Black Food and Spirits

05/25/2023

Happy Chardonnay Day!

Chardonnay is now the most widely planted wine grape in the world. It isn't just used in still wines, it is used widely in the world's best sparkling wines as well as some of its sweet wines.

One of our favorite Chardonnays is by House of Brown, Napa Valley’s first Black-owned estate winery.

House of Brown is produced by women of color, certified sustainable, and vegan friendly.

Look to spend about $10–$40 on a good bottle of Chard. House of Brown Chardonnay runs about $20. Grab some today! Cheers!
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04/29/2023

No matter what the weather brings next Saturday, the whole mansion will be our Derby Day playground. Tickets are limited. Purchase today! blackfoodandspirits.com

04/28/2023

While the Mint Julep seems the epitome of Kentucky Derby tradition today, the famed racetrack at Churchill Downs isn't the drink’s birthplace. The earliest juleps appeared in Virginia at the start of the 19th century and the drink’s perfection and popularity is generally attributed to a Black man, John Dabney.

John Dabney was born into slavery in Hanover County circa 1824. In his early years, Dabney’s owner hired him out to a relative who had him trained as a jockey. After success on the racecourses of central Virginia, Dabney earned lasting fame from his bartending, catering, and cooking. His signature culinary items which were so delicious were often called “immortal foods” were Mint Juleps, terrapin stew, and canvasback duck.

On several occasions Richmond residents presented Dabney with large trophy cups in recognition of his mint juleps, and in October 1860 he served one to the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), who was visiting the US. Black Food and Spirits attended when one of the trophy cups was returned by Dabney descendants to Richmond to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Dabney’s julep is known as “the most historic drink in Richmond, Virginia.”

Dabney was a devoted family man who with his wife (whose freedom he purchased) raised five children — including, schoolteachers, a professional baseball player, and a musician-turned-newspaper editor. Dabney died at his Richmond home on June 7, 1900, and was so well known that four of the Richmond’s daily newspapers reported his death.

We will serve Dabney’s Juleps on Derby Day – Celebrating the Black Godfathers of Horse Racing on 05.06.2023 in Richmond, VA. Purchase today! TIme is running out. blackfoodandspirits.com

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04/25/2023

Rest well, Mr. Belafonte. ♥️

04/20/2023

Morgan “Mo” Stewart will be performing live on Derby Day, May 6, 2023!

Join us at the 1000 Westover mansion in your suits and sundresses. Enjoy the festivities with a cigar in the courtyard, or the VIP patio. Try your hand at the blackjack table and celebrate the day with a signature cocktail, good food and entertainment!

Purchase your ticket today! Link in bio.
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04/19/2023

Thank you DariusCooks!!! 💯🖤

Allow me a brief moment to explain why highlighting only Black-owned restaurants is my mission.

Black-owned businesses are under capitalized. They’re also underperforming when juxtaposed against their White counterparts. In fact, it’s a proven fact that White-owned restaurants generate, on average, 43% more revenue than Black-owned restaurants. This means that White-owned restaurants can do something most Black-owned restaurants can’t - invest.

With the scale tipped against the fabric of the African-American owned restaurants, they’re already at a disadvantage. Owners can’t invest infrastructure. Owners can’t invest in systems. Owners can’t invest in acute retention of key talent. Owners can’t control critical operational points within their business. What else suffers? Typically, the aesthetic, the overall morale, and the boosted confidence that allows a properly staffed and funded company to exist, scale, and grow into seeing the same profits White-owned establishments see.

When the pandemic hit, the restaurant industry took a hit. Moreover, BLACK-owned restaurants, took an alarming hit - more so because this is typically their primary source of income. Imagine having a dream of owning your own restaurant and you’re Black. Do you even know what you’re up against? There’s surmounting pressure from every side.

White-owned restaurants get a pass. Service sucks? People still go back. Food sucks? We give them another chance. Staffing is an issue? No worries, we’re very accommodating. And the one thing you’ve never heard, “See, this is why I don’t support White-owned businesses!”

I understand that sometimes whiteness is blinding. I’ve spent almost 42 years uncovering that reality. Meanwhile, my people have been fighting the battle since the 16th century. And if you think the battle is over, it isn’t. Having to celebrate the reinstatement of two BLACK lawmakers after being unjustly removed from their seats (that the people they REPRESENT put them in) in front of the Lorraine Motel simply proves the fight is far from over. Doesn’t make too much sense, does it?

This is why I choose to celebrate Black-owned restaurants. Having owned and operated three successful restaurants, I know first hand the struggle. Imagine not having a few million followers and trying to break through to live the dream! I’m an influencer. My community is a ministry. If me celebrating the successes of my people is a crime, lock me up. I’ll gladly go. But, for the rest of my time on terra firma, I will gladly highlight Black-owned restaurants. This is my assignment. This is my ministry.

Besides, we already have White-owned everything else. It’s called America. She boldly displays her whiteness day after day.

I hope this helps you see the light. But, knowing how some people love to look the other way at the most appropriate times - it probably wont.

I’m here if you have any additional questions.

PS: Pro-Black doesn’t mean anti-White.

04/17/2023

On April 17 we celebrate Malbec World Day. Malbec is a grape that hails from France but is mostly grown in Argentina now. It is known for its full body and medium-low acidity.

Unlike Cabernet, Malbec doesn’t have a long finish and pairs well with leaner meats, lamb, wild rice and mushrooms, and even strong blue cheese.
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blackfoodandspirits

04/03/2023

Check out Gwen Hurt and the story in as she grows her regional business into a national powerhouse! Cheers to you, Gwen! 🍷

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03/27/2023

On International Whiskey Day, we want to recognize the Queen, Master Blender for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Victoria Butler! 👑

In 2021, Victoria was named Master Blender of the Year three times, by Whisky Magazine, VinePair and The Spirits Business, followed by a second award by Whisky Magazine in 2022. She is the first person in history to receive this honor two years in a row.  

Black Food and Spirits is also excited to announce that Queen V will soon return to visit Richmond, Virginia. Visit the link in bio and subscribe to Black Food and Spirits News. Our loyal followers, subscribers and Derby Day 2023 attendees will be the first to know! Cheers! 🥃

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03/25/2023

It's Women in Wine Day, honoring the amazing women who make up a small part of the wine industry. And to the tiny percentage of Black and Brown women in the industry, like Ntsiki Biyela, who make magic every day, we salute you! Cheers! 🍇🍷
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03/25/2023

It's National Cocktail Day! What are you sipping on? It was a margarita kind of for us. Whatever your preference, cheers! ♥️

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03/17/2023

Because we will use any excuse to drink good whiskey. 🥃 Black only like Brough Brothers, Guidance or Uncle Nearest.
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