Black-Owned Restaurant #5: Flatbush Farm

After not consuming anything throughout my day but water, in the midst of my desires to fill my stomach with Black-owned food, I randomly selected Flatbush Farm. My ignorant notion of how black-owned restaurants were designed was challenged and changed this evening. I should mention when I mention the term “ignorant” I am speaking about my lack of knowledge of how Black-owned restaurants are constructed.

As you can tell from this photo I was dressed more casual and imagined that I would have selected a Black-owned restaurant in a more urban setting that matched my attire, however, that wasn't the case. Being at Flatbush Farm, I witnessed a different kind of black energy. I wonder if because the owner is mixed he is able to intertwine his black roots and his other roots and create an atmosphere that feels both “blackish” and “nonblackish.” In any case, when I walked out of Flatbush Farm I looked back at the entrance and noted to myself how I would have never guessed this was a black-owned restaurant. As I continue on this journey of eating at 100 black-owned restaurants, I am thankful for Flatbush Farm for showing me every black-owned restaurant will not be constructed in the same way, but regardless of its exterior, the black soul remains in the core of the restaurant.




Thank you, Flatbush Farm for that lesson and the delicious fish and chips! I look forward to meeting your captain when I return! 

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Black-Owned Restaurant #4 : Corner Grind

This morning, like every other morning and afternoon, I googled “black-owned businesses,” and I stumbled across Corner Grind. After a 15 minute commute, I walked into this restaurant and within five minutes of being there, I walked out to grab some cash so that I could purchase some delicious french toast (Only cash purchases). Funny moment: I grabbed what I thought was syrup, but instead was honey, and completely covered my french toast in it. While enjoying my breakfast, all I could think was “this is the sweetest french toast I ever tasted, like damn it is good, but it is too damn sweet.” It was not until another customer ordered the same dish, and as I was aiming to grab him the syrup, I realized the bottled I initially grabbed that I thought was syrup, was instead honey. I shared this laugh with my new friend Saidah, (she works there) and continued to connect with the energy, people, and the atmosphere of Corner Grind.





Thank you, to the owner Sixx, for listening to what I called “my 3-minute spill” and for sharing your business and all of its individual uniqueness with me. It ain’t nothing like seeing another Brooklynight do his thing!



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Black-Owned Restaurant #3: BISTRO

Today was the first day I thought to myself why am I doing this? Why spend the money? Why would I want to have to repeat myself constantly? Why would I force myself not to eat anything until I am under the roof of a Black-owned business?

Simply put: I am investing in Demetrius. Yes, I am spending money. Yes, I am “starving” myself. Yes, I want my coffee from Starbucks. However, immersing myself into my culture, disciplining my mind and body, and staying committed to my ultimate cause, which is to fall in love with my people, but more so, myself, is more important to me and I refuse to stop what I have started.




Thank you, to the staff at Bistro for reminding me of that today. I enjoyed eating at a Black-owned restaurant, for the first time, in Harlem. Oh, and before I forget, Sabrina, you are the real MVP!

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Black-Owned Restaurant #2: SIMPLE PLEASURES

I had the honor to buy this beautiful painting that cost me $125 last week. Before you question my financial decisions, listen to why I purchased such a piece in the first place. Although I fell in love with the artwork because it resembles a man in a fedora and a suit, (both of which I love and wear religiously), knowing I have invested in this Black-owned restaurant with the hopes Simple Pleasures will continue to prosper, not only for the owner Nancy but also for the young black children in the neighborhood. While it is true that gentrification has engulfed Bedstuy, I made that investment because I want to preserve Simple Pleasures, so that the black children can look up and see my new friend Nancy, and be inspired.




Thank you, to the owner Nancy, for blessing me with my first significant investment in a black business. I shall be back to try that Veggie Pizza!



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So I have decided only to eat at Black-owned restaurants for the entire month of November. Except for water, I will not drink, eat, or spend a dime at any other restaurant, unless it is Black-owned.
This experience is a part of my paradigm shift that is currently happening in my life. I am learning how to love my Black people more because I had a deep-seated anger towards my race because of the various black foster care homes I've been in and how I felt let down by those of my kin.
During the month of November, I will take photos with either the owner(s), (if given a chance) or take pictures inside the restaurant, and of the food I ate.
As I continue to learn how to love my Black people and myself more, hope and happiness continues to permeate my mind, body, and soul; I am unearthing the real Demetrius.
First spot: BROOKLYN BLEND.
Big shout out to the owner Keishon!! Thank you, for blessing me with your food, positive energy, and for that good ole soul music. 





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