Table 86

In the Season 2 Finale of Table 86 Podcast, we are joined by Meiko Temple. Meiko Temple is a self-taught home cook and the vibrant personality behind the food blog Meiko And The Dish, where she shares fresh and soulful recipes inspired by her upbringing. In addition to being at the helm of her own blog, Meiko is also a very successful freelance creative director and consultant who is skilled at helping brands bring their ideas to their life. She is passionate about uplifting and creating spaces for historically underrepresented food creatives and the organizer behind the wildly popular Black History Month Virtual Potluck and Juneteenth Virtual Cookout.

In this episode, Meiko shares why she left her job in Corporate America to pursue blogging full time and the skills she’s been able to cultivate as a result of taking that leap. In the Table Topic, Meiko offers some insight into the transferable skills she's developed as a result of food blogging and how they have contributed to her professional success in other areas. 

Learn more about Meiko Temple and Meiko and the Dish below:

• Website: meikoandthedish.com
• Instagram: @meikoandthedish
• Twitter: @meikoandthedish
• Facebook: @meikoandthedish

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Myself, Meiko and some other very talented Black culinary creators have joined forces to create Eat the Culture. The purpose of Eat the Culture is  to create community-centered spaces that nurture, support & amplify Black culinary creators. To kick-off this entity, we have created our first "Eat the Culture Video Challenge" including a video course that will teach you how to make crave able tasty style videos. If you're a Black culinary creator who's interested in joining our challenge or who wants access to our free course visit EatTheCulture.com today to learn more and to sign up.

Tracey Johnson is a full-time historian and part-time home cook. She turned her obsession with Trader Joe's into the successful Instagram page Tracey Joe's which features delicious, easy-to-make recipes using Trader Joe's ingredients.

In this episode, Tracey shares how a research trip to the National Archives in New York inspired her to start her Instagram account, her creative process for developing recipes with products found at Trader Joe's and her forthcoming cookbook: Cooking with Five Ingredients from Trader Joe's. In the Table Topic, I ask for Tracey's recommendations for creating meals from some of my favorite Trader Joe's products.

Learn more about Tracey, follow the Tracey Joe's Instagram account, and preorder her cookbook below: 

• Website: traceyjoes.com
• Instagram: @traceyjoes
• Preorder the 5 Ingredient Meals from Tracey Joe's Cookbook here!

Instagram Accounts recommended by Tracey Joe's in this episode:

• @joesbeforebros
• @blackgirlsintraderjoes

Trader Joe's products mentioned in this episode:

• Furikake Seasoning
• Soy Chorizo
• Jalapeno Hot Sauce
• Pork Belly
• Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
• Thai Curry Simmer Sauce (Red or Green)
• "Everything but the Elote" Seasoning
• Soffrito Seasoning
• Pork Carnitas

In this episode Sarita shares how a trip to Napa Valley propelled her interest in wine. She also shares how the podcast she produces The Swirl Suite helped her to center Black women in the wine industry, and how through blogging and writing she has been able to think outside of the box to educate consumers and make wine more accessible to everyone. In the Table Topic, I lead a fun "unconventional wine pairing" exercise where Sarita offers her recommendations for pairing wine with some of your favorite corner store snacks!

Learn more about Sarita Cheaves, listen to The Swirl Suite podcast, and read her blog Vine Me Up below:

• Website: vinemeupdc.com
• Podcast: swirlsuite.com
• Facebook: /vinemeup
• Instagram: @vinemeup
• Twitter: @vinemeup
• TikTok: @vinemeupdc

Below are the wine and snack pairings that were mentioned by Sarita.

• Snickers and Chardonnay (Oaked)
• Ice Cream Sandwiches and California Zinfandel 
• Hot Fries or Flaming Hot Cheetos and Tokaji or Tokay 
• Funyun Rings and Chardonnay (Oaked or Unoaked)
• Cherry Popsicle and Rosé (Pinot Noir)
• Chico Sticks and Red Blend (Portuguese)
• Popcorn and Cava or Champagne

Also mentioned by Sarita Cheaves in this episode:

• Black Ankle Vineyards
• Purchase Vine Me Up Activity Book

Anela Malik is the food and lifestyle influencer at the helm of Feed the Malik. She is a writer, cat lover, and traveler who shares truly tasty treats and experiences with an eye towards thoughtful, intentional consumption. Through her platform she shares diverse food stories, simple recipes and sourdough methods, travel inspiration, and more. 

In this episode, Anela shares how her love of travel, trying new cuisine and her career as a diplomat influenced the creation of Feed the Malik. She also describes the experiences that led her to pursue content creation as a full time career, challenges she's encountered as a content creator of color, and the resources she has used to sustain this entrepreneurial endeavor. In the Table Topic, Anela provides us with invaluable insight on how we can best support Black content creators and businesses.

Learn more about Anela Malik and Feed the Malik below. You can also support her via her Patreon: patreon.com/feedthemalik

• Website: feedthemalik.com
• Instagram: @feedthemalik
• Twitter: @feed_the_malik
• TikTok @feedthemalik

When it comes to creating stellar social media and blogging content, quality and consistency should always be top of mind. In this Table Topic, we revisit Episode 20 where food and lifestyle blogger Dominek Tubbs of Dom N’ the City gives us the tips and tools she uses to work smarter, to gather inspiration, and to automate her social media and blog content.

Learn more about Dominek Tubbs and Dom N’ The City below:

• Website: domnthecity.com
• Instagram: @domnthecity 
• Twitter: @domnthecity
• Facebook: /domnthecity
• Pinterest: /domnthecity
• LinkedIn: /dominektubbs 

Social media tools and apps recommended by Dominek Tubbs in this episode:

• Planoly
• Canva
• Squarespace
• Hootsuite
• Later 
• Lightroom
• Pinterest
• Unfold

Kae Lani Palmisano is the Emmy Award-winning host of WHYY's Check, Please! Philly, a television show that explores dining throughout the Philadelphia region as well as the host and writer of WHYY's Delishtory, a digital series on the history of food.  She is also the host of a podcast called Amuse-Bouche which explores the food industry's big ideas and shares them in small bites.

In this episode, Kae Lani dives into how her blogging and journalism career helped prepare her to take on roles as the Food and Travel Editor of USA Today and aided her in becoming an award-winning television show host. We also discuss her experiences as a woman of color navigating the media industry, and her passion for writing stories and giving exposure to underrepresented business owners and professionals in the food industry.  In the Table Topic, Kae Lani gives us her tips for strengthening your presence and getting more comfortable in front of a camera. 

Learn more about Kae Lani Palmisano below:

• Personal Instagram: @kaelanisays
• Personal Twitter: @kaelanisays
• Amuse Bouche Podcast Website: amusebouche.substack.com
• Amuse Bouche Podcast Instagram: @amusebouchepod
• Amuse Bouche Podcast Twitter: @amusebouchepod
  

Demond Mullen (also known as DJ) is the owner of SWEEETHEAT Sauces and Rubs. Based in Willow Grove, PA, SWEEETHEAT Sauces and Rubs are sold at many local retailers in the Philadelphia area including Di Bruno Brothers, Weaver's Way, Kimberton Whole Foods and many more. He describes his products as all natural with multiple layers of flavor that start off sweet and end with a mild flavorful touch of heat. 

In this episode, DJ shares how SWEEETHEAT Sauces and Rubs were born out of his catering business, Streetside BBQ, and how he increased his product distribution by focusing on more localized growth strategies.  In the table topic, DJ gives us his tips on how to get your products into local retailers.

Learn more about Demond and SWEEETHEAT Sauces and Rubs below:

• Website: sweeetheat.com
• Instagram: @sweeetheat_ssb
• Facebook: /sweeetheat
• Twitter: @sweeetheat_ssb

Did you know that there are more than one hundred Black-owned spirits brands? If you're interested in imbibing in a few (but don't know where to start), then this is the episode for you. In this this table topic mini-episode, we revisit Episode 17: Building a Black-Owned Wine and Spirits Brand, where I was joined by Sean McCloud, the founder and owner of A Taste of the Culture. A Taste of the Culture is the first membership community and monthly subscription service dedicated exclusively to Black-owned wine & spirits.

Listen in as Sean give us his top picks for Black-owned spirits brands that you can support today and what makes them so special! You can also grab his full list of recommendations below.

Learn more about Sean McCloud and A Taste of the Culture below.

• Website: atasteoftheculture.com
• Instagram: @atasteoftheculture
• Facebook: /atasteoftheculture
• Twitter: @atasteofthecul1
  

Black-owned Spirits Brands recommended by Sean McCloud in this episode:

Gin

• HH Bespoke Gin by Harlem Habberdashery
•  Ingenious Gin (Also veteran-owned)

Vodka

• Black Leaf Vodka 
  • As Legacy Vodka
  • Quiet Storm Vodka (Passionfruit)
  • PLUSH Vodka (Plum)

Bourbon / Whiskey

• Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
• Brough Brothers Bourbon
• Fresh Bourbon
• Guidance Whiskey
• Bull Young Bourbon
• Majesty Georgia Bourbon Whiskey
• River Basin Hand-Finished Rye Whiskey  
• Exclave Rye Whiskey

Rum

• Twelv 31 (Rum and Vodka)
• House of Angostura Rum 

Liqueur, Cordials, and Mixers

• LS Cream Liqueur 
  • Perfectly Cordial 
  • Hella Cocktail Company
• Avec Jalapeño and Blood Orange Mixer
  

• Personal Instagram: @chefophus
• Business Instagram: @ttspices
• Website: ttspices.com

In this Table Topic Mini-Episode, we head back to our Season 2 Premiere (Episode 13), when special event curator and culinary enthusiast Adeola Sokunbi gave us insight on planning and executing top notch events.  Adeola has combined her personal love for food and professional expertise in connecting people to create Yolaskitchen. Yolaskitchen started as an intimate monthly supper club in 2016, and now the brand is expanding into consumer goods. 

Listen in as Adeola shares her tips for curating exceptional and unique dining experiences that will wow your guests. Tips she's gathered not only from planning dinner parties for Yolaskitchen, but also from working for some of the world’s largest and most iconic brands like Coca-Cola and the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

Learn more about Adeola and Yolaskitchen below.

• Website: yolaskitchen.com
• Instagram: @yolaskitchen
  

Marta Rivera Diaz is a formally trained chef with more than 25 years of cooking and baking experience. She created her blog Sense & Edibility to encourage advanced and novice cooks, alike, to explore and succeed at executing culinary fundamentals and techniques never before explained to them. Marta melds her multicultural background and extensive travel history into creative recipes that inspire others. She is the proud wife of a retired U.S. Army soldier and the proud mother of 15-year-old twins and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas.

In this episode, Marta shares how her path into a culinary career was greatly influenced by her Puerto Rican and Black heritage, military upbringing,  and formal education. She also gives us her advice on bringing your full authentic self to your blog, and how to best combat the imposter syndrome many of us experience as we build our brands. In the table topic, Marta shares a special dish that represents her multicultural background and gives us some history on each of the ingredients.

Learn more about Marta and Sense & Edibility below:

• Instagram: @senseandedibility 
• Facebook: /Senseandedibility 
• Twitter: @ediblesense 
• LinkedIn: Marta A. Rivera Diaz

Recipes mentioned by Marta in this episode:

• Merlot-Braised Beef Short-Ribs
• Bacalaitos (Puerto Rican Salted Codfish)
• Cheesy Grits with Garlic

It's National Food Truck Week (June 20th - June 27th)! For our first Table Topic Mini-Episode, we're celebrating with Ariel D. Smith, the founder of The Food Truck Scholar and host of its podcast! Her platform seeks to amplify Black voices in the food truck industry, educate current and aspiring food truckers, and inspire those in and beyond the food truck and entrepreneurship fields. 

In this Table Topic, Ariel gives us her top Black-owned food truck picks across a number of fun categories. If you're interested in hearing more, catch the full episode here: A History of Black-Owned Food Trucks with Ariel D. Smith of The Food Truck Scholar, and be sure to follow Ariel at the links below:

• Website: TheFoodTruckScholar.com 
• Instagram: @thefoodtruckscholar 
• YouTube: The Food Truck Scholar 
• Twitter: @FoodTruckSchola 
• Facebook: The Food Truck Scholar Page 
• Clubhouse: @FoodTruckSchola

Black-owned Food Trucks mentioned in this episode:

• Aw Shucks - Birmingham, AL
• The Beignet Bar - Nashville, TN
• The Guac Box - West Lafayette, IN
• R & R Extreme Wings - Indianapolis, IN
• Lip Smacking' Creations Food Medic - Nashville, TN
• Pop Goes the Waffle - St. Petersburg, FL

From styling A-List celebrities on Fifth Avenue to working under the tutelage of famous chefs like Marcus Samuelson and JJ Johnson, Chef Rasheeda Purdie boasts an impressive resume full of vibrant experiences, all of which she has poured into her ramen business, Ramen by Rā. Launched during the global pandemic, Ramen by Rā offers exclusive “dine-in” ramen experiences for guests to indulge in the comfort of their own homes. 

In this episode, Rasheeda shares how and why she decided to explore becoming a professional, and how her curiosity, creativity, and commitment to lifelong learning aided her in making that leap. She also shares how her business, Ramen by Rā was birthed through deep appreciation, education, and passion for ramen and its origins in Asia. In the table topic, she gives her tips for making healthy and versatile ramen dishes at home.

If you're in the New York area and would like an opportunity to support her - Rāsheeda is currently doing a special Juneteenth Roots + Ramen experience! You can also learn more about Rāsheeda, follow her cooking adventures and stay up-to-date on her upcoming experiences below:

• Website: ramenbyra.com
• Instagram: @ramenbyra
• E-mail: ra@ramenbyra.com

People and products mentioned in this episode by Rāsheeda Purdie:

• Chef Marcus Samuelsson ( Red Rooster / New York)
• Chef Melba Wilson (Melba's / New York)
• Chef JJ Johnson (FIELDTRIP / New York)
• National Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington, DC)
• Sun Noodle Ramen

You can also stay up-to-date with Table 86 podcast and my blog at the links below:

Website - geostablephl.com // table86podcast.com 

Instagram - @geostable // @table86podcast

 Twitter - @geostablephl

• Website: margoscreativelife.com
• Instagram: @margotscreativelife
• Facebook: /margoscreativelife
• LinkedIn: Margo Gabriel

Articles written by Margo Gabriel mentioned in this episode:

• A Dish With Joy In Every Bite: Griot and Pikliz - Butcher Box
• Find and Keep New Friends During a Pandemic - New York Times
• Hernâni Miguel Creates a Place for Culture, Music and Food at Lisbon’s Tabernáculo - Cuisine Noir

Dominek “Dom” Tubbs is a food and lifestyle blogger based in Harlem. Through her blog, Dom N’ the City as well as through social media, she has become known as the go-to guide for eating your way through New York City. She is passionate about highlighting businesses from marginalized communities and loves sharing quick and easy recipes for at home.  When she isn't indulging in the flavors of the city or creating content for her site, Dom works for an innovative tech startup company in an operations management role.

In this episode, Dom shares her tips and tools for working smarter and striking balance as a content creator who also has a successful full-time career and as her and I dive deep on the ways in which we stay committed to buying black.

Learn more about Dominek Tubbs and Dom N’ The City below:

• Website: domnthecity.com
• Instagram: @domnthecity 
• Twitter: @domnthecity
• Facebook: /domnthecity
• Pinterest: /domnthecity
• LinkedIn: /dominektubbs 

Black-owned Products mentioned in this episode:

• Black Bread Co.
• Boss Blend Coffee
• The Spice Suite

Social media tools and apps recommended by Dominek Tubbs in this episode:

• Planoly
• Canva
• Squarespace
• Hootsuite
• Later
  

Martina Jackson is a professional photographer, food blogger, and founder of Drea & Co. - a lifestyle platform. She recently added the title of self-published author to her resume with her first cocktail book: After Hours. Martina’s joy for life is at the forefront of her work and woven throughout every cocktail recipe and project that she touches. Whether it’s home styling tips or food and beverage adventures, Martina seeks to face every day with a light heart and a dash of luxury.

In this episode, Martina shares her journey in self-publishing and how this passion project helped her evolve and cultivate new skills as a creative and entrepreneur. In the Table Topic, Martina gives her considerations and tips for embarking on your own self-publishing journey.

Learn more about Martina Jackson, Drea & Co., and purchase her phenomenal cocktail book below:

• Website: dreaandcompany.com
• For Purchase: After Hours Cocktail Book
• Instagram: @martina.drea | @dreaandcohome  
• Facebook: /martina.dreaandco | /dreaandcohome

Mentioned by Martina Jackson in this episode:

• Tanisha Pinex (Photographer)
• Cliff Canon (Photographer)
• BLK and Bold Specialty Beverages

• Website: BlackFoodFridays.com
• Instagram: @blackfoodfridays
• Tik Tok: @blackfoodfridays
• Facebook: /BlackFoodFridays
• Clubhouse: Blackfoodfridays
• Twitter: @blkfoodfridays

Mentioned by KJ Kearney in this episode:

• Black Food Fridays brings Black history to TikTok - TODAY Show Article
• Bertha's Kitchen in North Charleston - James Beard Award-Winning Restaurant 
• Anela Malik of Feed the Malik
• Dominek Tubbs of Dom n' the City

Sean McCloud is the founder and owner of A Taste of the Culture, the first membership community dedicated exclusively to Black-owned wine & spirits. Members of this private member community receive a monthly subscription box that includes a black-owned wine or spirit, a black-owned mixer, recipes & suggested serves as well as a home bar accessory. Through this community, Sean strives to elevate black-owned brands and at the same time make them more accessible.

In this episode, Sean discusses how the memory of his grandfather and a career in the spirits industry helped him to actualize A Taste of the Culture as an entrepreneurial endeavor. He also shares why he chose a subscription-based business model to reach and educate the masses on Black-owned wine and spirits. Before he goes he provides us his top picks for Black-owned wine and spirits (a list you can grab below).

Learn more about Sean McCloud and A Taste of the Culture below.

• Website: atasteoftheculture.com
• Instagram: @atasteoftheculture
• Facebook: /atasteoftheculture
• Twitter: @atasteofthecul1

Black-owned Wine and Spirits Brands recommended by Sean McCloud in this episode:

Gin

• HH Bespoke Gin by Harlem Habberdashery
•  Ingenious Gin (Also veteran-owned)

Vodka

• Black Leaf Vodka 
  • As Legacy Vodka 
  • Quiet Storm Vodka (Passionfruit)
  • PLUSH Vodka (Plum)

Bourbon / Whiskey

• Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
• Brough Brothers Bourbon
• Fresh Bourbon
• Guidance Whiskey
• Bull Young Bourbon
• Majesty Georgia Bourbon Whiskey
• River Basin Hand-Finished Rye Whiskey  
• Exclave Rye Whiskey

Rum

• Twelv 31 (Rum and Vodka)
• House of Angostura Rum 

Liqueur, Cordials, and Mixers

• LS Cream Liqueur (included in A Taste of the Culture February Box)
  • Perfectly Cordial (Included in A Taste of the Culture February Box)
  • Hella Cocktail Company
• Avec Jalapeño and Blood Orange Mixer

Chef Jezabel Careaga is the owner of Jezebel's Cafe and Bakery located in West Philadelphia. Although her roots lie in Palpalá which is located in Northwest Argentina, her restaurant has made a notable stamp on the Philly food scene winning a Best of Philly Award in 2019. 

In this episode, Jezabel discusses how sharing the cuisine of her childhood has helped center the unique and intimate experience she offers at her restaurant. She also highlights how her grandmother's love and memory inspired the "If my grandma were to cook for you" Chef Series. In the table topic, Jezabel teaches us how to make one of her favorite Argentinian comfort foods made simply from carrot greens and eggs.

Learn more about Chef Jezabel Careaga and Jezabel’s Cafe below.

• Jezabel's Cafe and Bakery Website
• Jezabel’s Cafe is located at 206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
• Jezabel's Cafe and Bakery Instagram
• Jezabel Careaga Professional Website

Website: TheFoodTruckScholar.com
Instagram: @thefoodtruckscholar
YouTube: The Food Truck Scholar
Twitter: @FoodTruckSchola
Facebook: The Food Truck Scholar Page
Clubhouse: @FoodTruckSchola

Resources mentioned in this episode:

"The Great Taco Truck War" by Rebecca Winters Keegan - Time Magazine Black,

Hispanic entrepreneurs discriminated against when seeking small business loans by J.D. Harrison - The Washington Post

Food Trucks mentioned in the Table Topic:

Aw Shucks - Birmingham, AL

The Beignet Bar - Nashville, TN

The Guac Box - West Lafayette, IN

R & R Extreme Wings - Indianapolis, IN

Lip Smacking' Creations Food Medic - Nashville, TN

Pop Goes the Waffle - St. Petersburg, FL

• Website: dashofjazz.com
• Instagram: @dashofjazzblog 
• Twitter: @dashofjazzblog
• Pinterest: /dashofjazzblog
• LinkedIn: Jazzmine Woodard

• Website: yolaskitchen.com
• Instagram: @yolaskitchen

Adeola will also be participating in a private tasting experience with the Shular Institute (mentioned in this episode). Get more information about the event "MOTHERLAND" here.

Barry Johnson is a professional bartender, certified mixologist, and craft cocktail blogger based in Philadelphia. In 2019, Barry launched his business, Bartender Barry, where he offers private bartending services as well as creates and delivers boutique educational experiences for the cocktail enthusiast. In addition, Barry competed in the 2020 Black Restaurant Week Cocktail Competition and is a contributor for the largest digital media company for the beverage industry, VinePair.

In this episode, Barry discusses his journey in building his brand as a bartender at the helm of a spirits based business. He also discusses passion for driving diverse representation in the beverage industry, highlights the inspiration behind the delicious cocktails on his blog, and how he is laying the groundwork to reach his personal goal of owning his own distillery. In the Table Topic, Barry shares an extra-special cocktail recipe and provides some helpful tips for the budding home bartender.

Learn more about Barry and his business via his website at bartenderbarry.com, or follow him on Instagram @bartender_barry.

You can also check out the recipes he mentions in this episode below.

In the Beginning Cocktail

The Ungodly Hour Cocktail

Learn more about Chef Lee, her beautiful dishes and her supper club by following her on Instagram at @platedbyleshe or on her website leshestyle.com

Sherrod is half of the dynamic duo at the helm of the blog Slice and Torte. A jack of all trades with a podcast, Instagram account, and YouTube channel,  Sherrod showcases an impressive collection of savory recipes and culinary videos that will make your mouth water.

Quin of Butter be Ready is an inventive self-taught chef and baker whose blog has been featured by Essence Magazine as a Black Female Blogger to follow. A woman of many talents, not only does Quin uses her blog to share a wide array of food recipes and gorgeous food photography, but she also uses her social media presence to feed fearlessly tackle issues facing communities of color, LGBTQ individuals, and women.

Learn more about Sherrod (and his gifted sidekick Danielle) by subscribing to their blog and podcaa=st at sliceandtorte.com, or by following them on Instagram at @sliceandtorte. You can also follow Quin’s cooking adventures on her blog: butterbeready.com or on Instagram at @butterbeready.

Listen now and check out below to see our votes for each category:

Learn more about Aaron Hutcherson by visiting his blog thehungryhutch.com or by following him on Instagram at  @thehungryhutch

Aaron also discusses the articles that have made him most proud. One of which is the article The surprising history served with a plate of Biscuits and Gravy featured in The Washington Post where he got to interview his grandmother (among others) on the history of Biscuits and Gravy.

Learn more about BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages at blkandbold.com/ or on instagram at @blkandbold.

During the episode, Rod also mentions a key organization they continue to support through their company The Boys and Girls Club of America . Learn more about this wonderful organization at https://www.bgca.org/ .