Archive - The Awakening, by Audarshia Townsend

Is That You, Claire? Phylicia Rashad's Shocking ‘Gilded Age’ Persona

The beloved “Cosby Show” star trades warmth for wicked wit in a role that’s anything but “Mrs. Huxtable”-like on HBO period drama.

2 hrs ago •

Audarshia Townsend

Move over, Mrs. Russell. Peggy Scott is serving looks and truths on ‘The Gilded Age!’

[ATTENTION FABULOUS SUBSCRIBERS: I’ve decided to expand The Awakening beyond food and beverage.

Jul 12 •

Audarshia Townsend

April 2025

‘Sinners’ on screen, a culinary history unleashed

The new horror flick starring Michael B. Jordan uncovers hidden cultures of the Mississippi Delta.

Apr 20 •

Audarshia Townsend

March 2025

I don’t like how the only Black female contestant on ‘Top Chef’ is being portrayed

On the debut episode of Bravo’s “Top Chef” this season in Toronto, Lana Lagomarsini, a private chef and owner of Lana Cooks from Harlem, proclaimed in…

Mar 30 •

Audarshia Townsend

Savoring Flavor

Meghan Sussex, Nia Renée Hill, the founders of the Black Women in Food Summit and many others demonstrate that Black women are redefining the global…

Mar 17 •

Audarshia Townsend

Here’s Why Music Should Never Be An Afterthought

I have a bone to pick with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s new Netflix series, and it has everything to do with the music.

Mar 10 •

Audarshia Townsend

February 2025

Collaborations Key to Success at Black-Owned Establishments

These Chicago restaurants are serving up unique partnerships to set themselves apart and attract new customers.

Feb 18 •

Audarshia Townsend

January 2025

This year is already proving to be unpredictable …

From healthier trends in food and beverage to how you can help those residents affected by the Southern California wildfires, January is certainly one…

Jan 12 •

Audarshia Townsend

Be who you are—and everything else will fall in place

This year is all about authenticity, transparency and mindfulness.

Jan 5 •

Audarshia Townsend

August 2024

AfriCali, an Explosion of Culinary Cultures

New author Kiano Moju shares her experiences growing up in California, Kenyan and Nigerian heritage, and more in debut cookbook.

Aug 11, 2024 •

Audarshia Townsend

Don’t Let Anyone Tell You That Summer Is Almost Over

There are still plenty of great days to spend outside for festivals, outdoor dining, cocktail and pool parties, and so much more.

Aug 5, 2024 •

Audarshia Townsend

July 2024

Improv is key to improving interpersonal relationships

Whether you work in the hospitality industry or media world, the skills you acquire in one of these drop-in classes could help us all be better…

Jul 8, 2024 •

Audarshia Townsend

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