Table 86

Tracey Johnson is a full-time historian and part-time home cook. She turned her obsession with Trader Joe's into the successful Instagram page Tracey Joe's which features delicious, easy-to-make recipes using Trader Joe's ingredients.

In this episode, Tracey shares how a research trip to the National Archives in New York inspired her to start her Instagram account, her creative process for developing recipes with products found at Trader Joe's and her forthcoming cookbook: Cooking with Five Ingredients from Trader Joe's. In the Table Topic, I ask for Tracey's recommendations for creating meals from some of my favorite Trader Joe's products.

Learn more about Tracey, follow the Tracey Joe's Instagram account, and preorder her cookbook below: 

• Website: traceyjoes.com
• Instagram: @traceyjoes
• Preorder the 5 Ingredient Meals from Tracey Joe's Cookbook here!

Instagram Accounts recommended by Tracey Joe's in this episode:

• @joesbeforebros
• @blackgirlsintraderjoes

Trader Joe's products mentioned in this episode:

• Furikake Seasoning
• Soy Chorizo
• Jalapeno Hot Sauce
• Pork Belly
• Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
• Thai Curry Simmer Sauce (Red or Green)
• "Everything but the Elote" Seasoning
• Soffrito Seasoning
• Pork Carnitas

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl

From podcaster to blogger to author, Sarita Cheaves is a wine media producer with a passion for food and wine. A DC native, she is known for discovering great wines and unique wine pairings and has a WSET (Wine Spirits Education Trust) certification.  Sarita's latest launch is a wine activity book titled to be adored by wine enthusiasts and those seeking knowledge about Blacks in wine.

In this episode Sarita shares how a trip to Napa Valley propelled her interest in wine. She also shares how the podcast she produces The Swirl Suite helped her to center Black women in the wine industry, and how through blogging and writing she has been able to think outside of the box to educate consumers and make wine more accessible to everyone. In the Table Topic, I lead a fun "unconventional wine pairing" exercise where Sarita offers her recommendations for pairing wine with some of your favorite corner store snacks!

Learn more about Sarita Cheaves, listen to The Swirl Suite podcast, and read her blog Vine Me Up below:

• Website: vinemeupdc.com
• Podcast: swirlsuite.com
• Facebook: /vinemeup
• Instagram: @vinemeup
• Twitter: @vinemeup
• TikTok: @vinemeupdc

Below are the wine and snack pairings that were mentioned by Sarita.

• Snickers and Chardonnay (Oaked)
• Ice Cream Sandwiches and California Zinfandel 
• Hot Fries or Flaming Hot Cheetos and Tokaji or Tokay 
• Funyun Rings and Chardonnay (Oaked or Unoaked)
• Cherry Popsicle and Rosé (Pinot Noir)
• Chico Sticks and Red Blend (Portuguese)
• Popcorn and Cava or Champagne

Also mentioned by Sarita Cheaves in this episode:

• Black Ankle Vineyards
• Purchase Vine Me Up Activity Book

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl

Anela Malik is the food and lifestyle influencer at the helm of Feed the Malik. She is a writer, cat lover, and traveler who shares truly tasty treats and experiences with an eye towards thoughtful, intentional consumption. Through her platform she shares diverse food stories, simple recipes and sourdough methods, travel inspiration, and more. 

In this episode, Anela shares how her love of travel, trying new cuisine and her career as a diplomat influenced the creation of Feed the Malik. She also describes the experiences that led her to pursue content creation as a full time career, challenges she's encountered as a content creator of color, and the resources she has used to sustain this entrepreneurial endeavor. In the Table Topic, Anela provides us with invaluable insight on how we can best support Black content creators and businesses.

Learn more about Anela Malik and Feed the Malik below. You can also support her via her Patreon: patreon.com/feedthemalik

• Website: feedthemalik.com
• Instagram: @feedthemalik
• Twitter: @feed_the_malik
• TikTok @feedthemalik

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl

When it comes to creating stellar social media and blogging content, quality and consistency should always be top of mind. In this Table Topic, we revisit Episode 20 where food and lifestyle blogger Dominek Tubbs of Dom N’ the City gives us the tips and tools she uses to work smarter, to gather inspiration, and to automate her social media and blog content.

Learn more about Dominek Tubbs and Dom N’ The City below:

• Website: domnthecity.com
• Instagram: @domnthecity 
• Twitter: @domnthecity
• Facebook: /domnthecity
• Pinterest: /domnthecity
• LinkedIn: /dominektubbs 

Social media tools and apps recommended by Dominek Tubbs in this episode:

• Planoly
• Canva
• Squarespace
• Hootsuite
• Later 
• Lightroom
• Pinterest
• Unfold

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl

Kae Lani Palmisano is the Emmy Award-winning host of WHYY's Check, Please! Philly, a television show that explores dining throughout the Philadelphia region as well as the host and writer of WHYY's Delishtory, a digital series on the history of food.  She is also the host of a podcast called Amuse-Bouche which explores the food industry's big ideas and shares them in small bites.

In this episode, Kae Lani dives into how her blogging and journalism career helped prepare her to take on roles as the Food and Travel Editor of USA Today and aided her in becoming an award-winning television show host. We also discuss her experiences as a woman of color navigating the media industry, and her passion for writing stories and giving exposure to underrepresented business owners and professionals in the food industry.  In the Table Topic, Kae Lani gives us her tips for strengthening your presence and getting more comfortable in front of a camera. 

Learn more about Kae Lani Palmisano below:

• Personal Instagram: @kaelanisays
• Personal Twitter: @kaelanisays
• Amuse Bouche Podcast Website: amusebouche.substack.com
• Amuse Bouche Podcast Instagram: @amusebouchepod
• Amuse Bouche Podcast Twitter: @amusebouchepod
  

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl

Demond Mullen (also known as DJ) is the owner of SWEEETHEAT Sauces and Rubs. Based in Willow Grove, PA, SWEEETHEAT Sauces and Rubs are sold at many local retailers in the Philadelphia area including Di Bruno Brothers, Weaver's Way, Kimberton Whole Foods and many more. He describes his products as all natural with multiple layers of flavor that start off sweet and end with a mild flavorful touch of heat. 

In this episode, DJ shares how SWEEETHEAT Sauces and Rubs were born out of his catering business, Streetside BBQ, and how he increased his product distribution by focusing on more localized growth strategies.  In the table topic, DJ gives us his tips on how to get your products into local retailers.

Learn more about Demond and SWEEETHEAT Sauces and Rubs below:

• Website: sweeetheat.com
• Instagram: @sweeetheat_ssb
• Facebook: /sweeetheat
• Twitter: @sweeetheat_ssb

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl

Did you know that there are more than one hundred Black-owned spirits brands? If you're interested in imbibing in a few (but don't know where to start), then this is the episode for you. In this this table topic mini-episode, we revisit Episode 17: Building a Black-Owned Wine and Spirits Brand, where I was joined by Sean McCloud, the founder and owner of A Taste of the Culture. A Taste of the Culture is the first membership community and monthly subscription service dedicated exclusively to Black-owned wine & spirits.

Listen in as Sean give us his top picks for Black-owned spirits brands that you can support today and what makes them so special! You can also grab his full list of recommendations below.

Learn more about Sean McCloud and A Taste of the Culture below.

• Website: atasteoftheculture.com
• Instagram: @atasteoftheculture
• Facebook: /atasteoftheculture
• Twitter: @atasteofthecul1
  

Black-owned Spirits Brands recommended by Sean McCloud in this episode:

Gin

• HH Bespoke Gin by Harlem Habberdashery
•  Ingenious Gin (Also veteran-owned)

Vodka

• Black Leaf Vodka 
  • As Legacy Vodka
  • Quiet Storm Vodka (Passionfruit)
  • PLUSH Vodka (Plum)

Bourbon / Whiskey

• Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
• Brough Brothers Bourbon
• Fresh Bourbon
• Guidance Whiskey
• Bull Young Bourbon
• Majesty Georgia Bourbon Whiskey
• River Basin Hand-Finished Rye Whiskey  
• Exclave Rye Whiskey

Rum

• Twelv 31 (Rum and Vodka)
• House of Angostura Rum 

Liqueur, Cordials, and Mixers

• LS Cream Liqueur 
  • Perfectly Cordial 
  • Hella Cocktail Company
• Avec Jalapeño and Blood Orange Mixer
  

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl

Chef Cleophus "Ophus" Hethington is a talented chef from Miami who has been featured in Cuisine Noir, Atlanta Magazine, Eater, and the Miami Herald. Beginning his career in the U.S. Navy, Chef Ophus has a passion for traveling, and specifically how the African diaspora has historically and continues to impact the cuisine and spices of the world. He was able to turn this passion for travel and history into multiple businesses including his pop-up dinner series "Ebi Chop Bar" as well as a boutique spice company, Triangular Traded Spices. He notes that Triangular Traded Spices was created to "honor the diversity of the African diaspora and its communities through its thoughtfully sourced, small-batch, organic, and unabashedly bold handcrafted spice blends."

In this episode, Chef Ophus shares the experiences that led him to pursue a career as a chef, and how travel helped to expand his horizons. In the Table Topic, he provides an overview of each of his Triangular Traded Spices, the history behind one of his favorites, and how he uses these spices across various dishes.

Learn more about Chef Ophus and Triangular Traded Spices below:

• Personal Instagram: @chefophus
• Business Instagram: @ttspices
• Website: ttspices.com

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl

In this Table Topic Mini-Episode, we head back to our Season 2 Premiere (Episode 13), when special event curator and culinary enthusiast Adeola Sokunbi gave us insight on planning and executing top notch events.  Adeola has combined her personal love for food and professional expertise in connecting people to create Yolaskitchen. Yolaskitchen started as an intimate monthly supper club in 2016, and now the brand is expanding into consumer goods. 

Listen in as Adeola shares her tips for curating exceptional and unique dining experiences that will wow your guests. Tips she's gathered not only from planning dinner parties for Yolaskitchen, but also from working for some of the world’s largest and most iconic brands like Coca-Cola and the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

Learn more about Adeola and Yolaskitchen below.

• Website: yolaskitchen.com
• Instagram: @yolaskitchen
  

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl

Marta Rivera Diaz is a formally trained chef with more than 25 years of cooking and baking experience. She created her blog Sense & Edibility to encourage advanced and novice cooks, alike, to explore and succeed at executing culinary fundamentals and techniques never before explained to them. Marta melds her multicultural background and extensive travel history into creative recipes that inspire others. She is the proud wife of a retired U.S. Army soldier and the proud mother of 15-year-old twins and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas.

In this episode, Marta shares how her path into a culinary career was greatly influenced by her Puerto Rican and Black heritage, military upbringing,  and formal education. She also gives us her advice on bringing your full authentic self to your blog, and how to best combat the imposter syndrome many of us experience as we build our brands. In the table topic, Marta shares a special dish that represents her multicultural background and gives us some history on each of the ingredients.

Learn more about Marta and Sense & Edibility below:

• Instagram: @senseandedibility 
• Facebook: /Senseandedibility 
• Twitter: @ediblesense 
• LinkedIn: Marta A. Rivera Diaz

Recipes mentioned by Marta in this episode:

• Merlot-Braised Beef Short-Ribs
• Bacalaitos (Puerto Rican Salted Codfish)
• Cheesy Grits with Garlic

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Website: table86podcast.com
Instagram: @geostable / @table86podcast
Facebook: /geostablephl