Your Black History Month Assignment: Watch Carla Hall’s ‘Chasing Flavor’ Series
The popular “Top Chef” alum has broken out on her own in this new food-focused show that’s a breath of fresh air with a lot of historical perspective—and tasty vittles.
When my brother and I were growing up in the 1970s, my parents gifted us with an awesome collection of animated Black historical books. They were ideal for small children and managed to capture the essence of the past four hundred years of significant events and figures.
Some of those figures were widely familiar like Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks and Harriett Tubman, while others were lesser known, such as Dr. Charles Drew, Revolutionary War hero Crispus Attucks and poet Phillis Wheatley. What was glaringly missing from those books were culinary pioneers and inventors, many of whom I wouldn’t discover until adulthood.
Many of those unsung heroes I’ve highlighted in this newsletter, including Jones Bar-B-Q Diner, Charlie H. Smiley and Fannie Lee Chaney. I’ve learned about these people and others through research, chatting with the Soul Food Scholar as well as knowledgeable chefs like Virtue Restaurant owner/chef Erick Williams, watching various documentaries, and reading books and historical documents. I devoured even more morsels about Black food pioneers by watching High on the Hog and more recently Carla Hall’s new Chasing Flavors series on MAX.
The latter is my newest obsession because I think Hall is such a hoot. While everyone else was glued to the Super Bowl, I used that time to binge her new show (I did tune in to watch Usher perform!). Hall did not disappoint as a host—she was in her carefree, animated glory—and literally took her audience with her on a global journey as she “chased flavors.”
That ranged from the origins of ice cream and tacos to BBQ, fried chicken, and shrimp and grits. I certainly got more than I expected, yet I was left wanting more.
Throughout the four-episode series, Hall was hilarious, interacting with her interviewees by jumping in and churning old-fashioned strawberry ice cream in Philly; roasting a hog on a spit in Virginia; whipping up shrimp and grits in classic Gullah style; and frying chicken with the family from the iconic Prince’s Hot Chicken in Nashville.
As she bonded with the family, they took the opportunity to tell her how difficult it has been to preserve the legacy of the Prince’s Hot Chicken brand, which has been around for almost 100 years. They are the proud originators of hot chicken, yet the designation has been bestowed upon the city of Nashville because so many local restaurants added the dish to their menus years later. That’s so not fair.
Of course, they said, during the series, no one has the exact Prince’s recipe except family members, but the most ambitious copycats have gone so far as to dumpster dive behind their restaurants in hopes of finding valuable information.
That brought a tear to Hall’s eyes—and mine, too. Here’s hoping the Prince’s family is able to carry their legacy on for another 100 years.
Black-owned brands to support during Black History Month and beyond
Check out my latest FOX-32 Chicago segment, which aired earlier this month. In it, I amplify several Black-owned brands that promote healthier halos.
This week’s soundtrack
Mélusine (2023), Cécile McLorin Salvant. Her newest offering is 100% in French and Haitian-Creole, but I will appreciate a great album in any language. Heavily influenced by jazz great Sarah Vaughan, Salvant has released seven albums since 2010, including the Grammy Award winning For One To Love (2015). Mélusine is indeed her boldest to date. It feels vintage and modern simultaneously as piano, saxophone and island percussion allow her to express her vision. My favorites: “Doudou,” “La route enchantée” and “Fenestra.” It’s 45 minutes with 14 tracks.
To The Jungle (2024), Karriem Riggins. Similar to Robert Glasper, Riggins blurs the lines between jazz and hip-hop. He established himself as a legit force in the rap world with notable collabs with the likes of Slum Village and J Dilla, plus on Common’s One Day It’ll All Make Sense (1997). Speaking of working with Common, Riggins was one of the stars aboard the August Greene hip-hop/jazz project that also featured Glasper. To The Jungle is punchy, with 26 songs that feel a little experimental, as though Riggins was playing around in a basement studio. Bright spots: “Itz Kewl,” “Alias,” “Brasilian Gangsta.” You can listen to the 26 songs in 43 minutes.
Pieces of a Man (1971), Gil Scott-Heron. Yes. This is the legendary album that brought you “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” and “Home Is Where the Hatred Is,” yet every track is a banger. This is, after all, Gil Scott-Heron, the original lyricist who even Common, The Roots’ Black Thought, Q-Tip and Rakim look to as their hero. It’s piano jazz. It’s soul. It’s blues. It’s hip-hop. It’s the definition of chill-out groove with Scott-Heron’s distinctive flavor oozing as he either sings or raps. Heavy cuts: “Pieces of a Man,” “When You Are Who You Are.” It’s 14 songs in one hour and one minute.
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As always, another great column! Thank you!