The concept of a magic kitchen has always intrigued humanity since ancient times. It is a fantastical idea of a kitchen that possesses extraordinary abilities to prepare and serve food in ways that defy conventional cooking methods. The term "magic kitchen" evokes images of enchanting ingredients, mystical utensils, and otherworldly cooking techniques. In Lewis Carroll's famous novel, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," he introduces us to the Queen of Hearts and her magical kitchen. This kitchen is described as a place where food is magically prepared and served to suit the whims and desires of its inhabitants. The Queen, known for her love of extravagance and grandeur, insists on having the most delectable and unique dishes served at her table.
a huge bowl of fish*, shrimp*, mussels*, beef, pork or chicken in a very spicy broth of thai herbs, peppers and lime. mild+, medium or hot
Dang wasn t a professional chef, but his entire family men included were excellent cooks, and his mother had been a chef for a relative of the Thai royal family, so opening a restaurant was a natural move. A series of culinary experiences that sparks children s eagerness to help in the kitchen, hosted by Fairyland s new puppet mascot, Quercus, and local Guest Chefs.
The Queen, known for her love of extravagance and grandeur, insists on having the most delectable and unique dishes served at her table. The magic kitchen is depicted as a space where the impossible becomes possible, with food creations that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. The idea of a magic kitchen transcends literature and has made its way into popular culture through movies, television shows, and even video games.
Oakland’s Magic Kitchen
A series of culinary experiences that sparks children’s eagerness to help in the kitchen, hosted by Fairyland’s new puppet mascot, Quercus, and local Guest Chefs!
Children’s Fairyland partners with Visit Oakland to invite the culinary curious for a very new event series, Oakland’s Magic Kitchen! Hosted by Quercus (kwur-kuhs), Fairyland’s brand-new puppet mascot, and a Guest Chef from Oakland’s culinary world, each event engages the audience in playful kitchen antics and demystifies the basics of cooking. Event attendees will watch in awe while the Guest Chef demonstrates the steps of a recipe, everything from preparing the ingredients and the tools they use to food facts and kitchen rules. Quercus, the ever-inquisitive Puppet, will ask the audience and Guest Chef questions to discover how it all works together to make a delectable, nutritious treat or meal. Good food is for everyone, and we hope to promote health, well-being, and the love of food for the next generation of Oaklanders.
Quercus, our fairy-special puppet mascot, makes their debut at the first event of this series, making September 16 an auspicious, delicious day! Be the first to meet and greet and eat!
It’s a Saturday service! Catch all three events at 11:30 a.m. at Aesop’s Playhouse.
September 16: Chef/Owner, Tamearra Dyson , Souley Vegan (*Oakland Vegan Trail Restaurant!)
October 7: Chef/Owner, Imani Greer , Roasted and Raw (*Oakland Vegan Trail Restaurant!)
November 11: Chef/Owner, Mica Talmor , Pomella
*What’s the Oakland Vegan Trail?
Visit Oakland launches the Oakland Vegan Trail, an online gastronomic guide that boasts 20+ plant-based restaurants found in The Town. With culinary hot spots serving up delicious globally inspired vegan cuisine from American to Chinese to Ethiopian, Filipino, Mexican, Thai and so much more, visitors can taste their way around the world – all while staying in Oakland. There’s even vegan coffee, donuts, and ice cream!
Often referred to as the “Brooklyn by the Bay,” Oakland has an abundance to offer visitors, particularly when it comes to food – specifically, plant-based food. Visit Oakland has carved out a culinary experience that caters to vegans. The trail showcases the city’s lively vegan food scene while highlighting local vegan gems ranging from family-owned eateries, to popups, to startups, to those recognized by the highly regarded Michelin Guide.
The Oakland Vegan Trail includes an overview of each restaurant, with menu highlights, location, and contact information. A detailed map directs visitors to the array of vegan restaurants scattered throughout Oakland’s vibrant neighborhoods. The online guide also includes a hearty sidebar that lists Oakland’s Vegetarian restaurants.
Chef Tamearra Dyson of Souley Vegan and Chef Imani Greer of Roasted + Raw are featured on the Oakland Vegan Trail. Check out the more than 20 vegan restaurants on the map: visitoakland.com/restaurants/oakland-vegan-trail/
Chef/Owner, Tamearra Dyson
Chef Tamearra Dyson was a single mother with zero capital when she opened her first restaurant in 2009 with about $20 something dollars in the cash register and built it from there. This 2,700 ft location now serves as the flag ship location. Since Covid 2020, Chef Dyson has opened three Souley Vegan ghost kitchens in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition, Tamearra has recently opened a sister location that sits right behind the original Souley Vegan location in Oakland. The new restaurant is called “The Back Porch, which a Cajun bar with upscale bites and serves as a “little sister” to Souley Vegan.
Recently beating Bobby Flay on the January 20, 2022 episode A Deal to Beat Bobby was the culmination of her years of hard work and her passion and creativity of vegan cooking. Having been on The Food Network a few times before, but appearing on Beat Bobby Flay was something that chef Dyson is terribly excited about. Chef Dyson holds so much respect for Chef Flay, not only for what he’s accomplished but how far he has come with his work and dedication.
Chef Dyson having come from an extremely underprivileged background enjoys motivational speaking, mentoring others, and of course the obvious…creating new recipes. Public speaking is her passion, and she wishes to one day have more time to dive into this area as she feels that she has a lot to share. Her wish is to inspire and motivate others,
Chef Dyson has accumulated many accolades from best vegan restaurant to best soul food restaurant to being voted one of the top 10 soul food restaurants in the country by USA Today . She was also voted entrepreneur of the week by Black Enterprise. She has served celebrities such as Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, and Eric Benét. Additionally, her okra gumbo was voted a Weight Watchers favorite for Oprah Winfrey‘s “2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus” tour.
Chef Dyson has been invited to speak at Tesla, several colleges, and the list goes on. Her goal is to have a future cooking show and speaking engagements, allowing her to share her story with others.
To find Tamearra on social media:
To book Tamearra, contact:
Jackie Lewis, Jackie Lewis Media
Menu Prices Are Subject to Change -- Capital City Menus Does Not Guarantee Prices
These portrayals often depict kitchens where food can be made and transformed with the wave of a wand or the utterance of a spell. In these fictional worlds, the magic kitchen becomes a source of wonder and awe, captivating audiences with its ability to create culinary masterpieces. The allure of a magic kitchen lies not only in its ability to create extraordinary dishes but also in its capacity to bring joy and happiness to people's lives. Food has always been an essential part of our human experience, and the idea of a kitchen that can transcend the limits of traditional cooking methods promises a unique and unforgettable dining experience. While the concept of a magic kitchen remains firmly rooted in the realm of fantasy, it reflects our innate desire to explore the boundaries of what is possible. As we continue to push the boundaries of culinary innovation and gastronomy, perhaps someday we will witness the emergence of technologies and techniques that can recreate the magic of the fictional kitchens that have captured our imaginations. In conclusion, the idea of a magic kitchen is a captivating concept that has been celebrated through literature and popular culture. It represents our fascination with the extraordinary and our desire to experience something beyond the ordinary. While we may not have access to a magic kitchen in reality, the magic of food and the joy it brings will continue to inspire us to explore new frontiers in the culinary world..
Reviews for "Creating a Magical Kitchen: Inspiration from Lewis Carroll's Literary Cuisine"
- John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with my experience at Magic Kitchen on Lewis. First of all, the service was incredibly slow. We waited over an hour for our food to arrive, and when it finally did, it was cold. The taste was also very bland and lacking any real flavor. The portions were small for the price we paid, and overall, it was just a really underwhelming dining experience. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a good meal.
- Sarah - 2 stars - My visit to Magic Kitchen on Lewis was quite underwhelming. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice, but the food was a major disappointment. The sushi rolls were poorly rolled and fell apart as soon as you tried to pick them up. The sashimi was not fresh and had an off-putting smell. The service was also lacking, with the waitstaff seeming disinterested and inattentive. I had high expectations for this place, but it definitely did not live up to them. I won't be returning.
- Mark - 1 star - Magic Kitchen on Lewis was a letdown. The food was tasteless and seemed like it had been sitting out for hours. The presentation was also quite messy. The service was slow and the waitstaff seemed unfriendly. Overall, it was a forgettable dining experience and I would not recommend this place to anyone. There are so many better options in the area for good Asian cuisine. Don't waste your time or money here.
- Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Magic Kitchen on Lewis, but unfortunately, it fell short. The food was mediocre at best. The flavors were bland and there was nothing that stood out about any of the dishes. It felt like it was missing that special something that would make it memorable. The service was also just okay. The waitstaff didn't seem very attentive and it took a while to get our order. Overall, it was an average dining experience that I wouldn't go out of my way to try again.