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Supporting Black Owned Businesses

Everyone is aware of the protests currently happening around the world, organized to continue the fight
for Black Lives. For far too long, Blacks have been fighting this fight primarily alone, in more ways than
one. The world now appears to really be opening their eyes to the injustice and are joining in the fight
(THANK YOU!) If you follow our Instagram, you may have seen a post where we also talked about the
importance of supporting black businesses.

If you missed it, here is an excerpt from it:

“When this account/blog was created, it was to have fun and to point people in the direction of new and
hip restaurants. Many of these restaurants have grown tremendously, based off the love and support of
the community. But do you know which owners/entrepreneurs often get left in the dust? Black owned
businesses. It is often much harder for them to receive the support to even open a brick and mortar
location as well as let their voices be heard. Some of it is political and some is due to systematic oppression.”

No matter the reason why, the issues are certainly not new. We too have been inadvertently guilty of
this, as we typically keep up with the trends of who’s opening and want to ensure our audience is aware
of it. It can be tough for black owners to get the same size funding to provide them with the opportunity
to open and get attention- especially in the up and coming areas where most are spending a lot of their
time and dollars. That means, at times, we don’t hear about the openings because promotions led by
large media outlets are often not as prevalent. Another blogger mentioned they often feature black
owned restaurants but have not specifically stated they were black owned in the description. We have
also done the same, but we missed highlighting them as black owned. Why is it important to state this
fact? Because they often have to work extra hard, and sometimes on their own, to open and need the
support more than ever. We are dedicated to this change and will ensure they get the attention they
deserve (not to mention, the food is ALWAYS on point!)

Also mentioned in our post:

“We support everyone, but as PROUD BLACK WOMEN running this account (and blog), let us just say,
black owners, we will shine a light on you. As a priority. No matter how small you are.”

Our commitment is to not just be another blog that keeps up with the trends. But a blog that also
provides support and awareness for those who really need it- our kind. Going forward, expect much of
the same content, but also a shift in who all we feature. A few people have previously documented black
owned businesses to support which has been both amazing and eye opening! Since we all have different
audiences, we want as many people as possible to see these lists. At the bottom of the post, you will
find restaurants (because this is a food and travel blog- keeping with the theme) categorized by type. I bet you didn’t realize there were this many did you? Yeah, us either! If we missed any, let us know in the comments!

Just a few of the black owned restaurants that we’ve featured in the past:

If you’re wondering about other ways to support, here are a few suggestions:

  1. Stay Educated
    a. There are tons of books (including cookbooks for the home cooks out there), movies,
    and documentaries out there that detail our history and why we fight so hard.
  2. Have the Uncomfortable Conversations
    a. Know what you are supporting and why
  3. Donate!
    a. There are multiple organizations to donate to that will filter dollars to black businesses.
    A quick google search will pull up multiple by city, state, or country
  4. Spend at Black Owned Businesses
    a. As mentioned, there are restaurants listed below. However, there are multiple other
    businesses out there that also need support. Google them in your specific area
  5. Promote what you know!
    a. Hear about a great black owned business (restaurants, bookstores, designers,
    nonprofits, startups, wineries, etc.)? Share them with your audience!

Although different from most of our blog posts, we hope this has been educational. Enjoy the list! We hope to run into you at many of them :)

Also, shoutout to the following bloggers/influencers for putting in so much work in locating a lot of the
businesses below: @linsinnati @kaitskravings @drinkingdiningdione @heymichelle1 and
@cincy.cocoabloggers . Follow them all!

Soul Food
Rasheedah’s café
Burnett’s soul food
Soul Secrets LLC
Ike’s BBQ
Jewell’s soul food
Millie’s Place
Gigi’s Kitchen
Ollie’s Trolley
Aunt Flora’s

Pluto’s Café

Tacos
Patora Tacos

Winery
Revel OTR

Personal Chefs/Caterers/Independent
Chef Banbini
Kwality Eats
Soul Secrets LLC
Purposely Plated
Crown’s Kitchen
Soleil Kitchen
Emma’s all in one occasions

Coffee
Cream and sugar coffeehouse (Brand New!)
Sunny Blu Coffee House
Black Coffee
Sunny Blu Coffeehouse
Muse Café (also wine bar)

BBQ
Just Qin
Sweets and Meats BBQ
Triple J’s BBQ
Eddie’s Southern Style BBQ

Dada Smokes BBQ
Ike’s BBQ
Alabama Que
C&M BBQ Grill
Talis Southern Bar and Grill
Smokin Inferno BBQ
J&W BBQ

Sweets
Davis Cookie Collection
Sweet Petit
Sweets by Ladawn
Green Man Twist
Sugar
Honeychild Pops
Jazzy Sweeties Bakery
Keys Cheesecakes and Pies
Keys cheesecake
Lala’s Blissful Bites
Goodies

Healthy
Bol Acai Bowl Bar
Conscious Kitchen
Kombuchinnati
Pause Cincy

Africa/Caribbean/Latin
Teranga Restaurant

Darou Salam
Divine appetite café
Gee’s Caribbean style
Island Frydays
Maize

Pizza/Burgers/Wings/Cafe and the Like
Endzone pizza
Express Wings
AJ’s cheesesteaks
Burger world
Pluto’s Café
Agape Café
Boomtown biscuits and whiskey
Copa lounge

Asian
Boombox buns

Seafood
Mango’s Tropical Oasis (also drinks)
K&J Seafood

Special COVID-19 Restaurant Series by Anela Malik

Ya’ll!! It has been so long since we’ve chatted! Life was pretty busy, but I haven’t forgotten about the blog side of Pursuit of Delights. Just as I was getting ready to launch additional behind the scenes and travel posts, COVID-19 came into all of our lives, causing a whirlwind of emotions across the board. As we all begin to slowly move forward into the unknown, there are still so many questions that are looming in the air. When will restaurants open? When will I be able to travel again? When can we get back to normal? When? When? When?? There’s also another question that has been swirling around my brain. Why did some restaurants, and not others, choose to close up shop pretty early in the process? What led to that decision? Luckily for me and for you all, I have a great friend who launched an interview series TODAY where she asked these questions to restaurant owners who made that choice in the DMV. This friend’s name is Anela Malik (@feedthemalik), whom I admire so much! She is literally a spicy ball of fire who fights for injustice and what she believes in (peep the shirt below).

@feedthemalik

Here’s a snippet from her preview newsletter explaining the “why” behind her “what”:

COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented global economic slowdown, predicted to be much worse than the 2008 financial crisis. In just one month 22 million unemployment claims were filed and businesses across America hurt as sales declined and stay at home orders went into effect. Small and independent businesses have been particularly affected. We’ve seen the numbers and heard the stats, though a looming sense of unknown remains as the true length and breadth of this crisis remains to be seen.

Statistics aside, what is the reality for the owners and operators of local, independent businesses impacted by this crisis? What does this epidemic mean for small restaurants and food businesses? Especially for restaurants that have shut their doors completely during this period, what does the future hold?

As a foodie, blogger, and lover of local independent restaurants, I wanted to know. Beyond the macro level stats and expert quotes, why have some restaurants chosen to close during COVID-19? How are restaurant owners and their employees coping? How big of a financial hit have they taken? Where are they finding hope and inspiration during this crisis?”

I know…it makes you want to keep reading….and you should! It is so important for us to step outside of our box and hear other’s stories. Anela has given us just that. Click here to read (and listen…there’s audio in there too) the first segment of her interview series. It will open your eyes into the behind the scenes world of restaurant owners impacted by COVID-19. I guarantee, you’ll be ready for the next one right after finishing. Soooo… don’t forget to subscribe to her blog too!

Anela…my friend…you’re doing great things. And the best is yet to come!

Aloha from Hawaii!!

Are you looking for a vacation filled with beautiful beaches, amazing hikes and views, cool luau’s, and some of the nicest people you will meet? If the answer was yes, then Hawaii is the place for you. Pack your bags and experience an amazing trip to one of the eight beautiful islands.
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Jimmy John’s – Wheat Yeah, Freak Yeah

Hello fellow foodies!!! We have a super exciting announcement for you! Pursuit of Delights has partnered with Jimmy John’s to bring you a cool new feature of theirs! If you are not already aware, Jimmy John’s is well known for offering sandwiches using high quality ingredients, all-natural meats, and locally purchased vegetables that are hand sliced daily. They also have insanely fast service and use freshly baked bread made in store daily. Can you say YUM?! From the first time I ate at Jimmy John’s (many, many years ago), I  was impressed with their variety of sandwiches which were always so carefully, yet swiftly crafted. For anyone that loves a good deli sandwich, it’s like walking on cloud 9 in food form!

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Behind the scenes with Crown Republic Gastropub

“Cincinnati is the Queen City and every Queen needs a Crown!”

That’s the concept Hailey Nutter-Sitek, Anthony Sitek, and Mike Cassari (who make up the “Republic”) thought of when coming up with the name for their new downtown Cincinnati restaurant, Crown Republic, an American Gastropub located at the corner of Sycamore and 8th. (Side note: How genius and creative is that name?!). Now that Crown Republic had been opened for close to 2 months, Pursuit of Delights had the opportunity to sit down with the owners to discuss all things food and the history behind how the restaurant came about.

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Did Someone Say Burgers?? Let’s MEAT!

The Pursuit of Delights is back for our second feature in Travel Host Magazine! This time, we are here to share with you our top BURGER options within the surrounding area. Don’t eat meat? No worries… we have a vegetarian option in there for you too! Keep reading to see which burger joints fill our bellies with delight!!!

Americano Burger Bar Downtown Cincinnati, OH

Atmosphere: Fun, Funky and Cool. The dining area is a large open concept that is warm and welcoming. It can be used to host burger eaters of all ages. It even has a Shuffleboard and Foosball Table.
Burger of Choice: Who doesn’t love $5 burgers? If you go on Tuesday, $5 Americano Burger night, you will be in for a delight. This burger is a classic, but classics never get old! Add a side of fries for a small additional fee. With Shuffleboard, Foosball, a classic burger and fries, you will indeed have the perfect burger night!


CWC Wyoming Cincinnati, Ohio


Atmosphere:
You will feel as if you’ve entered someone’s home who happens to have
super cute décor! They are a charming and friendly restaurant with a small, yet diverse menu.

Burger of Choice: If you love cheese and a thick, juicy burger, CWC is for you! They smother theirs in a nice, melty cheddar cheese sauce, which so deliciously slides over the fries as well. Word of advice…. Don’t forget to bring your bib! You’ll need it!

 


Flip Side West Chester, Ohio

Atmosphere: It may seem like your typical restaurant, but they’ll surprise you! They have a robust menu and a patio that is awesome. If you’re feeling bold, try one of their craft milkshakes to go along with your grass-fed burger!

Burger of Choice: The Flipside Burger contained flavors that were large and in charge! Don’t forget to add a side of the chile rubbed, crispy onion rings! Crazy good!

 

 

 


Mad Mike’s Newport, KY

Atmosphere: Fun and Family Friendly; located just a short walk from Newport on the Levee. If you don’t want anything fancy from the Levee, visit Mad Mike’s for burgers and fries!

Burger of Choice: If you want a gangster burger, try the American Outlaw. It’s indeed the classic Outlaw. If you don’t want plain, boring fries, add bacon, ranch and cheese for a twist. If you’re into the world of not normal, try the Goliath. Its mouthwatering ingredients are between two grilled cheese sandwiches! Now that’s gangster!


Nation Kitchen and Bar Downtown Cincinnati, OH
Atmosphere: If you love beers, burgers and bars, this is the spot for you! Most of the seats are bar tops with a small area that includes a couch and low tables.

Burger of Choice: If a burger and tots were the only things we could get in “The Nation”, we’d be satisfied! Their Nation burger with their Loaded Tater Tots is AHHHmazing! There’s just something about their 6oz brisket blend patties. It will have you saying the Pledge of Allegiance backwards!


Northstar Café West Chester, Ohio

Atmosphere: If you mixed hip + earthy + friendly, you’d get Northstar Café. They aim to please and will likely have you smiling for no reason due to their bubbly personalities.

Burger of Choice: Vegetarians… this one is for you! The Northstar Burger is completely organic and out of this world!! It is absolutely one I’d go back for. I never knew I’d love a meatless burger this much!

 

 


Pleasantry OTR Cincinnati, OH

Atmosphere: Small, cute, and quaint, but spacious enough for a cozy time. It’s the perfect happy hour spot or afternoon date with the girls/guys or that special someone. You will love seeing the interaction that takes place in the kitchen with their cool, open concept!

Burger of Choice: I know, I know, who ever thought you would find a good burger at this type of restaurant? However, you can never go wrong with their seasonal burger. It changes, but the combinations are always fun! The one in season during my visit had pimento cheese, pickles, red onion, and bibb lettuce. It felt like I had found a small gem in the world of burgers.


Terry’s Turf Club Cincinnati, Ohio

Atmosphere: You literally can’t miss this restaurant. They have ALL of the bright lights and are full of color. Fun fact: They were featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives! Let’s see if you can spot Guy Fieri’s picture inside!

Burger of Choice: You can get as creative as you’d like because their menu is “build your own”! For your made to order burger, we suggest a fried egg, bacon, brie cheese, and burgundy wine sauce! Doesn’t that sound fancy?!

 


Didn’t see your top burger on the list? Drop the name in the comments below so we can check it out! Click here to access the digital version of our burger article. Click here to see the full 2nd edition of Cincinnati’s Travel Host Magazine!

There’s no Debatin’… here’s our top eats in Dayton!

You know what I  love about smaller cities? They always seem to have so many hidden gems of great food in pockets across town. Dayton is the perfect example of this! For many years, I worked in a suburb of this area while living in Cincinnati, which allowed me to experience deliciousness in both cities. Dayton is known for many things, but who knew great food was up there on the list?! If you haven’t been or are unfamiliar with the area, no problem. Sit back and relax while I navigate you to my top 7 Dayton restaurants!

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Brunchin’ Through the Queen City- Our Feature in Travel Host Magazine!

This feature of the week is very special to us, as it our first article publication in the Cincinnati premier issue for Travel Host Magazine! WOOP! We have copied and pasted the full article below. To access the magazine version click HERE . To access a digital copy of the full Travel Host issue (Which is REALLY cool btw!!), click HERE
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Places To See In The DMV!

Are you looking for a quick weekend trip with a variety of great things to see, reasonable prices, and amazing history? Well, the DMV is perfect for you! I’ve always been a fan of the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, but never dedicated a weekend to exploring the top areas… until now! I was so impressed with how much we experienced in such a short amount of time that I felt it necessary to share it with you all! Although there is much more, here are a few “Must Do” options. Read more

Carmine’s – Times Square, NYC

You know how you feel every time you go to your Grandma’s house? She makes entirely too much food and requires you to “EAT UP!”, but you don’t mind because it’s all so IMG_1070 3delicious. Most of us know exactly what this scenario feels like. Now picture it in a restaurant. This is the exact experience you will have at Carmine’s of New York City. If you love Italian, love variety, and live for large portion sizes, they are the restaurant for you! In addition to great food, the camaraderie is awesome! If you begin to sing or clap in celebration of something within your group, don’t be surprised if all of the tables around you join in. It is truly heartfelt and amazing. Now let’s dive into the eats! Read more