Day 11 - 30 Day Food Blog Challenge - Favorite Main Course

Today’s challenge is:Favorite Main Course The main course during any dining situation is always my favorite course.It's the big show! The main event.My favorite time during dining.It obviously depends on the type of restaurant I am at but 9 out of 10 times my go-to main course is a steak.My favorite cuts are: skirt and hanger.At home, I do not cook much red-meat so going out and ordering a steak is usually a treat for me.I recently moved to the Elmhurst / Jackson Heights area in Queens New York.If you are not familiar when this part of New York, just know that it's a big foodie destination. This area has been featured in AM NY, CNN, The Travel Channel, and even Serious Eats.I recently had dinner near my home at a Colombian restaurant named La Pequeña Colombia. It's a cute place. Very authentic (the staff and the food).I went with my go-to and ordered a steak/shrimp entree.Though I was not asked how I wanted my steak prepared I went with the flow and still enjoyed the meal. It was honestly delicious.The portions here are HUGE. I was given a whole separate plate of rice and beans and I couldn't leave without having an avocado salad. Have a look at all the Colombian goodness in the photo above.Oh and the margaritas are good here too :p If you are in Elmhurst be sure to check out the steak entrees at La Pequeña Colombia, you'll enjoy it!What's your go to entree? Is it steak, is it fish? Comment below, let me know!

Day 10 - 30 Day Food Blog Challenge - Favorite Appetizer

Today’s challenge is:Favorite Appetizer This was an easy one.French Fries is my favorite appetizer.They are pretty universal.You fry up some skinny potatoes and everyone loves them.I'm also a fan of poutine which is a form of fries and native to Canada. If I go back to Montreal it will be for the yearly Poutine festival.I can eat fries plain, with bacon, with cheese, salchipapas, any way you make it.The photo above is one of my faves: kimchi fries 🤤How do you like your French fries?

Day 9 - 30 Day Food Blog Challenge - Most Exotic Food You've Tried

Today’s challenge is:Most Exotic Food You've TriedI'm not picky when it comes to trying new food.Well if it involves okra then I'm not trying it > you can read about that in my previous post.But I'm pretty open and will give almost everything a try once.Throughout my foodie years, I've tried a lot of different things.I vividly remember trying escargot at a Yelp event a few years ago and for awhile that experience was a bit weird for me. It's mostly because of the texture. It did not sit right with me. However, I have to say it was not as weird as eating a salad full of grasshoppers (that's whats in the photo above).Back in August of 2016, I dined at a restaurant called Serenata. It's located in Chelsea here in New York City. Serenata is a Mexican restaurant and before the shade is thrown at me, I will say that Mexican food is NOT considered exotic to me. I eat Mexican cuisine often.But this particular evening, I was feeling a bit adventurous and decided to order the "ENSALADA DEL DESIERTO" which I believe translates to "Salad of the Desert".The ENSALADA DEL DESIERTO contains the following:Grilled cactus, grasshoppers, roasted corn, roasted cipollini onions, wild mushrooms, grape tomatoes, avocado, dates, cilantro-sabila vinaigrette, toasted sunflower seeds, red & black lava saffron salt.I'm not sure why I ordered this but I did and it was delicious.If you know anything about me then you know that I am terrified of bugs. I hate them. I'm not a fan. No matter how big or how small, I'll freak out. So for me to eat something with grasshoppers in it was a stretch and I made it!The grasshoppers were roasted so they had a crunch to it, they were a bit salty by themselves but worked well mixed with all of the other ingredients in the salad.I would try it again if given the opportunity.I do not see myself eating any other kinds of bugs in the future but hey you never know!Readers out there, what do you consider an exotic food item? Or have you ever eaten a bug? Comment below.

Day 8 - 30 Day Food Blog Challenge - Food That You Dislike...

Today’s challenge is:Food That You Dislike That Most People Do Like I hate okra.I do not like the taste. I do not like the texture. I do not like it's look. I do not like okra.I've made this known amongst my friends and family. It's seems that every time I mention that I hate okra the next thing I hear is: "you just haven't had it _____ this way" or "you just haven't tried it the way I make it. "People have suggested I try it fried, stewed, baked, or grilled.NOPE.I'm not going to try it any other way.I've tried it twice in my life time and I think that's enough.Once my late grandmother Maureen prepared okra as a side dish with tomatoes and peppers (known as Caribbean style) and I was not having it.The second time I tried it at a restaurant and it was fried. Nope. I did not like it that way either.I just do not like it.Also, it's way too slimy for my liking.Okra and I will never be friends.

Day 7 - 30 Day Food Blog Challenge - Food That You Like...

Today's challenge is:Food That You Like That Most People Don't I like to eat octopus. There I said it.Whenever I'm at an Italian restaurant I order grilled octopus.I'm not ashamed.I've been out several times with different groups of people and when I order grilled octupus it goes either way.Some people join me, grab a fork and we enjoy some grilled tentacles and keep it moving.Some people freak out when the dish arrives and they do not see calamari.I can see how this can get confusing but to set the record straight a squid and an octopus are two different underwater creatures.Squids live in salt water. Usually in tropics while octopuses live in dens on the sea floor.Cooking wise, when ordering octopus it's generally char-grilled then topped w/ a little olive oil and fresh pepper top while calamari is made from squids and they are usually battered and fried.They look very different cooked and uncooked and generally taste different due to the textures.If you are adventurous give it a go! Order grilled octopus is tasty and makes for a great appetizer.

Day 6 - 30 Day Food Blog Challenge - Restaurant That Lives Up To The Hype

In my opinion the restaurant that lives up to the hype is PETER LUGAR STEAK HOUSE (the Brooklyn location). It's still being reviewed by the NY Times and Zagat as one of the best restaurants in New York City. Thats major!I can count the types I've eaten here - 3 to be exact and every time I've left extremely full and with a smile on my face.Growing up in Brooklyn I've always heard about this place. I've always heard that the steaks were HUGE and delicious.The steaks were just that. I've never eaten such a large steak before. It was the size of my head (or probably bigger). The steaks were juicy, prepared perfectly and the serves presented the steaks in such a old fashion manner. I loved it!The restaurant is super old school Brooklyn. It's still cash only (even though you can pay with a debit card if need be), the decor has not changed yet it's still relevant compared to other steak houses in New York. You also have to call to make reservations, no online reservations.If you are a meat eater, you have to experience this place. It's a must for NY living. Get the Canadian bacon or jumbo shrimp for an appetizer, the creamed spinach is to die for, and on any dessert of choice make sure you ask for the "schlag" (whipped creme).

Day 4 - 30 Day Food Blog Challenge - Favorite Chef

My favorite chef is Marcus Samuelsson.If you don't know the name you may know him from popular food competition shows such as Chopped and Top Chef Masters.He's a brilliant chef and I appreciate him because he's heavily involved in preserving and celebrating black culinary history.It seems like every other culture has food that's proudly celebrated but its seems like black food isn't celebrated as much as Italian or even Mexican food. I feel Marcus is doing a great job representing for us and showing the culinary world the importance and sophistication of black food.I've had the pleasure of eating at Red Rooster which is one of Marcus' restaurants here in Harlem - New York City. Harlem is a historically black neighborhood so I can see the significance of why he chose to open the restaurant there. Once you step into Red Rooster it's like a party. The people are friendly, the bar is lively, there's a band playing live music and the smell of delicious food hits you as soon as you walk in.While I was at the restaurant I had a chance to meet Marcus. I completely fangirled and as you can see from my photo I was really excited to meet him. He was extremely humble. He was even open to suggestions about the food. Which I thought was really thoughtful and just plain real. He made sure he went to every table and checked to see if everyone was happy with the menu and the dishes they ordered.A few years back I started reading his James Beard Foundation award winning memoir titled Yes Chef. It's a great read about his life growing up Ethiopian in Sweden, his family and how his passion for food made him who he is today. I highly recommend it if you like good memoirs or foodie related books.To keep up with Marcus I now follow him on Instagram and you should too!

Day 2 - 30 Day Food Blog Challenge - Favorite Restaurant

This took some time for me to answer because it's tough being in New York City with so many diverse, michelin star, easily accessible restaurants and simply labeling one restaurant as ones "favorite".But if I have to pick one I will say off of the top of my head: Burger and Lobster.I know some of you out there reading this may be giving me some serious side-eye but hear me out.I really like seafood. To clarify I love lobsters. I love the taste, the consistency does not bother me and it's just so rich!I'm a big fan of simplicity. I like things to be straight forward. It may not seem that way but it's the truth.Burger and Lobster is a restaurant with two main dishes and every single time I've eaten there the food, the drinks, and the staff have been consistently on point. I have not been disappointed by them yet.I've tried all of the different varieties of lobsters (grilled, steamed) as well as the burgers and I've always left satisfied.If you find yourself at Burger and Lobster I recommend getting the mini burger and grilled lobster combo (seen in the above photo). Be sure to ask for at the garlic butter sauce on the side.ProTip: Lobster rolls are great but if you come here get a whole lobster. I promise you it's not hard to eat. It may look intimidating but it's not. The chefs open the lobsters in a way that makes it easy for anyone to eat.Just from seeing the photos of this place one would think it's very pricey but it's actually not. The prices are very reasonable and the environment is not stuffy at all. The Chelsea location just so happens to be walking distance from my day job.It's a win-win for me!

What's your favorite restaurant?! Comment Below.

Black Eyed Peas and New Years Day

 It's 18 degrees here in New York City.When it's that cold in New York no one goes outside unless they have to. This morning I got up and ran my butt outside to the grocery store to buy a bag of black eyed peas. That may sound crazy but in the back of my mind I knew it was something that had to be done.I bared the cold for tradition.Growing up I can remember eating black eyed peas and collard greens around the holidays but most specifically on New Years Day (not eve). No one ever explained why we did this and I didn't question it because who doesn't love black eyed peas with ham and collard greens?! I thought it was just holiday food.It wasn't until I was older and started cooking for myself did I start to question this tradition.After doing a bit of research I've learned that eating black eyed peas is a Southern tradition. This makes sense in my case being that my mothers side of the family is primarily from the south. My aunt (one of my mother's older sisters) is a powerhouse at cooking traditional southern food. My mouth is watering just thinking about her collards.In the south, it is said that black eyed peas was a symbol of emancipation for African Americans who had been previously enslaved and were freed on New Years Day.If it takes cooking and eating something that I love the taste of to celebrate emancipation I'm all for it. I'll walk in the cold a thousand times if I have to.Black eyed peas is also considered a good luck dish. This tradition (well the superstitious part of it) also stems back from the south. The concept is, if you eat black eyed peas on New Years Day you will be prosperous throughout the year.I'm here for this too. I believe in certain superstitions to some extent so I'm going to rock with this one and eat up these peas!I've already cooked and eaten my black eyed peas (seen above) for the day. I did not go with tradition and cook them with pork , I just added a tiny bit of onions and garlic seasoning. I did however throw a little hot sauce on them once they were cooked which is considered traditional.Now that my belly is full and I had a side of good ole' black eyed peas I can rest easy and manifest all of the good things coming my way.Cheers to much success in the new year!Foodies out there, are there any New Year traditions you follow or keep going? If so, share below. Leave a comment. 

Foodie Haul: Teas from Paris & London

I love tea! I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm a tea lady :DI like it hot, I like it cold, I like it in the morning or in the evening. Ok.. ok... I'll stop turning this into a Dr. Seuss rhyme.My dearest (and favorite photographer) friend Camile (check out her work) vacationed in London and Paris recently so she ever so kindly brought me back some tea. I am over the moon with this tea haul. I'm so happy!I waited all day to open up the bag she gave me and lookie look at what I got!I can't wait to try all of these teas! I'm starting out tonight with the above Marco Polo Rouge.I'm so using this Palais Des Thés cotton loose tea filter (something I did not know existed). I've only used metal filters. This should be quite interesting. The Montagne Bleue (below) black tea has rhubarb in it! I'm pumped.  This is also a product from Palais Des Thés. The ingredients in this one is giving me evening tea vibes.Then there's the  Marks & Spencer Rwandan black tea from London. I can just image this with some almond milk right now ?I haven't tried these teas yet but I already have a favorite. The Marco Polo iced tea!!! You guys I'm going to drink French iced tea *I'm screaming on the inside right now*​[video src="http://tameekaeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ae79d532-48cb-4a2b-9aaf-399f5b7355e4.mp4" poster=""][/video]​I was also lucky enough to get some of my favorite things in the world from Paris! Popcorn and nail polish. I don't know what it is about popcorn but I love it and one of these days I'll be brave enough to show the internet how much nail polish bottles I own.I'm super duper lucky to have friends who know and love me! Hashtag Lucky. Hashtag Spoiled.Have you been to Paris? Have you had any of these teas? Comment below. Let me know!

Foodie Holiday: Let's Celebrate National Iced-Tea Day

Today's a foodie holiday and in my best Oprah voice I'm running around my apartment screaming "I LOVE ICED-TEA". My beau and my dog think I'm crazy but they know it's true.Iced-tea is my jam!Well tea is general is my jam. I am more of a tea person than a coffee person (I mentioned this before in my "Get To Know A Foodie" post awhile back. I only really drink coffee when necessary.Wanna celebrate national iced-tea day? Then head over to these (3) places and get your sip on:Starbucks - From 10am - 2pm - Customers will receive a free 24-fluid-ounce Beach Bellini™ handcrafted iced tea when they join a demo for the Perfectea® Maker at participating Teavana specialty retail stores in the U.S. and Canada. While supplies last and one per customer. Didn't make it to Starbucks on time for the free tea, still stop by and grab a shaken iced green tea lemonade. It's my go-to Starbucks tea. It's light and refreshing with a touch of sweetness (from the lemonade).Dunkin' Donuts - If you are looking for a traditionally refreshing lipton-style iced-tea head to your local Dunkin' Donuts for a large iced tea for less than $3.00. The large can honestly be shared by 2 people it's so big. I believe it is unsweeted so add a lil sugar or agave if you like your tea sweet.David's Tea - Today 6/10 (and tomorrow 6/11) David's Tea is offering free iced-tea of the day. I'll repeat that: FREE ICED-TEA peeps! Click Here to find a location near you. The fruit teas sold here are delightful. Yesterday I tried the frozen raspberry tea and it was sour and sweet and just screamed summertime.Staying in today and still want to celebrate? Grab a pitcher, some hot water, a few tea bags (or a strainer and raw tea) and get to making some iced tea!Here's a look at the tea I made earlier this morning. In the photo below it looks like a typical Lipton style tea but it actually is not. It is a raw black tea I purchased from David's Tea and its named LOVE TEA #7 - it's a mix of black tea, chocolate, strawberries and rose petals.*TEA PRO TIP* : David's Tea has a summer tea program. Here's how it works: You purchase a mug from the summer collection, this now becomes your passport for $1 dollar teas. Everyday the store picks (2) iced-teas as their tea of the day and you can go in, get one of these teas, fill up your summer mug and only pay a $1.00 for a tea that would normally cost you about $3.00. I've been doing this for about 3 years and I've gotten to try a lot of different types of teas through this program. Here are the mugs I have from the collection (2015/2016/2017).Do you love tea like me?! If so what's your favorite type of tea (black tea, green tea, mate)?Comment below and let me know.

5 Benefits Of Adding Lemons To Your Morning Routine

I'm always on the run. Every week I have an event or a restaurant to try and I sometimes make un-healthy food choices. If you follow me on Instagram you see that I love fried foods, cocktails, and bread.These delicious things leave me tired, sluggish and turns my brain into mush. Realizing this was a pattern and noticing that about a month ago I caught two colds back to back. I started to make a change.I simply started taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar when I wake up. EVERYDAY! At first I refused to do it because of the smell but just like any habit, you'll get used to it and you'll welcome it. I then walk my dog for about 30-40 minutes, come back and quickly drink a glass of warm water with half of a squeezed lemon.There are so many other health conscious things I need to do (*cough cough* like actually use my New York Sports Club membership) but right now this is where I'm starting and it's helped me in the (5) following ways:

1. I immediately get an energy boost.

   I usually wake up an hour earlier than I need to so I can walk my dog Benji. He's a high energy wirehaired terrier and I need to keep up with him on our walks. I am not a morning person. I'm more of a mid-morning/afternoon type of woman. Some people would suggest I have a cup of coffee first thing but drinking lemon water works better for me as coffee on an empty stomach gives me the jitters.

 

2. It keeps me regular.

If you are reading this I consider us friends so we can be real with each other. With all of the different foods I eat throughout the day at work, during lunch, at food events, family/friend gatherings it's really important to stay regular and poop when you should. The acid from the lemons work with your body to get your gastric juices flowing. 

3. It hugs my liver and gets rid of toxins. 

Let's be real (again). Some of us enjoy a good cocktail or 2 or 3 afterwork. And living in NYC I have the pick of the litter and I have friends who like good cocktails as well, so we meet at-least once a month and get our drink-on and wind down from our busy schedules. I enjoy these meetups with all my heart but they can take a toll on ones liver so naturally lemons become my bestie and drinking a glass a day with warm water flushes those toxins right out of my liver like "boy-bye".

4. It helps relieve heartburn. 

I do not often suffer from heart burn (thank goodness) but I have when I'm on a full on foodie binge. Last week I had fried chicken twice in 1 week. Lord it was so good but I felt it afterwards. Luckily I always remember that lemons help with hurt burn. When I start feeling them flames hitting my chest I reach for the fridge. Seriously, when this happens I immediately drink a little lemon water (more lemon than water for this) because the lemon neutralizes the acidity in my body giving me immediate relief. As I mentioned earlier this does not happen often because I now know when to quit and pick up a batch of kale and stop with the fried crap. But for you readers if this continues get on ZocDoc and go see your doctor. 

5. It helps with my glow-up. 

I wish I knew this little beauty secret years ago (why didn't any of y'all tell me) *insert side-eye to everyone I know*.  LEMONS ?HELP ?WITH ?ACNE!!! I suffered from acne as a teen and used a ton of products to try and clear my skin. Who knew I should have just raided my mommas refrigerator?!I started this lemon beauty regime 2 weeks ago and the glow up is real. I first wash my face lightly (with a mild soap and water). I then squeeze half of a lemon is a mug or bowl. I grab a cotton ball. Dip it in the lemon juice and apply to my face. I leave this on my face for a few minutes (about 5-8 minutes). I then wash my face with cool water and pat it dry. I can already see my skin clearing in just 3 weeks. I'm going to continue this method especially now that it's getting warm out and lemons are proving to give me LIFE!!! Per usual consult your doctor before following my lemon tips because different people react differently to certain levels of acidity. So hit up your doctor (and dentist) to see if this works for you and your diet/lifestyle.What are your daily routines?! Share your recommendations, suggestions, etc below!

RECAP: Los Pollos Hermanos Pop Up Restaurant - NYC Edition

Earlier this week AMC cleverly teamed up with a parking lot company named Citizens Parking to bring us Breaking Bad fans the (now) famous Los Pollos Hermanos Pop Up Restaurant to New York City. The shop was here to promote the upcoming season 3 premiere of the Breaking Bad spin-off series Better Call Saul. The first episode premiered on April 10th @ 10pm EST. You can watch the first episode for free on AMC's site.If you've ever watched (or plan on watching) the television series Breaking Bad then you know (or will know) how significant this restaurant is within the series. *Slight Spoiler Alert Ahead*  Los Pollos Hermanos was founded by Gus Fring (played by the talented Giancarlo Esposito) and was the store-front used to hide money made off of meth sales. It's an amazingly well written television series. It's now considered a cult classic in some circles. If you haven't watched this series yet stop reading this now, get on Netflix, and start binge watching.The pop up restaurant was originally opened at this years SXSW festival and was a huge success (from what I heard around the internet) so AMC took the pop up restaurant on the road and brought it to LA in March and then NYC in April. When I saw an article announcing the pop up hours, I immediately marked my calendar because this type of event is my jam! It seemed perfect! A mix of two things that are near and dear to my heart: scripted television and food. I immediately sent an all-caps text to one of my foodie friends to let her know that WE MUST GO on Sunday and get there early because we are New Yorkers and New Yorkers show up and show out when it comes to food events/trends/festivals.The pop up restaurant/parking lot was located downtown Manhattan at 243 Pearl Street and the hours were: 4/9 11am-8pm and 4/10 10am-8pm.  My friend and I arrived somewhere between 930 and 10am. Even at that time people were already on line ahead of us which means they must have gotten there at either 7 or 8am (see what I mean by New Yorkers showing up and showing out).While waiting to get in everyone took photos with the staff members, the infamous man in a chicken costume, and we watched the official trailer a few times. In the trailer I noticed Gus says "come in and try our curly fries". I didn't think anything of it until one of the staff members announced there was no chicken being sold nor given out. My heart sunk. ?I want to mention that I ALWAYS research every restaurant, event, pop up shop, grand opening, etc I attend. I search the internet for details and because of my "need to know" personality I always like to be prepared and know what to expect. But this time, because I saw so many tweets about it being so "cool" at SXSW I did not dive into finding out what to expect and wanted to be surprised. With that said, I was unaware that chicken would not actually get served at the pop up restaurant.The one time I do not research a pop up event this happens. I would not have gotten there so early if I knew this. On a positive note, they did however provide us with curly fries (and the fries were actually tasty). For free. I will say this was more of a pop up museum of the Los Pollos Hermanos restaurant rather than a standard pop up restaurant. I can't front, I'm sad I did not get to try some chicken but it was kinda astounding seeing the replica of the set. It was like we were actually in the southwest and in this extremely nice and wholesome chicken joint that was really a front for drug money. It was pretty freaking awesome to have experienced it.

I Ate Pasta From A Giant Cheese Wheel & You Should Too

Earlier today I met a few dear friends for lunch. While making meeting arrangements one of my friends texted me that we are meeting at a place called Basta Pasta. I immediately figured this was a standard Italian restaurant until I checked my trusty Yelp app and saw that this was one of "those" places. And by "those" places I mean, one of the places I could get pasta severed straight from a cheese block. I know this may sound weird but this is all of the rage going on in the foodie world (well one of the popular foodie gimmicks going on right now).I've bookmarked at least 3 locations that serve you pasta in a cheesy form but I haven't taken the time to go in and experience it, so when I did my research on this restaurant I was ecstatic to come here. Not only because I would get to try the elusive cheesy pasta but also because Basta Pasta is an Italian Japanese fusion restaurant. That's right up my alley. I LOVE fusion restaurants, you get so much bang for your buck.Now, if you haven't experienced pasta this way here's a break down of what Spaghetti con prosciutto e parmigiana consists of: Parmesan cheese gets heated and melted in a massive cheese wheel. Once the cheese is significantly hot, lightly cooked pasta is placed into the wheel. Once the pasta is in the wheel it is mixed throughly until the pasta is completely cooked and now part parmesan cheese. This is then plated and topped with prosciutto. It is delectable and extremely rich. Here are (5) reasons why you should eat pasta that was cooked in a giant cheese wheel:

1. It's a cheese wheel there should be no further questioning ?
2. People will be drooling at your Instagram and Facebook photos ?
3. You will never want plain pasta ever again ?
4. You'll actually enjoy eating spaghetti again ?
5. It's kid, mother, father, cousin, boss, everyone friendly. Everyone (well a good portion of people) will be impressed and thank you when you take them to a place that serves this. They'll look at you like your a visionary ?

Check out the video I snapped of the cheese being cooked in the wheel then delicately plated.https://www.instagram.com/p/BShDIhHl-PO/?taken-by=tameekaeatsWe ordered just 1 bowl to share. I probably could have eaten a whole bowl on my own.In the photo below you can see me eagerly awaiting my tables cheese wheel pasta.I will say this is something every cheese lover should experience. One time in their life. There are so many restaurants all over the United States now that offer this. To find your local cheese wheel/cheese boat pasta download the Yelp app and have a grand ole' cheesy time.Location: Basta Pasta > https://www.yelp.com/biz/basta-pasta-new-york > Flatiron, New York City 

Black Food H(er)story : Edna Lewis

It's Black History Month (my favorite time of the year).I decided to write this post about a black woman who made culinary history. A woman who is still being celebrated to this day for her contributions to the food world.The majestic black woman you see above is Edna Lewis.Edna was born in a farm settlement in Orange County Virginia in 1916. Her grandfather was an emancipated slave. I'm sure she learned a lot about food, race, freedom, and culture from her family in Virginia during those years. It's been reported that in Edna's late teen years (18/19) she moved to New York City and worked various jobs until she was finally able to get in the kitchen and develop her passion. People close to Edna said she was very soft spoken but very passionate about educating others on fresh farm grown foods as well as preserving the authentic taste of Southern food. No wonder she was crowned in 1999 as the "Dame of Southern Cooking."Once Edna made it her goal to preserve the authentic tastes of Southern food, she stood strong and made herself known in the food world even when little to no blacks were represented.During her years on this earth she accomplished so much!Edna's story hit home for me because I grew up eating Southern (along with West Indian) food. I was always in the kitchen with my grandmothers while they cooked and I can appreciate the essence and pride of cooking southern cuisine. It's the food of a certain type of prideful people. Edna is aspiring for all black female chefs or any black female in the food industry period.She broke barriers for all of us!Edna Lewis published (4) cookbooks throughout her life time:

• The Edna Lewis Cookbook (1972)
• The Taste of Country Cooking (1976)
• In Pursuit of Flavor (1988)
• The Gift of Southern Cooking (2003)

She also received multiple James Beard Awards. If you know anything about the culinary world, you know that's a HUGE achievement. In 1995 she received the James Beard Living Legend Award (the first award of its kind) and in 2003 Edna was inducted into the KitchenAid Cook Hall of Fame which is associated with James Beard as well.Her first cook book was published in 1972 but she's still relevant in 2017. Edna's recipes are even being talked about on popular food shows like Top Chef.Edna Lewis was a culinary legend and that should be known to all! She is not the "black Julia Childs", she is EDNA LEWIS -- "The Dame of Southern Cooking"If you would like to know more on the Dame Edna Lewis here are a few links I've come across:

• Edna Lewis' Wiki = http://bit.ly/2kaccfO
• National Women's History Museum = http://bit.ly/2kyu4nY
• NPR: 2006: A 'Tase of Southern Cooking', 30 Years Later = http://n.pr/2luL4sV
• Youtube: In the Season, The Edna Lewis Story = http://bit.ly/2kaeueL
• NPR: 2006: Memories of Southern Chef Edna Lewis = http://n.pr/2kalzMd