Table 86

It's National Food Truck Week (June 20th - June 27th)! For our first Table Topic Mini-Episode, we're celebrating with Ariel D. Smith, the founder of The Food Truck Scholar and host of its podcast! Her platform seeks to amplify Black voices in the food truck industry, educate current and aspiring food truckers, and inspire those in and beyond the food truck and entrepreneurship fields. 

In this Table Topic, Ariel gives us her top Black-owned food truck picks across a number of fun categories. If you're interested in hearing more, catch the full episode here: A History of Black-Owned Food Trucks with Ariel D. Smith of The Food Truck Scholar, and be sure to follow Ariel at the links below:

• Website: TheFoodTruckScholar.com 
• Instagram: @thefoodtruckscholar 
• YouTube: The Food Truck Scholar 
• Twitter: @FoodTruckSchola 
• Facebook: The Food Truck Scholar Page 
• Clubhouse: @FoodTruckSchola

Black-owned Food Trucks mentioned in this episode:

• Aw Shucks - Birmingham, AL
• The Beignet Bar - Nashville, TN
• The Guac Box - West Lafayette, IN
• R & R Extreme Wings - Indianapolis, IN
• Lip Smacking' Creations Food Medic - Nashville, TN
• Pop Goes the Waffle - St. Petersburg, FL

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

From styling A-List celebrities on Fifth Avenue to working under the tutelage of famous chefs like Marcus Samuelson and JJ Johnson, Chef Rasheeda Purdie boasts an impressive resume full of vibrant experiences, all of which she has poured into her ramen business, Ramen by Rā. Launched during the global pandemic, Ramen by Rā offers exclusive “dine-in” ramen experiences for guests to indulge in the comfort of their own homes. 

In this episode, Rasheeda shares how and why she decided to explore becoming a professional, and how her curiosity, creativity, and commitment to lifelong learning aided her in making that leap. She also shares how her business, Ramen by Rā was birthed through deep appreciation, education, and passion for ramen and its origins in Asia. In the table topic, she gives her tips for making healthy and versatile ramen dishes at home.

If you're in the New York area and would like an opportunity to support her - Rāsheeda is currently doing a special Juneteenth Roots + Ramen experience! You can also learn more about Rāsheeda, follow her cooking adventures and stay up-to-date on her upcoming experiences below:

• Website: ramenbyra.com
• Instagram: @ramenbyra
• E-mail: [email protected]

People and products mentioned in this episode by Rāsheeda Purdie:

• Chef Marcus Samuelsson ( Red Rooster / New York)
• Chef Melba Wilson (Melba's / New York)
• Chef JJ Johnson (FIELDTRIP / New York)
• National Cherry Blossom Festival (Washington, DC)
• Sun Noodle Ramen

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

Your host, Dr. Geo Banks-Weston, is here to introduce a new addition to the Table 86 podcast schedule: "Table Topic" Mini-Episodes!!! The best part is that these bite-sized episodes will be 10 minutes or less and packed with tons of valuable information!

As you may know, at the end of each episode our guests lead a segment called "Table Topic" where they get the opportunity to impart some knowledge, give some quick tips, or share their expertise with our listeners. With this segment being one that the listeners have found the most value in, moving forward they will be repurposed as "mini-episodes" released on a bi-weekly basis!

Tune in as I bring back some of my favorite topics, including how to pitch yourself to brands as a content creator,  tools you can leverage to automate your social media, amazing black-owned wine and spirits brands you can support and much much more! 

He also gives you a sneak peek at some of the amazing Black bloggers, chefs, and entrepreneurs coming to the table in the second half of Season 2. Tune in to learn more and as always, please feel free to show your love by subscribing and rating the podcast on your favorite podcast streaming services.

You can also stay up-to-date with Table 86 podcast and my blog at the links below:

Website - geostablephl.com // table86podcast.com 

Instagram - @geostable // @table86podcast

 Twitter - @geostablephl

Subscribe, rate, and follow @geostable on Instagram to know when our episodes go live.

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

Margo Gabriel is a freelance writer and cookbook editor from Boston, MA.  Her writing has been published in Boston Art Review, Cuisine Noir, Edible Boston, Fodor’s, Popsugar, the New York Times and Solstice Literary Magazine. Earlier this year, Margo fulfilled a long-term goal of moving abroad to Lisbon, Portugal where she is currently enrolled in a graduate program.  

In this episode, Margo gives us insight into how she was able to build her career as a freelance writer focusing on food and culture. She also shares how she made her dream of moving to Portugal a reality. In the table topic, Margo provides her perspective on Black food culture in Portugal and recommends some of her favorite restaurants and dishes. 

Learn more about Margo Gabriel and read some of her pieces below:

• Website: margoscreativelife.com
• Instagram: @margotscreativelife
• Facebook: /margoscreativelife
• LinkedIn: Margo Gabriel

Articles written by Margo Gabriel mentioned in this episode:

• A Dish With Joy In Every Bite: Griot and Pikliz - Butcher Box
• Find and Keep New Friends During a Pandemic - New York Times
• Hernâni Miguel Creates a Place for Culture, Music and Food at Lisbon’s Tabernáculo - Cuisine Noir

Subscribe, rate, and follow @geostable on Instagram to know when our episodes go live.

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

Dominek “Dom” Tubbs is a food and lifestyle blogger based in Harlem. Through her blog, Dom N’ the City as well as through social media, she has become known as the go-to guide for eating your way through New York City. She is passionate about highlighting businesses from marginalized communities and loves sharing quick and easy recipes for at home.  When she isn't indulging in the flavors of the city or creating content for her site, Dom works for an innovative tech startup company in an operations management role.

In this episode, Dom shares her tips and tools for working smarter and striking balance as a content creator who also has a successful full-time career and as her and I dive deep on the ways in which we stay committed to buying black.

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

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

Black-owned Products mentioned in this episode:

• Black Bread Co.
• Boss Blend Coffee
• The Spice Suite

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

• Planoly
• Canva
• Squarespace
• Hootsuite
• Later
  

Subscribe, rate, and follow @geostable on Instagram to know when our episodes go live.

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

Have you ever thought about self-publishing a cocktail book or cookbook but don't know where to begin? Well, today's guest is here to help!

Martina Jackson is a professional photographer, food blogger, and founder of Drea & Co. - a lifestyle platform. She recently added the title of self-published author to her resume with her first cocktail book: After Hours. Martina’s joy for life is at the forefront of her work and woven throughout every cocktail recipe and project that she touches. Whether it’s home styling tips or food and beverage adventures, Martina seeks to face every day with a light heart and a dash of luxury.

In this episode, Martina shares her journey in self-publishing and how this passion project helped her evolve and cultivate new skills as a creative and entrepreneur. In the Table Topic, Martina gives her considerations and tips for embarking on your own self-publishing journey.

Learn more about Martina Jackson, Drea & Co., and purchase her phenomenal cocktail book below:

• Website: dreaandcompany.com
• For Purchase: After Hours Cocktail Book
• Instagram: @martina.drea | @dreaandcohome  
• Facebook: /martina.dreaandco | /dreaandcohome

Mentioned by Martina Jackson in this episode:

• Tanisha Pinex (Photographer)
• Cliff Canon (Photographer)
• BLK and Bold Specialty Beverages

Subscribe, rate, and follow @geostable on Instagram to know when our episodes go live.

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

KJ Kearney is the founder, creator, and viral social media influencer behind Black Food Fridays. Black Food Fridays is a call-to-action centered around the economic empowerment of Black-owned businesses. Black Food Fridays encourages everyone to support a Black-owned food and/or beverage business every Friday.

In this episode, KJ shares how Black Food Fridays grew from a simple way concept to support black-owned food businesses into a social media sensation and platform that educates the masses on Black food history and uplifts the importance of economic empowerment in the Black community. He also gives his advice on staying true to yourself and your purpose while creating results-driven social media content. Before he goes, KJ drops some knowledge by sharing one of his favorite black food facts. 

Learn more about KJ Kearney, and Black Food Fridays below:

• Website: BlackFoodFridays.com
• Instagram: @blackfoodfridays
• Tik Tok: @blackfoodfridays
• Facebook: /BlackFoodFridays
• Clubhouse: Blackfoodfridays
• Twitter: @blkfoodfridays

Mentioned by KJ Kearney in this episode:

• Black Food Fridays brings Black history to TikTok - TODAY Show Article
• Bertha's Kitchen in North Charleston - James Beard Award-Winning Restaurant 
• Anela Malik of Feed the Malik
• Dominek Tubbs of Dom n' the City

Subscribe, rate, and follow @geostable on Instagram to know when our episodes go live.

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

Sean McCloud is the founder and owner of A Taste of the Culture, the first membership community dedicated exclusively to Black-owned wine & spirits. Members of this private member community receive a monthly subscription box that includes a black-owned wine or spirit, a black-owned mixer, recipes & suggested serves as well as a home bar accessory. Through this community, Sean strives to elevate black-owned brands and at the same time make them more accessible.

In this episode, Sean discusses how the memory of his grandfather and a career in the spirits industry helped him to actualize A Taste of the Culture as an entrepreneurial endeavor. He also shares why he chose a subscription-based business model to reach and educate the masses on Black-owned wine and spirits. Before he goes he provides us his top picks for Black-owned wine and spirits (a list you can grab below).

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

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

Black-owned Wine and 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 (included in A Taste of the Culture February Box)
  • Perfectly Cordial (Included in A Taste of the Culture February Box)
  • Hella Cocktail Company
• Avec Jalapeño and Blood Orange Mixer

Subscribe, rate, and follow @geostable on Instagram to know when our episodes go live.

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

Chef Jezabel Careaga is the owner of Jezebel's Cafe and Bakery located in West Philadelphia. Although her roots lie in Palpalá which is located in Northwest Argentina, her restaurant has made a notable stamp on the Philly food scene winning a Best of Philly Award in 2019. 

In this episode, Jezabel discusses how sharing the cuisine of her childhood has helped center the unique and intimate experience she offers at her restaurant. She also highlights how her grandmother's love and memory inspired the "If my grandma were to cook for you" Chef Series. In the table topic, Jezabel teaches us how to make one of her favorite Argentinian comfort foods made simply from carrot greens and eggs.

Learn more about Chef Jezabel Careaga and Jezabel’s Cafe below.

• Jezabel's Cafe and Bakery Website
• Jezabel’s Cafe is located at 206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
• Jezabel's Cafe and Bakery Instagram
• Jezabel Careaga Professional Website

Subscribe, rate, and follow @geostable on Instagram to know when our episodes go live.

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

Ariel D. Smith is the founder of The Food Truck Scholar and host of its podcast. The platform seeks to amplify voices in the food truck industry, educate current and aspiring food truckers, and inspire those in and beyond the food truck and entrepreneurship fields. Ariel is also a Ph.D. student at Purdue researching specifically African American participation in the food truck industry. In this episode, Ariel gives us insight into her journey as a journalist and researcher of Black food truck history. She shares her perspectives on Black food truck culture past, present, and future, and how this culture has been ingrained into the fabric of American cities and small towns. In this episode's Table Topic, Ariel gives us her top Black-owned food truck picks across a number of fun categories.

Learn more about Ariel and The Food Truck Scholar below.

Website: TheFoodTruckScholar.com
Instagram: @thefoodtruckscholar
YouTube: The Food Truck Scholar
Twitter: @FoodTruckSchola
Facebook: The Food Truck Scholar Page
Clubhouse: @FoodTruckSchola

Resources mentioned in this episode:

"The Great Taco Truck War" by Rebecca Winters Keegan - Time Magazine Black,

Hispanic entrepreneurs discriminated against when seeking small business loans by J.D. Harrison - The Washington Post

Food Trucks mentioned in the Table Topic:

Aw Shucks - Birmingham, AL

The Beignet Bar - Nashville, TN

The Guac Box - West Lafayette, IN

R & R Extreme Wings - Indianapolis, IN

Lip Smacking' Creations Food Medic - Nashville, TN

Pop Goes the Waffle - St. Petersburg, FL

Subscribe, rate, and follow @geostable on Instagram to know when our episodes go live.

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