Gobbling Glizzys, Emmys, Menus, and More.

A quick-fire update on everything that's been going on lately plus a few events you should know about!

I’ve been blessed to do a ton of traveling the last month, hence why I haven’t sent a newsletter in a few weeks. I decided to just send one quick update on all the tings, instead of sending out weekly messages with little to no content. Also, I’m trying out a new format for the newsletter: one that is more concise, less flowery, but still informative. Let me know how you feel about it.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

• Rescheduled conversation with Anthony Edwards, Jr.

• About the Utility Show in Chicago.

• I received an Emmy Nomination!

• UrFriendCharles opens the largest online store for Black spirits.

• Info on the People’s Pizza Party.

• Eating glizzies with Fried Chicken & Caviar.

RESCHEDULED.

I was supposed to have a live conversation with Anthony Edwards Jr. of EatOkra in April. But because of travel (both of us) and, frankly, not enough promotion on my side of things, we decided to reschedule. I wanted to speak with him concerning the announcement of his James Beard Impact Award so we moved the date closer to the event—our new date is June 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM EST. One more thing: I received more inquires about this talk from non-paid subscribers than paid, so I’m opening up the session to everyone! I’ll be giving away a pack of seasonings and snacks from Lillie’s of Charleston on this call too; should be lots of fun!

REGISTER: In Conversation with Anthony Edwards, Jr. (ZOOM)

WHO ALL GON’ BE THERE?

I’ll be in Chicago in a few weeks for two reasons: 1) visiting Virtue restaurant to participate in a special 5-course dinner in celebration of Chef Nina Compton’s new book and 2) to visit the Utility Show. It’s a new, two-day trade show designed to offer an indie-friendly opportunity for chefs, restaurateurs, and small business owners to make connections AND deals. Seeing as the 100-year, utterly MASSIVE National Restaurant Association show is happening the same weekend, this event is definitely needed. The show starts on Sunday, May 19 at 10:00 AM CST and features panel discussions, vendors, and a pitch competition with a $20,000 prize attached to it! While it’s too late to apply for the pitch competition, it’s not too late to buy tickets. $25 for a one day pass or $40 for Sunday and Monday. That’s a steal of a deal!

GET TICKETS: Utility Show (Website)

EMMY ME DOWN.

If you don’t follow me on social media (and why not?!) then you missed this random yet awesome piece of news: I was nominated for an EMMY AWARD! Last year, I hosted a web series for PBS Voices (YouTube) and one of our episodes made the cut as a finalist for “Societal Concerns - Short Film Content (up to 10 minutes)”. I was shocked, bruh! Not because I don’t think we weren’t deserving but because I didn’t know that SCETV had even put us up for the award! The winners are announced on June 14th; I’ll keep you posted on that.

CHARLES’ ONLINE LIQUOR STORE.

If you don’t know social media influencer Charles Everett, you should. His account (@UrFriendCharles) highlights spirits from across the African Diaspora. Last week, he launched the world’s largest site dedicated to discovering and shopping Black-owned spirits, wine, beer, and zero-proof brands. And because of strategic partnerships with select liquor stores, they can ship to 44 states! You can even filter brands by categories like HBCU-founded, LGBTQ-owned, women-owned, Caribbean/African-founded, just to name a few. I think this is a genius idea and wanted to make sure I did my part to spread the word.

VISIT: UrFriendCharles.com (Website)

THE PEOPLE’S PIZZA PARTY.

I’m linkng with the South Carolina Tenet Union to host my first People’s Pizza Party on May 9, 2025. Kenni Cummings, the fearless leader at the SCTU, is co-hosting the event with me. Attendees will be eating FREE pizza, of course, but they will also learn about South Carolina eviction laws. PLUS, we’ll write postcard(s) encouraging elected officials to vote YES on H. 4270 (aka the Eviction Record Sealing Act), a bill that gives South Carolinians a fair chance at stable housing! Because we’ll be doing this at a public library, spots are limited. But if you live in SC and want to make your voice heard on this important issue, sign up today.

REGISTER: The People’s Pizza Party (Partiful)

GET YOUR GLIZZY ON.

The kids have turned the act of eating hot dogs into something unnecessarily sexual. Fortunately, that hasn’t stopped the Detroit-based culinary collective, Fried Chicken and Caviar, from making gourmet versions of this American taco (fight me). It’s happening on Monday, May 5th at Two Birds and starts at 6:30 PM. And guess what? I’ll be in the building! This is my first ever trip to the state of Michigan and I’m looking forward to linking with my Detroit homies (some I’ve never met in person) and eat some fancy smancy hot dogs! Come say, “Hey!” if you decide to come through.

DIRECTIONS: Two Birds Detroit (Google Maps)

Thank you for reading! Again, let me know if you like this new “rapid fire” format! In the next newsletter, I’ll tell you all about this #RoadTo500Menus project I’m working on. But if you don’t want to wait, you can check out the video series I’ve made on the Black Food Fridays Instagram account right now!

CHECK IT OUT: Road to 500 Menus (Instagram)

— KJ