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In the Season 2 Finale of Table 86 Podcast, we are joined by Meiko Temple. Meiko Temple is a self-taught home cook and the vibrant personality behind the food blog Meiko And The Dish, where she shares fresh and soulful recipes inspired by her upbringing. In addition to being at the helm of her own blog, Meiko is also a very successful freelance creative director and consultant who is skilled at helping brands bring their ideas to their life. She is passionate about uplifting and creating spaces for historically underrepresented food creatives and the organizer behind the wildly popular Black History Month Virtual Potluck and Juneteenth Virtual Cookout. In this episode, Meiko shares why she left her job in Corporate America to pursue blogging full time and the skills she’s been able to cultivate as a result of taking that leap. In the Table Topic, Meiko offers some insight into the transferable skills she's developed as a result of food blogging and how they have contributed to her professional success in other areas.  Learn more about Meiko Temple and Meiko and the Dish below: Website: meikoandthedish.com Instagram: @meikoandthedish Twitter: @meikoandthedish Facebook: @meikoandthedish SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Myself, Meiko and some other very talented Black culinary creators have joined forces to create Eat the Culture. The purpose of Eat the Culture is  to create community-centered spaces that nurture, support & amplify Black culinary creators. To kick-off this entity, we have created our first "Eat the Culture Video Challenge" including a video course that will teach you how to make crave able tasty style videos. If you're a Black culinary creator who's interested in joining our challenge or who wants access to our free course visit EatTheCulture.com today to learn more and to sign up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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