CHATHAM — Returning for its second year, the Taste of Black Chicago will bring together black-owned restaurants and vendors from across the city this weekend.
The free event, which aims to celebrate black people’s contributions to Chicago’s world-class culinary scene, will again be held at Mosque Maryam, 7351 S. Stony Island Ave., from 1-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18.
About 50 restaurants and vendors are scheduled to participate this year including: Luella’s Southern Kitchen; Brown Sugar Bakery; Jamaican Me Crazy; Ankara Imports; Imani Bean Pies; Akhirah’s Praline Candy, Beignets and Coffee; and Soul Vegan.
Before launching the Taste of Black Chicago, Chicago native Toure Muhammad, founder of black-owned news outlet Bean Soup Times, created Black Chicago Eats, a directory of black-owned restaurants across the city. Before launching the site, he estimated that 20-30 restaurants in Chicago were black owned, but after researching the restaurant landscape in Chicago, he found more than 100.
The directory fills a void and creates more awareness for black-owned businesses, Muhammad said. It’s much easier to find Italian, Indian or even Polish restaurants in Chicago, he said, but finding a restaurant that is black-owned can be much more difficult.
The website directory attracts people who want to experience the excellent cuisine from black-owned chefs, restaurateurs and caterers and those who want to boost the local economy in the black community, Muhammad said.
“There’s such diversity there,” he said.
Muhammad, a Morehouse graduate, said this year’s event will be more organized, with new vendors and more entertainment.
For more information email toure@beansouptimes.com or visit www.blackchicagoeats.com.
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