Latrice Doctor & Steven Chambers; Christine Jones & Jared Jones}