Soul Food Stories: Past, Present & Flavorful

Celebrate National Soul Food Month with our latest newsletter, highlighting the rich tapestry of Black culinary heritage. Dive into the 8th Annual Black Food & Wine Experience, explore the fusion of tradition and health in "Making Room at the Table: Exploring the Intersection of Soul Food and Veganism" , and savor the comforting flavors of Grandma Madear's Tasting Greens. Join us in honoring the past and embracing the future of soul food.

Celebrating Black Culinary Excellence at the 8th Annual Black Food & Wine Experience

The 8th Annual Black Food & Wine Experience (BFWE) returns to Oakland, California, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, for an unforgettable evening of food, culture, and community. Founded by Oakland native Aminah “Chef Mimi” Robinson-Briscoe, this dynamic event brings together food, beverage, education, health, and Black culture in a vibrant celebration of excellence and innovation.

A Taste of Culture and Creativity

This year’s Grand Tasting will be held at The Bridge Yard from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, featuring a handpicked lineup of top Black chefs, winemakers, and mixologists. Attendees can look forward to an impressive range of food, wine, and craft beverage tastings—including vegan dishes and mocktails—designed to cater to a variety of dietary preferences.

Event Highlights

• Live Cooking Competition: Watch some of the best chefs in the business go head-to-head in a thrilling culinary showdown.

• Tastings Galore: Enjoy a curated selection of wines and cocktails, along with mouthwatering dishes that highlight cultural tradition and creativity.

• Live Music & Entertainment: A live DJ will set the tone with old-school hip-hop and a tribute to Frankie Beverly, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the night.

• Art & Culture: Discover inspiring art installations, meet authors at book signings, and explore stories from chefs and winemakers.

• Marketplace: Shop the new lifestyle marketplace featuring high-quality goods from Black-owned businesses.

This year introduces an upgraded guest experience with VIP-only QR check-ins and an event app that provides vendor lists, schedules, and more—all at your fingertips.

Meet the Visionary

Chef Mimi is more than a chef—she’s a cultural changemaker. For over a decade, she’s been using food as a tool for connection, storytelling, and social justice. Through her company, Chef Mimi LLC, she’s created platforms like the Black Food & Wine Experience, the groundbreaking culinary competition show "Bringing It to the Table," and a successful catering business serving the Bay Area’s top cultural events and tech firms.

Event Info at a Glance

• Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

• Time: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• Location: The Bridge Yard, 210 Burma Rd, Oakland, CA

• Ticket Price: $215.26

From bold flavors to soulful music, the 8th Annual Black Food & Wine Experience is more than an event—it’s a movement. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the most anticipated culinary celebrations of the year.