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https://www.blackenterprise.com/8-black-owned-toronto-restaurants/
Is there any city outside the United States that compares to New York City? Of the ones I’ve encountered over the years, I can safely give a resounding no. However, after a trip to Canada, I can definitely say that Toronto is the closest comparison to my home state of New York. The dining experience was enjoyable, as I got the chance to visit several, specifically Black-owned restaurants.
I got to visit the city that Drake proudly calls ‘the 6’. There are sites to see and enjoy, but, as we all know, food is always a draw to any destination, and I was able to dine at a few.
With the atmosphere hitting right while taking in the warmth of the Canadian town, I did the tourist thing and even got to visit the CN Tower with its wide view of the city. But, with my fear of heights, I made sure it wasn’t a long stay at the attraction. The “6” reminded me so much of New York City with the density and fullness of the streets (I was in downtown Toronto, so I can’t speak on other parts of the city), but with friendlier people roaming the area.
With New Yorkers having a bad reputation for being rude (OK, maybe that’s true…), I did find comfort in not having to be on the defensive while taking a stroll in the city. I stayed at the W Toronto Hotel in the Yorkville section of Toronto.
As a great supporter of Black businesses wherever I go, I had to savor the taste of some Black-owned eateries through the few days I was there.
I was able to dine at Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, a nice little Caribbean spot rivaling some restaurants in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The restaurant gave a nice little hometown feel as the place was a little small; it gave off a more intimate feel as I was able to speak to other patrons while eating. It’s a perfect place for a first date, business meeting, or brunch, with the warm vibes felt in the place. No complaints. The food was great, and the drinks were very satisfying. I do plan on going back once I visit the city again.
Dining at Miss Likklemores, a bigger restaurant with a fuller menu, brought so much satisfaction to my stomach that there was no way I could finish the meal I ordered. The choices on the menu had me viewing it far longer than I should have, and even after ordering, I kept the menu to see what they had.
The portion size was plentiful and pleasantly unexpected. The restaurant also had a more “bougie” setting. Although it had a dark interior, it fit the restaurant’s mood, which is ideal for those seeking refuge in a place that will soothe the soul and the stomach.
After a few days, I went to IRENE Restaurant on the waterfront, which had exquisite views of the water. The menu offered breakfast and lunch options, as well as Caribbean and American food. The food was great for the palate, and the selection of drinks matched the atmosphere surrounding the eatery.
Of course, since I was only in town for two nights, it was impossible to visit the many choices in the T. O., but with the help of some Toronto Black business owners and executives, as well as some friends from up North, I was able to tell them about several Black-owned restaurants they suggest anyone who comes into town check out.
Scotthill Caribean Cuisine and Miss Likklemores on King West are Menisha Moses, media relations manager for Business Events & Trade at Destination Toronto, ‘s clear top choices.
“One of my favorites would have to be Scotthill Caribean Cusine on Avenue Rd. It’s family-owned and insanely authentic seasoning. Some places might water down the flavor to appease a larger audience, but Chef Keith stays true to his roots.”
“Close second is Miss Likklemores on King West. The vibe and the elegance is not something you typically see for Caribean cuisine so I love that Chef Darren is raising the bar.”
Bakers Jerk House, Onyxx Sports Bar, and Boukan: Toronto recording artist Ceyion gives three of his favorite choices.
“Bakers Jerk House Restaurant and Onyxx Sports Bar are two of the best Black-Owned restaurants on the west side. Both of these mobile cater in and around the city, serving at major Black events, concerts, and festivals in Toronto while also having flagship stores on the west side of the city. These are both Black-owned with creative dishes.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Takeout | Dine-In & Bar | Food Truck Catering (@bakersjerkhouse)
“I added a third, Boukan. They are a Haitian food restaurant, super fire, and cultural spot in the Downtown area.
King Rustic Kitchen and Bar, SugarKane Restaurant and Chubby’s: Founder and Owner of Events by Dionne gives a detailed reason why she chose these spots.
“Why? It’s on King West, located close enough to BMO Field for pre-game ( Toronto FC – Soccer) drinks and apps. The atmosphere brings a vibe that I call Rustic Chic. It’s casual but not low-grade — perfect for after-event chilling. The brunch menu is amazing and I can’t get enough of the French Toast and Fried Chicken — but there’s also salads, sandwiches, and burgers with Cajan fries…..nom nom nom. The cocktails are also top-tier — my go-to is Port Royal. Owner and mixologist Loren Amos curates the drinks.”
SugarKane Restaurant- “Good food but also live music, so it has a “lounge vibe” when looking for something to do in the city. It’s on the east end of the Danforth ( another popular street for restaurants and cultural experiences ), owned by a pair of twins, so it’s a cool story as well.
Chubby’s: “But you’ve been there :)”
As there are many Black-owned restaurants in Toronto to dine in, these are just a few that you can start with to enjoy the experience your tongue will love!
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Despite the woes of anti-aging, and the problem behind the term, ingredients used to slow down our skin’s clock remain on beauty’s top shelf. The latest on the list of buzzword products—from retinol to tretinoin—is a compound, dubbed the “molecule for eternal youth,” found in some of our favorite foods. (Hint: it’s in red wine and chocolate, too).
“Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant found in the skin of grapes, berries, and some nuts,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth tells ESSENCE. With the hashtag #resveratrol at 42.8 posts on TikTok and a number of products on the market, “it’s been gaining attention in the skincare world for its anti-aging properties.”
Below, Ruth breaks down the retinol alternative, the benefits, and what to avoid.
What is resveratrol?Most commonly found in the skin of grapes, berries, and nuts, resveratrol is also a component in (deliciously) addictive foods, like red wine and dark chocolate. However, you’d have to consume extremely large quantities (150mg a day) to tap into the benefits since only a trace amount can be absorbed by the gut.
While drinking hundreds of glasses of wine is not recommended, tapping into the topical benefits instead of an aged Cabernet bottle may be more worthwhile. “This polyphenol works by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate aging,” Ruth says, which supplements or topical products can do.
What are the benefits of resveratrol?“By protecting the skin from oxidative stress, resveratrol helps prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging,” she says. “It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can soothe irritated skin and support overall skin health.” Checking all the boxes for a top-rated anti-aging product, resveratrol can also help extend the lifespan of skin cells and help maintain homeostasis.
How does resveratrol differ from other anti-aging ingredients?With all the anti-aging products on the market, feeling fatigued by which to use can be difficult. “What sets resveratrol apart from other anti-aging ingredients, like retinol, is its gentleness,” she says, making it a good option for sensitive skin and retinol intolerance. “While retinol stimulates cell turnover and collagen production, which can sometimes cause irritation, dryness, and redness, resveratrol works by shielding the skin from external aggressors like UV rays and pollution.”
How popular is resveratrol?Popularized by the Harvard professor David Sinclair, “resveratrol gained popularity following scientific studies showing its potential benefits for longevity and skin health,” she says. “Originally studied for its role in heart health, it was soon recognized for its skin benefits due to its potent antioxidant profile.”
Becoming a key ingredient in many high-end skincare lines, like Caudalie and Le Demaine, the food-derived compound is touted for its “natural origin” and multi-faceted benefits. “A lot of patients ask me for a natural alternative to prescriptions, and one could say this could be a natural alternative to a retinoid.”
How does resveratrol work in a skincare routine?“In a skincare routine, resveratrol is best used in conjunction with other antioxidants like vitamin C and E, which can enhance its protective effects against environmental damage,” Ruth says. “It pairs well with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to provide moisture while defending the skin.”
For optimal results, she recommends looking for serums or creams with a stable form of resveratrol and apply them after cleansing and toning, but before heavier moisturizers.
What should you avoid when using the ingredient?Just like every new skincare product, knowing how to use it and what to avoid can be the fine line between top shelf and in the closet. “When introducing resveratrol, it’s important to start slowly to observe how your skin responds, especially if using it in combination with other active ingredients,” she says. “I tell patients to avoid using it in the same night with other strong exfoliants or acids, such as glycolic acid, to avoid irritation.”
“While it’s generally safe for all skin types, those with particularly sensitive skin should monitor for any signs of irritation,” she warns. However, “resveratrol is typically well-tolerated and can be used both morning and night, although frequency depends on the concentration of the product.”
TOPICS: alternative skincare anti aging retinol skincareThe post This Fruit-Derived Ingredient Delivers Anti-Aging Benefits appeared first on Essence.
We at Nerdist personally adore DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern; we gave it five stars and two nat 20s up. The immersive theatrical experience really captures everything we love about Dungeons & Dragons and combines it with everything we adore about live theater. There’s honestly no energy in a room quite like the energy that comes when you and a group of strangers, who are now your quest party, which is basically like being your best friends, combine your powers to take down a monster of your own creation. DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern is an epic thrill on a random Tuesday… but it’s about to get even more exciting. Three new Featured Players will join the production in January, and they are Ify Nwadiwe (Dimension 20, Workaholics, and Grand Crew), Jack Lepiarz (known as “Jacques Ze Whipper”) and Neil Newbon (Baldur’s Gate 3, Final Fantasy XVI, Resident Evil Village). Excuse us while we attempt to contain our glee.
Nerdist readers might be familiar with Ify Nwadiwe because he recently guest-starred on Geek & Sundry‘s Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode show, to the great delight of our viewers. If you haven’t watched him in action yet, you’re surely missing out. Neil Newbon, of course, likely needs no introduction after his incredible turn as Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3. We assume he won’t be playing Asatrion (darling) in The Twenty-Sided Tavern, but we have no doubt he’ll have something incredible up his sleeves. Meanwhile, we can also only imagine the frenzy Jack Lepiarz (otherwise, as mentioned, known as “Jacques Ze Whipper”) will whip the audience into. If you’ve been waiting to attend DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern, this feels like your sign to roll for initiative and go check it out.
The official description of The Twenty-Sided Tavern shares that it is “an immersive theatrical experience that combines the magic of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS with the excitement of live performance. Audience members are not just spectators but active participants, guiding the story and determining the fate of the characters. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the world of role-playing games, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern promises an unforgettable journey.” And that basically sums it up, but it cannot begin to capture the hilarity, wonder, and sense of kinship, love, and unity that is at The Twenty-Sided Tavern will engender in you.
But when should you attend to see your favorite Featured Players in action, well Ify Nwadiwe (a professional nerd, known for his roles in Dimension 20, Workaholics, and Grand Crew) will portray the ‘Warrior’ from January 3 through January 21.
Meanwhile, Jack Lepiarz (a celebrated circus performer and social media personality, renowned for his whip-cracking stage shows at Renaissance festivals) will play the role of ‘Trickster’ from January 9 through January 19.
Finally, Neil Newbon (who has credits in more than 100 games, TV shows, and films) will portray the ‘Mage’ from January 23 through February 4.
Tickets for these shows and others are available now through April 29, 2025 at thetwentysidedtavern.com, telecharge.com, or by calling 800-447-7400. You can also become a part of the adventuring community on Discord.
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