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https://www.blackenterprise.com/10-black-instagram-influencers-food-reviewers-food-scene/
Food criticism isn’t just for insiders anymore. Gone are the days when only Michelin inspectors and newspaper columnists got to have a say. Now, a fresh wave of Black food reviewers is injecting some much-needed humor and perspective into the dining world. They’re giving us a way to think about food, one bite at a time. You can find them on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. They’re the ones making us laugh, making us hungry, and showing us what’s really good. Let’s take a look at a few favorites. Here are 10 food reviewers who are changing the dining game with their voices and style.
Rashad “Mr. ChimeTime” Mooreman (@mr.chimetime)
Rashad Mooreman, notably known as Mr. Chimetime, is a popular food reviewer recognized for his assessments of local dives and small Black-owned establishments throughout the United States. Mr. Chimetime has established himself as a notable figure with his irreverent personality and shoot-from-the-hip style of food critique on Instagram. Mooreman’s perspective has not only sparked discussion around your favorite food spots but also ignited widespread debates that have gone viral. Chimetime also spreads the love across good restaurants by paying for the meals for scores of customers.
Keith Lee
Keith Lee, a former MMA fighter, has created a lane reviewing restaurants across the US with a special focus on Black-owned eateries. What sets him apart is his approach. Lee orders anonymously, which helps keep his reviews honest and authentic. Lee’s food reviews have a side effect; once he features a restaurant, it tends to get a surge in customers and attention. The “Keith Lee Effect” has been a game-changer for Black-owned businesses, which often struggle to gain the spotlight. Lee has built up a strong following. People love his down-to-earth reviews and his commitment to showcasing America’s hidden gems.
Cheryl Parks Ajamu (@BlackGirlFoodCritic)
Cheryl Parks Ajamu, the woman behind Black Girl Food Critic, is on a mission to shed light on Black-owned restaurants and community-driven eateries. Ajamu started BlackGirlFoodCritic in 2021. From mouth-watering Detroit brunch spots to classic Southern-style dishes, BlackGirlFoodCritic tries them all. The reviews are not only about the food. She weaves in the context and history behind each spot. If you’re looking for in-depth reviews that go beyond just what’s on the plate, definitely check for BlackGirlFoodCritic.
Eden Hagos (@blackfoodie.co)
BlackFoodie is a platform founded by Eden Hagos that highlights Black-owned restaurants across the country. Her feed is more than a bunch of food pics. She’s built a community around it where she shares her thoughts on restaurants, talks about dining events, and breaks down the latest culinary trends. What really sets BlackFoodie apart is the way she weaves in commentary and highlights the Black people behind the food.
(@blackfoodie.co)Chef Vicky V (@thequeenofyum)
Chef Vicky V, or The Queen of Yum as she’s fondly called, is making waves. This food influencer has a knack for storytelling. She uses vivid images and killer events to bring dining hotspots to life. The Queen of Yum champions Black-owned restaurants and gives them the attention they deserve. Chef Vicky has been getting nods for her work since 2024. It’s clear she’s on a mission to lift up food spots, bring people together, and make Black food scenes more accessible.
Brittany & Dave (@twomidwestfoodies)
Brittany and Dave, who run the Instagram account Two Midwest Foodies, are on a mission to highlight Black-owned restaurants in the Midwest. These two have been creating content since 2019. They cover all kinds of cuisine from comfort food to adventurous dishes. Their account is a resource for anyone looking to support Black-owned businesses and see what the Midwest’s food is hitting on.
Chicago (@twomidwestfoodies)Lyndsay C. Green (@ladyluff)
Lindsay C. Green made history as the dining and restaurant critic at the Detroit Free Press. She’s been writing reviews since 2022, covering everything from fine dining spots to beloved community eateries that mean a lot to the people of Detroit. Green has an eye for what makes a restaurant special. She’s been getting some serious recognition for her work, including a James Beard Award nomination for Emerging Voice and even a Pulitzer Prize finalist nod. Her reviews give readers a sense of the city’s restaurant scene and tell stories rooted in Detroit culture.
KJ Kearney (@BlackFoodFridays)
KJ Kearney is the brains behind Black Food Fridays, a platform that’s racked up a James Beard Award. Born and raised in South Carolina, Kearney’s passion project has become a go-to spot for advocating for Black-owned eateries across the country. What sets them apart is their weekly review system, which breaks it down into five telling categories: how good it tastes, how it looks, how well it’s made, the vibe of the place, and how clean it’s. Since launching Black Food Fridays in North Charleston in 2020, Kearney’s been crisscrossing the nation trying spots and sharing their honest take on each one. What I love about these guys is that they really know how to review food in a way that’s fair and thoughtful. They consider the culture behind the dish, making their opinions highly valuable to anyone passionate about food.
Alex & Allison Onyina (@acoupleofbites)
A Couple of Bites is a couple who reviews food spots in Houston. Alex and Allison Onyina are a husband-and-wife team that focuses on date night restaurants and Black-owned establishments in the community. Since 2024, they’ve been getting attention around Houston and their unique take on dining. A Couple of Bites make trying new restaurants feel approachable.
Stephen Satterfield
Stephen Satterfield, a food writer from Atlanta, is the face behind the Netflix show High on the Hog. Satterfield travels all over the US to share stories about the food and people behind it. What sets him apart is that he doesn’t just review food, he digs into its history and culture. It’s not only about what’s on the plate; he’s on a mission to elevate the conversation around food. Satterfield has been reviewing food culture since he started Whetstone Media back in 2018. But his passion for food goes back much further.
RELATED CONTENT: These Culinary Artists Are Instagram Official And Their Food Is Chef’s Kiss
Food criticism isn’t just for insiders anymore. Gone are the days when only Michelin inspectors and newspaper columnists got to have a say. Now, a fresh wave of Black food reviewers is injecting some much-needed humor and perspective into the dining world. They’re giving us a way to think about food, one bite at a time. You can find them on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. They’re the ones making us laugh, making us hungry, and showing us what’s really good. Let’s take a look at a few favorites. Here are 10 food reviewers who are changing the dining game with their voices and style.
Rashad “Mr. ChimeTime” Mooreman (@mr.chimetime)
Rashad Mooreman, notably known as Mr. Chimetime, is a popular food reviewer recognized for his assessments of local dives and small Black-owned establishments throughout the United States. Mr. Chimetime has established himself as a notable figure with his irreverent personality and shoot-from-the-hip style of food critique on Instagram. Mooreman’s perspective has not only sparked discussion around your favorite food spots but also ignited widespread debates that have gone viral. Chimetime also spreads the love across good restaurants by paying for the meals for scores of customers.
Keith Lee
Keith Lee, a former MMA fighter, has created a lane reviewing restaurants across the US with a special focus on Black-owned eateries. What sets him apart is his approach. Lee orders anonymously, which helps keep his reviews honest and authentic. Lee’s food reviews have a side effect; once he features a restaurant, it tends to get a surge in customers and attention. The “Keith Lee Effect” has been a game-changer for Black-owned businesses, which often struggle to gain the spotlight. Lee has built up a strong following. People love his down-to-earth reviews and his commitment to showcasing America’s hidden gems.
Cheryl Parks Ajamu (@BlackGirlFoodCritic)
Cheryl Parks Ajamu, the woman behind Black Girl Food Critic, is on a mission to shed light on Black-owned restaurants and community-driven eateries. Ajamu started BlackGirlFoodCritic in 2021. From mouth-watering Detroit brunch spots to classic Southern-style dishes, BlackGirlFoodCritic tries them all. The reviews are not only about the food. She weaves in the context and history behind each spot. If you’re looking for in-depth reviews that go beyond just what’s on the plate, definitely check for BlackGirlFoodCritic.
Eden Hagos (@blackfoodie.co)
BlackFoodie is a platform founded by Eden Hagos that highlights Black-owned restaurants across the country. Her feed is more than a bunch of food pics. She’s built a community around it where she shares her thoughts on restaurants, talks about dining events, and breaks down the latest culinary trends. What really sets BlackFoodie apart is the way she weaves in commentary and highlights the Black people behind the food.
Chef Vicky V (@thequeenofyum)
Chef Vicky V, or The Queen of Yum as she’s fondly called, is making waves. This food influencer has a knack for storytelling. She uses vivid images and killer events to bring dining hotspots to life. The Queen of Yum champions Black-owned restaurants and gives them the attention they deserve. Chef Vicky has been getting nods for her work since 2024. It’s clear she’s on a mission to lift up food spots, bring people together, and make Black food scenes more accessible.
Brittany & Dave (@twomidwestfoodies)
Brittany and Dave, who run the Instagram account Two Midwest Foodies, are on a mission to highlight Black-owned restaurants in the Midwest. These two have been creating content since 2019. They cover all kinds of cuisine from comfort food to adventurous dishes. Their account is a resource for anyone looking to support Black-owned businesses and see what the Midwest’s food is hitting on.
Lyndsay C. Green (@ladyluff)
Lindsay C. Green made history as the dining and restaurant critic at the Detroit Free Press. She’s been writing reviews since 2022, covering everything from fine dining spots to beloved community eateries that mean a lot to the people of Detroit. Green has an eye for what makes a restaurant special. She’s been getting some serious recognition for her work, including a James Beard Award nomination for Emerging Voice and even a Pulitzer Prize finalist nod. Her reviews give readers a sense of the city’s restaurant scene and tell stories rooted in Detroit culture.
KJ Kearney (@BlackFoodFridays)
KJ Kearney is the brains behind Black Food Fridays, a platform that’s racked up a James Beard Award. Born and raised in South Carolina, Kearney’s passion project has become a go-to spot for advocating for Black-owned eateries across the country. What sets them apart is their weekly review system, which breaks it down into five telling categories: how good it tastes, how it looks, how well it’s made, the vibe of the place, and how clean it’s. Since launching Black Food Fridays in North Charleston in 2020, Kearney’s been crisscrossing the nation trying spots and sharing their honest take on each one. What I love about these guys is that they really know how to review food in a way that’s fair and thoughtful. They consider the culture behind the dish, making their opinions highly valuable to anyone passionate about food.
Alex & Allison Onyina (@acoupleofbites)
A Couple of Bites is a couple who reviews food spots in Houston. Alex and Allison Onyina are a husband-and-wife team that focuses on date night restaurants and Black-owned establishments in the community. Since 2024, they’ve been getting attention around Houston and their unique take on dining. A Couple of Bites make trying new restaurants feel approachable.
Stephen Satterfield
Stephen Satterfield, a food writer from Atlanta, is the face behind the Netflix show High on the Hog. Satterfield travels all over the US to share stories about the food and people behind it. What sets him apart is that he doesn’t just review food, he digs into its history and culture. It’s not only about what’s on the plate; he’s on a mission to elevate the conversation around food. Satterfield has been reviewing food culture since he started Whetstone Media back in 2018. But his passion for food goes back much further.
RELATED CONTENT: These Culinary Artists Are Instagram Official And Their Food Is Chef’s Kiss
Bartenders encounter several types of customers on the job: the drunks, the rude, and, of course, the flirts, all while relying on tips to make ends meet. A California-based bartender warns more than 105,000 viewers that having a girlfriend won’t stop some male customers from wanting your number.
While on the job, TikTok creator Kaylee Silva (@kaylee.silva) shares an interaction with one of her customers.
A veteran getting regular medical treatment at an urgent care recognized the nurse asking a new question about IUDs, birth control, and other contraceptives. In a video with over 2.4 million views, Candace (@squidmoo101) explained how she noticed the new question felt invasive.
“I’m at the VA Urgent Care for unrelated reasons, and the intake nurse asks me the normal questions [like] are you pregnant? When was your last period?” Candace recalled. “And then she says, ‘We have to ask this as well now. Is there anything physically stopping you from being pregnant?’”
What do Khadijah James from Living Single, Ava from Abbott Elementary, and Kelly from Insecure all have in common? They give off Rich Auntie vibes. Every time they’re on the screen, they’re dressed to the T, hair pressed and never out of place. Always on the go, they are either busy being the boss or hopping on a plane.
Whether on screen or in real life, we all know at least one woman who is fully living life on her own terms. We often refer to these vibrant women as “The Rich Auntie.” For Black women, this label is more than a persona; it’s a lifestyle that more are embracing.
What is the Rich Auntie archetype?
We call them aunties because they aren’t moms and are often childless. They are women who have no attachments and have centered their lives around their own happiness and financial freedom.
Often portrayed as an aesthetic where women present themselves with luxury clothes and experiences, being a Rich Auntie isn’t just about the look.
The power of a Rich Auntie is how she sees herself. She isn’t afraid to be single; she feels empowered by it. She focuses on doing things that make her happy.
Why are more Black women striving for Rich Auntie status?
Black women are embodying this persona by becoming entrepreneurs and moving to foreign countries to start new lives.
Being “a strong Black woman” is exhausting. Yet being a Rich Auntie is about caring for others and prioritizing self-care. Instead of filling your life with PTA meetings and bake sales, you’re catching shows on Broadway and enjoying the matinee.
If this sounds like the life you want to be living, here’s how to embrace your inner Rich Auntie.
How to embrace the Rich Auntie lifestyle
While the aesthetic is attractive, becoming a Rich Auntie is more than just pulling off a look. Here’s how to embody this role inside and out.
Focus on financial stability
Since many Rich Aunties don’t have children, they typically have more money to spend on themselves and the things they enjoy. Beyond having extra cash, a Rich Auntie isn’t relying on living paycheck to paycheck. Instead, she is focused on investing and managing her money wisely.
Yes, you might see her strolling into brunch with designer shoes and a matching handbag. However, she isn’t only spending money on designer accessories; she’s also investing in her future by putting money into the stock market, retirement, or real estate. Wealth is about making your money work for you, and that’s what Rich Aunties do.
Your first step to reaching Rich Auntie status is to see how you can invest part of your income into your financial future.
Let go of hustle culture
Rich Aunties aren’t working themselves to the bone for a J-O-B. When they clock off work, they aren’t worried about replying to emails or revising reports. Instead, these freedom-focused women are busy chasing their joy. Whether traveling, going to live music events, or brunching with friends, they are enjoying life. Overworking themselves isn’t something they do. Instead, they are hosting dinner parties or leading a book club.
When they say they’re busy, they mean they are busy taking care of themselves.
If your cortisol levels are high due to hustle culture, embrace the Rich Auntie mentality. Focus on things that make you happy and less on clocking in more hours. After all, no one is on their deathbed saying they wish they had worked more.
Consider taking up a new hobby, setting up a lunch date with friends, or simply taking a bubble bath with a good book. The more you can walk away from the screen and endless Zoom meetings and move toward relaxation, the closer you’ll be to achieving Rich Auntie status.
Shift your mindset
One of the most important steps you can take to becoming a Rich Auntie is shifting your mindset. Start internally by reminding yourself that you are worthy of rest, support, and love. When you believe in your self-worth, you’re less likely to let people take advantage of you, overlook you, or ignore you.
While you’re reminding yourself that you are amazing, smart, and sexy, stop being overly critical of yourself. You’re doing just fine. Say that out loud to yourself: you’re doing just fine.
Lastly, to help reboot your brain from all its negative thinking, start saying no to the world and yes to you. You’re probably thinking that sounds selfish, but it’s the opposite. When you take care of yourself more, you show up better for others. Put your air mask on first before assisting others.
Even though the Rich Auntie aesthetic can seem superficial on social media, remember it isn’t about drinking champagne in first class. It’s about creating financial stability and confidence so you can live a life that is uniquely yours.
The post Rich Auntie Aesthetic Is More Than a Look; It’s a Saving Grace for Black Women appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.