One of the best ways to revive black neighborhoods is to participate in the renaissance of black restaurants. Celebrity chefs like B. Smith and G. Garvin are prompting many in the second career wave to pursue family traditions and open restaurants. In San Francisco, where I live, the first black cookbook was published in 1881, so this is nothing new.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
No Brag, just fact
It was a big thrill to welcome dozens of guests to the San Francisco African-American Chamber mixer at Sheba Piano Lounge last night. Almost to a person, they gazed around at the lush surroundings and asked, “When did this open?”
I had urged my fellow board members to hold the event at Sheba just
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Taste of West Africa
So many of the flavors which make black cuisine so distinctive have their roots in the dishes native to West Africa.
Bissap Baobab on Mission and 18th in San Francisco and its second location Little Bissap around the corner on 19th Street have been recognized with an exhibition in one of the
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
this is our industry
There’s a reason why most of us feel like we can cook.
It is our cultural heritage.
Professor Juliet Walker of the University of Texas quotes W.E.B. DuBois in her history of black business in America that Robert Bogle in Philadelphia professionalized the industry in the 19th century and is
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Bout those ribs
You may have noticed that I’ve been eating at black restaurants for almost a month and have not once had ribs, even though I’ve been in several restaurants where they are served.
There was method in my madness. I wanted to make a point about the diversity of menu items at these eateries. But on
Friday, August 25, 2006
‘nother hot link sandwich
I was on the way to my church for a session of cleaning and preparing ribs for the picnic on Saturday. Midway between my office and the sanctuary is Beas N Sons.
On Fridays, Fred Brigham makes a more extensive menu including fish. His son is making deliveries all over the Western Addition.
But I
