From November 14 to 20th, Canadian Black-owned media publication ByBlacks is bringing the best of African and Caribbean cuisine to Canada for its Fall 2022 Edition of ByBlacks Restaurant Week.
With the prices of food steadily rising across the country, the restaurant industry has suffered as a result, with Black restaurant owners especially feeling the brunt. ByBlacks is hoping to challenge this economic dilemma through ByBlacks Restaurant Week.
During ByBlacks Restaurant Week, customers can explore a range of Black-owned restaurants in Ontario, Quebec and BC. Each participating vendor has curated a special prix fixe mens––offering a range of appetizer, entree and dessert items ranging from just $20 to $40 total.
“ByBlacks.com is thrilled to partner with other Black-owned Canadian media houses, Black Community Associations, Tourism Organizations, Restaurants Canada, and sponsors to amplify the participating restaurants,” says Roger Dundas, Co-Founder at ByBlacks.
The campaign highlights the city’s best African, Caribbean and soul food flavours. From jollof, to jerk corn, to injera, there’s something for everyone. To participate, diners can visit a range of Black-owned Toronto food outlets on the ByBlacks Restaurant Week directory here.
It’s a in-win. Let’s show up and show out for these amazing, Black-owned restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and pop-up kitchens.
Here are SHIFTER’s picks for 5 restaurants and pop-up shops to check out next week:
THE ABIBIMAN PROJECT
I first came across The Abibiman Project at the Afro-Caribbean Farmers’ Market this summer, and was thoroughly impressed with their incredible assortment of spices, sweets and Ghanian treats galore. It’s 100% evident that its owner, Rachel Adjei, invests an inspiring amount of care and detail into each product, all which incredibly reflect the diverse cuisines of Toronto’s African diaspora.
As a non-profit organization, The Abibiman Project uses their platform to share more than just good eats. They also share educational knowledge on African foods to combat racial injustice and donate proceeds to fellow Black food sovereignty initiative, the Afri-Can FoodBasket.
The Abibiman Project is hosting a pop-up dinner at The Grapefruit Moon at 968 Bathurst St, Toronto. Each Tuesday, they will serve a selection of African dishes, like kelewele and poulet muamba.
CHIC PEAS VEG
A staple in the Black vegan scene, CHIC PEAS VEG takes nutritious eats to a whole new level. Inflecting an East African twist on whole foods, CHIC PEAS VEG is a plant-based company that’s deeply rooted in the community. Led by Naza Hasebenebi, CHIC PEAS VEG offers a unique dining experience to each dish they serve. They also a staple in the Black food education scene in Toronto, hosting a variety of cooking classes and school workshops year-round.
During Black Restaurant week, you can catch CHIC PEAS VEG at 5210 Yonge St, North York for a range of delicious bites like veggie samosas, teff, and barley injera & salad.
CLASSIC JUICE CO
Classic Juice Co is a Caribbean-Canadian juicery that crafts each of their colourful creations with pride and innovation. Even picky eaters are bound to enjoy their hand-crafted juices that take veggies and fruits to an extraordinary level. Stop by their shop at 287 Coxwell Avenue in East York to try a refreshing mango salad, veggie wraps and vegan banana bread––and of course their famous sorrel and lemonade!
SUGARKANE RESTAURANT
Known for fusion-forward dishes and its gorgeous interior, SugarKane has got to be on your list of restaurants to check out. Come for the Instagram-worthy pictures and stay for the delicious bites. Located at 699 Danforth Avenue, SugarKane restaurant expertly blends Caribbean-flavours with a Cajun flair.
BOUKAN EDIBLE BLISS 11
Last but not least, what would this list be without the beautiful touch of Haiti? Located in the Danforth, Haitian-Caribbean restaurant Boukan Edible Bliss 11 is serving up a selection of both savoury classics and delectable delights during Black Restaurant Week. Try their Spicy Mango Phyllo Bites, Caesar Jerk Chicken Sandwich, and Brandon Gonez approved famous Rum Cheesecake Bites.
It’s one week only, so make sure you try out as many of these restaurants as you can! From November 14th through to the 20th, try the Prix Fixé menus above, and check out even more Black-owned restaurants on the ByBlacks directory.
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