Category: Food

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Dr Chris Afia Supports Local Restaurants

Q&A with Dr Afia

Dr Afia is an award winning digital media producer and content strategist. Dr Afia holds a Ph.D in Africology from Temple University. She is the founder and CEO of Harris Diversity Consulting.

  1. Tell us a little about yourself?

    My name is Christina Harris, also known as Dr. Afia, a Black studies scholar, content creator, and food & travel enthusiast. My platform, @dr.afia_abroad, is all about highlighting Black-owned food, cultural events, and small businesses. I travel voraciously (I’ve been to over 40 countries) and encourage others to see the world through sharing travel tips and curating group trips. Whether I’m posting hidden gems in Philly or exploring the African Diaspora through food and travel, my goal is to connect people to amazing experiences and uplift our communities.
  2. How do you see events like African Restaurant Week fostering connections in the community?

    African Restaurant Week creates spaces for people to come together, celebrate culture, and support small businesses. It’s an opportunity to not only enjoy amazing food, but also to build network and build relationships. Events like this are absolutely vital to building and maintaining a sense of community.
  3. Why do you support events like this?

    Connecting people to incredible cultural experiences and community events is at the heart of what I love to do. Events like African Restaurant Week bring visibility to small businesses and allow us to celebrate the richness of the African Diaspora together. Also, events like these allow myself and others to tap into the experience of Black Joy which is more important now than ever.
  4. What challenges do small businesses face today, and how can community members help?

    One of the biggest challenges small businesses face is exposure—getting their name out there and attracting new customers is especially difficult for Black owned businesses, who often don’t have equitable access to funding and resources. Community members can help by showing up to support, spreading the word, leaving Google reviews, and sharing their experiences on social media. Every bit of support makes a difference!
  5. How do you see the role of food in bringing people together and fostering community?

    Food is such an important part of Black identity, culture, and community. It’s how we connect, tell stories, and pass down traditions. Whether it’s a family meal or a big community gathering, food has the power to bring people together in a way that nothing else can. The opportunity.
  6. What’s your favorite African dish, and why does it hold a special place for you?

    I love food from across the African Diaspora, so it’s hard to choose just one! From Ghana, I love banku & tilapia; from Nigeria, egusi and catfish soup; and of course, jollof rice—even though the entire diaspora swears their country does it best, my favorite is Liberian jollof (and yes, I’m well aware that it originated in Senegal, lol).
  7. What is your favorite Caribbean dish?

    The Caribbean has so many delicious dishes! From Haiti, I love soup joumou and Haitian spaghetti; from Jamaica, oxtail and jerk chicken; and from Trinidad, bake & shark and doubles are my go-to favorites. But honestly, every country has something amazing to offer!
  8. What is your favorite Soul food?

    Macaroni & cheese is the love of my life. For my next birthday, I don’t even want cake—just stick some candles in an entire pan of mac and cheese, and I’ll be happy!
  9. What is your favorite city in the United States and why?

    There are way too many amazing culinary cities to choose from! New Orleans, NYC and Chicago are definitely at the top of my list. But I think Philly is so underrated—it has an incredible and growing food scene that isn’t always reflected in mainstream media. A big part of my platform is showing people just how amazing the food culture in Philly really is!
  10. How can we inspire others to support small businesses and cultural initiatives?

    The best way to inspire others is by actively participating and sharing your experiences. Show up, bring friends, leave Google reviews, and share social media posts. Word of mouth is powerful—when people see the excitement and value in these businesses, they’ll want to be a part of it too!

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Princess Jenkins Adds Her Voice

What does African/African cuisine mean to you, and how has it influenced your life or work?

African cuisine is a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and connection! To me, it’s a bridge to our roots, telling stories through spices, flavors, and ingredients that have been passed down for generations. It’s influenced my work by reminding me of the power of culture in shaping identity—whether through food, fashion, or community. It’s all about honoring heritage while creating something meaningful for the present.

Your top 3 restaurants in Harlem
Oh, this is tough because Harlem has so many gems! I’d say:

  1. PB Brasserie Steakhouse– Their Afro-French-American fusion dishes are next-level.
  2. The Victoria – Cajun inspired restaurant located in the New Victoria Renaissance Hotel
  3. Sylvia’s – You just can’t mention Harlem without talking about this iconic place!

What do you think about the changes in Harlem?
Harlem is evolving, and while some changes are exciting, others make me pause. On one hand, there’s a resurgence of energy with new businesses, events, and opportunities. On the other hand, I hope we don’t lose the soul of Harlem—the history, culture, and strong sense of community that makes it so special.

How do you think African Restaurant Week helps highlight African culture and support local businesses?
African Restaurant Week is a brilliant way to spotlight the richness of African culture! It brings attention to the diversity of cuisines and traditions while giving local businesses a platform to shine. It’s not just about food—it’s a full cultural experience that strengthens community pride and drives traffic to amazing local spots.

What’s your favorite dish, and why does it hold a special place for you?
Jollof rice, hands down! It’s more than a dish—it’s a celebration. Every bite feels like home, and I love how it sparks conversations about whose recipe reigns supreme. It’s a symbol of togetherness and joy for me.

How do you see the role of food in bringing people together and fostering community?
Food is universal—it transcends language, culture, and barriers. Sitting down to share a meal fosters connections, builds trust, and reminds us of our shared humanity. It’s through food that stories are told, and bonds are formed.

What’s one thing you hope attendees will take away from African Restaurant Week?
I hope they walk away with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of African cultures. Whether it’s a new favorite dish, a connection to a local business, or simply a joyful memory, I want attendees to feel inspired and connected.

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Cher Vitality

Q&A with Cherie
Founder Moringa Boost

Why do you choose to support African Restaurant Week and Black History Month?

    • It’s always an honor to be invited to participate in African restaurant week and Black History Month events because it’s a unified experience of cultural explosion. It gives me an opportunity to display my business’s Afro-Caribbean roots. The events provide a space of inclusion and cultural awareness.  My business gets exposure to audiences who are interested in learning about culturally diverse foods and beverages. 

    What country cuisine/culture would you be featuring?

    I am featuring the medicinal magic of Moringa- the most nutrient dense herb hailing from the beautiful island of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. The moringa is grown in its lush volcanic soils embedded in natural minerals. 

    What makes your business unique? 

    • My business is a Minority Women Business Enterprise focused on health/ wellness holistically improving your life by fueling you with nutrients formulated by a Registered Dietitian. We curate functional tea (something you wouldn’t normally find in your typical store or airport). It’s not just a snack that tastes good, but it really helps improve your overall health; immune system, inflammation, energy, brain, eye, mood, cardiovascular, endocrine, etc. My products are one way to implement healthy changes into your life. We host wellness events “T.E.A (together everyone achieves) parties” empowering local businesses. We aim to foster  communities that support healthy food/ beverage choices and accessible physical activity opportunities regardless of one’s socioeconomic status by partnering with local organizations, farmers markets, small businesses, stores, DOE, fitness instructors, and now airports.

    What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner?

    • My biggest challenge is exposure to reach large audiences and capital to grow facing the increase in raw materials and production.

    How has participating in events like African Restaurant Week impacted your business or the community?

    • It helps me reach larger audiences and make connections with other businesses who may have never been able to experience CherVitality. The experience is usually life changing and always impressionable. Once guests sample our teas they inquire about how to get more!  We were able to get in person feedback, more app members, and guests for our community events just by having a table on the streets of Flatbush. Last year, my business was able to be recognized by JFK Millenial Partners, Ethiopian Airlines, international travelers, and airport staff. 

    What are your plans and goals for the future of your business? 

    • I have a vision to be an international brand. I want to mass produce and be in the airports to reach customers from all over the world.

    What message would you like to share with the community about supporting small businesses and celebrating Black History Month?

    • Please shop local and help support our dreams. We pour into you, our neighborhood economy, and need you to stay afloat.