Sacramento chef invites guests behind the plate for intimate culinary experience
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
What happens when a chef’s signature dish becomes the starting point for telling their story?
That’s the idea behind The Backstory, an interactive culinary experience coming to Sacramento on Sept. 25.
From 6 to 9 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to watch Chef Wolete “Sunny” Atherley prepare a signature dish from start to finish while hearing the personal stories, challenges and inspirations that helped shape her culinary career.
Atherley is the owner and lead chef of Calabash Caribbean and Dubplate Kitchen in Sacramento. With Jamaican roots, she specializes in authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine, including oxtail, jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, and ackee and saltfish.
But The Backstory is designed to go beyond what’s on the plate.
As Atherley prepares the dish, she’ll share the experiences that influenced her approach to cooking — from the origins of her passion for food to the development of her signature flavors and style.
Guests will also have the opportunity to ask questions and get a behind-the-scenes look at the person behind the food.
The event is a fundraiser to support student scholarships and programs for the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
The goal is to give guests a deeper appreciation for the creativity and experiences that go into creating a memorable dish — and the story behind every bite.
Event details
What: The Backstory
When: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Calabash Caribbean 1431 Del Paso Boulevard, Sacramento
Tickets: $50
Click here to purchase tickets.
Chef “Sunny” and Lanaya Lewis, with NABJ Sacramento, joined KCRA Tuesday morning to discuss the event.
Click the video above to watch the full interview.
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Editor’s Note: KCRA 3’s Brandi Cummings also serves as the president of NABJ Sacramento.