Summer Love, Legacy & Layers of Flavor:

This week’s newsletter celebrates connection through food and culture. Discover romantic date night spots across the country, explore how Baltimore chefs are building community through cuisine, and meet Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, the trailblazing South African brewer changing the face of the beer industry. Plus, indulge in our decadent Espresso Almond Crunch Cake recipe for the perfect sweet finish.

Unforgettable Date Night Spots That Are Proudly Black-Owned

Looking to spice up your next date night with unforgettable food, vibrant culture, and meaningful support for local entrepreneurs? From cozy soul food cafés to upscale Afro-Caribbean dining, Black-owned restaurants across the country offer some of the most unique and romantic settings for a night out. Whether you’re planning a first date, celebrating an anniversary, or just craving a change of scenery, these Black-owned spots serve up more than just great meals—they deliver an experience rooted in community, creativity, and flavor.

Atlanta

Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours (West Midtown)

Chef Deborah VanTrece delivers modern, globally-inspired soul food in a stylish setting—perfect for date night with dishes like hoisin-glazed oxtails and crawfish deviled eggs, plus seasonal cocktails. https://www.twistedsoulatl.com/

Life Bistro

Fine‑dining vegan comfort food—think seafood gumbo with konjac shrimp or Beyond sliders in a cozy, modern space. They also offer live music on Fridays and comedy shows on Wednesdays. https://lifebistroatl.com/

Los Angeles

Alta Adams

Chef Keith Corbin elevates soul food—think shrimp & grits, pimento dip, oxtails—with a curated wine list in a warm, buzzy setting. Ideal for a refined yet welcoming evening. They also offer ALL DAY happy hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. https://altaadams.com/

1010 Wine Bar

The city’s first Black‑owned wine bar: chic evenings, winemaker events, board‑games nights—energized and social. 1010 Wine & Events pairs a broad, curated list of wines and cocktails with globally seasoned Southern comfort dishes—charcuterie boards, grilled prawns, beef suya skewers, and New York strip, plus playful port-and-cookie dessert pairings—for a shareable, upscale-yet-relaxed wine-bar experience. https://1010wineandevents.com/

Baltimore

Mama Koko’s

Café-by-day, stylish cocktail bar by night with patio seating, live music, and small plates. Cozy yet vibrant energy. https://mamakokos.com/

Magdalena

Bistro-style fine dining in a historic hotel, blending French, English, and regional flavors—ideal for a quiet, intimate meal. https://www.theivybaltimore.com/dine/magdalena

Washington, D.C.

Kitchen Savages
Located in Anacostia’s Ward 8, Kitchen Savages is a purpose-driven, upscale–casual Creole/Southern restaurant where intimate tables with bold, flavor-packed dishes—like jerk lamb chops, crab‑cake egg rolls, and decadent lobster mac & cheese. https://www.kitchensavagesdc.com/

Logan Tavern
A long-standing neighborhood staple since 2003, Logan Tavern offers a warm, rustic‑modern setting with indoor and patio seating, serving up fresh, locally sourced New American fare like shrimp & grits, steak & eggs, craft cocktails, seasonal beers. https://www.logantavern.com/

New York City

The Good Good
Dimly lit and stylish, this Caribbean‑inspired spot blends sexy atmosphere with tasty small‑plate fare—a great choice for a more casual, yet romantic evening. https://www.thegoodgoodnyc.com/

Kokomo
A bright, cheerful Caribbean-inspired restaurant known for shareable dishes like sweet plantain pancakes and braised oxtails—perfect for couples who like to taste a bit of everything. https://www.kokomonyc.com/

Do you have a favorite date night spot? Let us know at [email protected]. Let us know what you love about them and we will feature them in an upcoming issue.