Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
- 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Central. Arrive 5–10 minutes early to sign in and get settled.
Willy St. Co-op Cooking Class: Elements of African Gumbo
A Voodoo Seasoning packet is the confirmed make-and-take project at Willy Street Co-op’s Nov. 12 gumbo class. The two-hour session is otherwise organized around a demonstration, sampling and discussion of Louisiana food traditions—not a promise that participants will cook every listed dish.
A discussion of food traditions, with gumbo as the lens
The class, titled “Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African,” takes up Louisiana’s history, culture and foods through ingredients and cultural traditions associated with gumbo. Steffry Langham is the named instructor. The description sets out a broad discussion and sampling, rather than a step-by-step gumbo recipe.
The listing does not specify particular historical examples or explain how each dish connects to the class’s African focus. That makes this a better fit for someone interested in a guided conversation about food and tradition than for a cook seeking a detailed recipe lesson.
Further reading: Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗ · Willy St. Co-op Cooking Class: Elements of African Gumbo - Visit Middleton ↗

Four dishes on the menu; one defined hands-on activity
The announced menu names jambalaya, okra and tomato stew, calas, and hush puppies. The class description also promises sampling of foods connected to gumbo, but does not say which dishes will be sampled or that participants will prepare them.
Each attendee will make a Voodoo Seasoning packet to take home. That is the specific participant-made outcome; the rest of the class is described as a demonstration with limited hands-on opportunities.
Further reading: Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗ · Willy St. Co-op Cooking Class: Elements of African Gumbo - Visit Middleton ↗
A demonstration with a small make-and-take
The published format combines discussion and sampling with limited hands-on participation. Making the Voodoo Seasoning packet is the specific activity participants are promised.
2026-11-12 · Willy Street Co-op West
- Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African — demonstration with limited hands-on opportunities, led by Steffry Langham. The listed menu includes jambalaya, okra and tomato stew, calas and hush puppies; participants make a Voodoo Seasoning packet to take home.
Before you go
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
The class runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Arrive 5–10 minutes early to sign in and get settled.
Willy St. Co-op Cooking Class: Elements of African Gumbo - Visit Middleton ↗ · Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
Willy Street Co-op West
The class is listed at 6825 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562.
Willy St. Co-op Cooking Class: Elements of African Gumbo - Visit Middleton ↗ · Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
$30 for owners; $40 for non-owners
The co-op lists admission at $30 for owners and $40 for non-owners. A registration form is provided by the organizer. The published class capacity is 10; remaining availability is not confirmed.
Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
Ages 13 and up, with adult supervision
Participants must be at least 13 years old, and adult supervision is required. The listed capacity is 10.
Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
Recipes list three allergens
The co-op identifies milk, tree nuts and wheat in the recipes. Contact the organizer well ahead of class about allergies or dietary restrictions.
Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
Clothing, scents and class etiquette
Getting to the Co-op West
Destination and directions
The event is listed at Willy Street Co-op West, 6825 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562. The co-op identifies the West store as being between Park Street and Mayflower Drive. The event listing names the store but does not specify a separate classroom entrance.
The supplied map links can calculate directions from your starting point. The event details do not provide transit, parking or step-free access information.
Willy St. Co-op Cooking Class: Elements of African Gumbo - Visit Middleton ↗ · Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗ · Store Locations and Hours | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
Before you make a plan
Is this a hands-on cooking class?
It is described as a demonstration with limited hands-on opportunities. The specifically announced make-and-take activity is a Voodoo Seasoning packet.
Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
Who can attend?
The class is for ages 13 and up, and adult supervision is required.
Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
What allergens are listed?
The recipes contain milk, tree nuts and wheat. The co-op asks guests to contact it well in advance about allergies or dietary restrictions.
Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Contact the co-op at least 72 hours before class for a full refund. Later cancellations are not refunded, though the paid seat may be gifted to someone else.
Cultural Influences of Gumbo: African | Willy Street Co-op | Madison, WI ↗
Location & Google Maps
Willy Street Co-op West
6825 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
