Observing the industry through a new lens
I’m using this Women’s History Month to re-ignite my passion for the food & beverage world.
I’ve been MIA here for a minute simply because I’ve been busy working in overdrive at the office. It’s also given me time to re-evaluate how I cover the hospitality industry.
Over the years, I have done it in several ways. I’ve been the go-to for “scoops,” being the first Chicago media person to cover new openings, chef shufflings and so on. I briefly entertained with industry gossip (I honestly hated writing that stuff, but that was a period when those got the highest clicks, so I did it).
I’ve also covered many social and racial injustices in the industry. Be clear that I will never stop writing these types of articles; nevertheless, I’m glad to see that more people are finding their voices to tell their own stories about the injustices they’ve endured working in the hospitality industry.
So, what is my passion now when I write about the hospitality industry? I enjoy seeing others truly free—and living their truths.
That means many things, of course, but what entices me to write about them is when chefs, restaurateurs, bartenders, sommeliers, etc. are genuine with their concepts. It’s especially important when they have a purpose behind them.
Any wine expert can open a wine bar—because every neighborhood needs one!—but what is it doing beyond offering a menu of great wines and a staff that’s knowledgeable about them?
At Derrick Westbrook’s Juice 1340, in Chicago’s West Loop, wine is truly demystified. The talented veteran sommelier effortlessly breaks down wine pairings and wine education in a fun, engaging manner. He also is known to use classic hip-hop and jazz to complement a rare Bordeaux or juicy Pinot Noir. His approach to wine is certainly something I will always get behind. I always enjoy interviewing Westbrook as I did in 2022 during an exceptionally lively Instagram Live segment on his collaboration with Bronzeville Winery.
Dr. Rohini Dey is another industry hero, whose passion shines through her Vermilion restaurant as well as her nationally recognized movement, Let’s Talk Womxn. It started as a support system and virtual platform for female restaurateurs during the pandemic.
Now, they host several in-person events throughout the year, including the signature Let’s Talk & Celebrate tasting cocktail parties during Women’s History Month. Each participating city—from Atlanta to Boston to Phoenix—features a host of female restaurateurs and chefs showcasing their establishments through signature bites and beverages.
Dey hosted the Chicago event March 2 at Moe’s Cantina in River North, and the turnout was spectacular. The way she and her team assembled the 31 participants from every corner of the city was certainly impressive. From collard greens and smoked turkey-stuffed egg rolls from South Side biz Egg Rolls Etc. to smoky mushroom risotto from Avondale newcomer Eden, there was much to be celebrated.
It’s great to observe so many women entrepreneurs supporting each other, with the veterans offering solid and sage advice to newcomers. As the old credo goes, there’s enough room for everyone!
In my opinion, the hospitality industry extends to the consumer packaged goods (CPG) world because, after all, many food and beverage founders are sharing family recipes and traditions with the masses.
In a recent article on female founders on Food & Beverage Insider, I focused on what makes their products unique. From heritage ingredients sourced from their native countries to dedicated sustainable practices, each aims to elevate the way in which we consume.
I’m heading to the annual Natural Products Expo West show in Anaheim this week. I’m looking forward to seeing approximately 3,000 products and listening to as many stories as I can possibly find. This side of the industry is so fascinating to me. I’m looking forward to it all.
If you’d like to see what I uncover next, please feel free to subscribe to The Awakening—and follow me on social media.
Au revoir!
I'm really looking forward to all of your new and exciting stories!