Food is Culture

Chefs and local business owners Victor and Ashley bring the flavors of their history to West Texas, sharing their culture through cuisine. In 2019 they opened Vizo’s African Bar & Restaurant in Lubbock, Texas. Vizos, although once just a nickname, has grown into much more. It is now a testament to the way food can expand culture into the community. Vizo’s provides the community with a pillar of connection and life around food. At United we strive to do the same thing, doing life with our guests through food and learning to appreciate new flavors, as we serve the community along the way.

"We wanted to expose African culture in West Texas through food. When it comes to black culture we want to separate the stereotypes from the actual reality and that is why Black History Month is so important. It puts a spotlight on those realities and culture."

-Victor and Ashley, Vizo’s African Bar & Restaurant

Life Happens Around Food

At United, we celebrate all life has to offer, most notably, food. Food is more than a dietary need we all have to survive, it is the life-blood of culture, as we gather together to create the moments that are who we are. At Vizo’s, Victor and Ashley have created moments where their culture and history come to the table to meet with West Texas tradition.

"Life happens around food -- That’s what we love at United we get to do life with our guests every day. And you guys are doing the same thing, life with your guests."

-Kelsey, The United Family

Recipe

Vegetable Soup

• 3 red bell peppers
• 1 red onion
• 2 cups of palm oil or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons beef bouillon
• 3 lbs of spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 6 servings of beef (or protein of choice)
• 2 tablespoon of crayfish (optional)
• 2 habenaro (optional)

Boiled Meat

• 6 servings of beef (or protein of choice)
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of beef bouillon
• 3 bay leaves
• 6 cups of water

Vegetable Soup Instructions

• Warm up 2 cups of oil in a clean pot for 3-5 minutes on medium heat.
• Add in coarsely blended red bell peppers and onions (strain out liquid after blending) simmer for 10 minutes on medium heat. Stir intermittently to avoid burning.
• Add in already pre-cooked protein of choice.
• Add in salt, bouillon and habanero (optional).
• Let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• Add in already washed spinach (stir and let cook simmer for 5-10 minutes).
• Top with crayfish (optional) and let it sit for 3 minutes.
• Stir and turn off the heat.

Fufu (Pounded Yam)

• 1 cup of yam or corn flour
• 2 cups of water

Fufu Instructions

• Mix 1 cup of yam or corn flour and 2 cups of water
• Put in the microwave for 3 minutes
• Mix (add a 1/4 cup of water if needed) and put in the microwave for 3 minutes (total of 6 minutes)