Culinary Culture: The Real Milk & Honey [Restaurant Review]

Atlanta’s historic neighborhood of College Park has experienced a renaissance, so to speak, especially in the culinary field. Restaurants such as Nouveau, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and The Corner Grille have all added locations in the area, but one that particularly stands out is that of the Real Milk & Honey Café. The aesthetic of this eatery exudes nostalgia; with portraits of local legends posted throughout the restaurant and a soundtrack of 90’s R&B - what many consider to be the golden age of the genre. The culture of Atlanta has been one of opulence, and The Real Milk & Honey gives its customers a glamorous experience with a twist of southern hospitality.

After being greeted by an upbeat hostess, each customer is encouraged to capture this moment in time by taking a picture at The Real Milk & Honey’s “selfie” stand – an extravagant, well-lit phone holder positioned perfectly in order catch a beautiful backdrop of art, food and good times in your photo. A big hit with millennials, this location also serves as a popular spot for people of all ages. Its DJ, as well as the music selection showcases the variety of sounds that African-Americans have provided the world for decades.

These are some of the amenities that are available from this restaurant, founded by executive chef Sammy Davis and his business partner, Monique Rose. After working together in Atlanta, the duo opened their first Milk & Honey in Baltimore in 2016; and followed up the next year with a Cascade Road location with which they are no longer affiliated. Their second local endeavor, which they call the Real Milk & Honey to distinguish it from the still-existent Milk & Honey Restaurant at Cascade, is the third in a trio of black-owned restaurants that have sprung up on College Park's Main Street in recent years.

Being born and raised in the deep south, one can appreciate the unique items on the menu. The food selection contains entrees such as Crab Hash and the Chicken, Cheese & Egg Biscuit. The Award-Winning Shrimp & Grits puts a delectable spin on a staple when in comes to Atlanta culture. The dish contains jumbo shrimp, turkey sausage, tomatoes and scallions served over cheese grits and a Cajun cream sauce. The option to have your food infused with CBD is also available, a testament to the chef’s progressive state of mind when it comes to food and beverage service. The Vanilla & Cognac French Toast is also a favorite with many of the restaurant’s frequent visitors; a great brunch item to help take the edge off after a long and exhausting work week.

The combination of chicken and waffles has been a long-standing marriage in eateries across the United States; and Chef Sammy Davis’ creative style of cooking takes this meal to another level. His plate-sized Belgian waffle, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied with sweet peaches and a mint leaf, are served with a unique variety of proteins – specifically fried chicken, jerked chicken, or fried crab legs.

In eating at The Real Milk & Honey on multiple occasions, it is one of the few restaurants where I find it difficult to find a “go-to” meal. Each time, my taste buds are encouraged to try a different meal, because the food there is prepared to perfection. With the dishes being so amazing, and the location being so convenient, this restaurant (as with many that serves exceptional food) has one Achilles heel. Depending on the date and/or time that you decide to attend, the Real Milk & Honey normally comes with a lengthy wait, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays.

Like most things at this café, the food is visually pleasing and equally as delicious. The Real Milk & Honey is a great place to create new memories with friends and family, or just to unwind by yourself. If you are traveling through College Park, be sure to stop by this extravagant restaurant in a refreshingly quaint neighborhood.

THE REAL MILK & HONEY

Hours: 9AM – 5PM, Sunday - Tuesday and Thursday

            9AM – 11PM, Wednesday

            9AM – 8PM, Friday – Saturday

            3719 Main St., College Park. 404-458-5500, milknhoneycafe.com.

The Sweetest Thing: How 2 sisters merged health and flavor with their vegan baked goods company

Annually, the obesity rate in the United States continues to rise. With processed dishes being more accessible than ever, and a fast-food restaurant on every corner, it is getting more and more difficult to maintain a healthy diet. Furthermore, foods that are healthier, tend to be lacking in flavor, due to the absence of salt, butter, and other great-tasting ingredients. In an effort to solve the dilemma that continues to plague this country, Traci Janelle and Kelley Brianna of Two Dough Girls based in Atlanta, focus on creating delicious desserts and treats that are made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients to cater to their patron’s health and lifestyle needs.

Created in 2015, Two Dough Girls was birthed decades ago in the respective kitchens of their grandmother, mother, and aunt. “The women in our family were the reason we got into the culinary field.” Traci said of their company’s inception. “Allowing us to be in the kitchen while they were cooking, feeding off their enthusiasm and learning how much love and preparation was required to make our meals took our breath away.”

The fact that they were surrounded by amazing cooks, Traci and Kelley thought that a family-owned and operated eatery would be a great endeavor. Their mother, however, was retired and was not particularly fond of working again; but would offer support in any task that her daughters decided to pursue. She also raised them to be health-conscious, so naturally they wanted to do something different and bring a healthier spin to sweets. Kelley Briana stated that another objective was educate people on why they opted for natural dyes and cook with non-GMO, unbleached, organic ingredients. Through their baked goods, they have been able to bring people together and inspire them to live their highest quality of life by expressing instead of suppressing their creativity.

“We put a natural twist on traditional desserts. In trying to come up with unique ways to bake, we strive to make people more conscious about what they are eating, but at the same time we make it delicious. When you cook things, it can sometimes be difficult to maintain the balance of flavor and health.” Traci of Two Dough Girls says. “We’ve done years of testing and research, practicing and honing our craft until we reached a point where we could consistently put out a product that both tastes good and is good for you.”

An important quality that both Traci and Kelley possess is their perseverance. In building an upstart business from the ground up, they faced many trials and tribulations on multiple occasions. Outside of some financial restrictions, the stigma of not having a “real” job was also an obstacle that Two Dough Girls faced during the company’s infancy stages. “When we moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta, we kind of jumped right into it. We came with our family, so we had a bit of a support system and it allowed us to get our business off of the ground.” Traci said during an interview in 2018. “There is nothing wrong with working a 9 to 5, but certain things are for certain people. A lot of stress that comes in our lives is due to that job redundancy. We’re conditioned to think that is what you’re supposed to do, and if you don’t then you’re looked down upon and won’t be considered a productive member of society.”

Traci and Kelley of Two Dough Girls are striving to set themselves apart from other baking companies. They are helping to erase the myth that better ingredients mean less flavor, and why health should be just as important as taste. Their business has bonded communities and shown the youth that that higher education and working for someone else are not the only options for success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.twodoughgirls.com

• Phone: (404) 242-6784

• Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: TwoDoughGirls

Welcome To Atlanta

“One for the money, yes sir, two for the show
A couple of years ago on Headland and Delowe
Was the start of something good
Where me and my nigga rode the MARTA, through the hood
Just tryna find that hook up…”

— 3 Stacks

During the conclusion of ATLANTA’s inaugural season, the show’s protagonist maneuvered through the city’s dimly lit streets as Outkast’s “Elevators” served as the backdrop. This particular song was perfect for the moment, because the lyrics that Andre and Big Boi wrote were about their past struggles, the journey of life and hope for the future – one that rang a tune for Earn, Paper Boi, and Darius. That final scene was symbolic of the transition that Earn (Donald Glover), was about to experience; and the uncertainty of the things to come. The highly-anticipated premiere of ATLANTA’s sophomore run happens tonight, and it has easily become one of our generation’s most important television series.

Throughout life, especially as a young black male, we experience moments of change; some of which are more drastic than others. The first day of a new school, puberty, going off to college, etc… but society teaches us that after a certain age, our lives should maintain some level of stability. However, many of us know that the previous sentence could not be further from the truth. After the age of 21 is when most of life’s trials and tribulations occur. I believe this is the source of the popularity for shows such as Insecure, Girls and Master of None. Instead of being the typical “coming-of-age” story about an adolescent trying to find their place in the world; ATLANTA focuses on the difficulties of being a young adult, dealing with the financial and emotional stress that comes with family, and that sense of urgency as you advance in age.

ATLANTA — Pictured: (l-r) Brian Tyree Henry as Alfred Miles, Keith Standfield as Darius, Donald Glover as Earnest Marks.

The second verse on “Elevators” captured the feeling of ATLANTA’s almost two-year hiatus. Big Boi raps about the nostalgia of growing up in the city. Even though it was a struggle, it created lasting memories and it helped him to appreciate success that much more. The freedom that he felt has a boy can be linked to the creative freedom that Donald Glover had in 2016. For many, ATLANTA’s first season had no expectation. It gave all parties involved the opportunity to create without any additional pressure from its audience or the media. Pressure can have either a positive or negative effect, depending on the individual. It can bust pipes, or make diamonds… only time will tell the affect that it will have on FX’s breakout series.

A wise man once told me that potential was the yardstick of failure.

Donald Glover and ATLANTA received acclaim from its viewers as well as its critics. The show won awards from the AFI, Critic’s Choice, the Golden Globes and even a couple of Primetime Emmys; so with its standard being heightened, its room for error has now decreased. I believe that the show’s group of writers and its cast are fully capable of exceeding expectations, but the “sophomore slump” can happen to anyone, or anything for that matter. The dichotomy between tonight’s premiere and ATLANTA’s storyline go hand and and hand because success is something that both Earnest Marks and Donald Glover are striving to achieve.

This new renaissance of shows isn’t only good for television, it’s good for our culture in general. Gone are the days when the heads of the establishment could lean on the fact that content produced, directed or acted by people of color wouldn’t be a priority because “our stories don’t translate to other races, genders or ethnicities.” Insecure, Master of None, The Chi and ATLANTA are all created and carried out by minorities; it is a testament to that fact that in the end, we all really aren’t that different.

Peace and love,

– Okla

#Spotlight: "Flockaland Seeks To Promote Postivity Through Fashion..."

Tialer Scott, also known as Flockaland, has made it her civic duty to promote positivity when and wherever she can. The New Jersey native of Haitian descent, created the Stay (+) clothing brand in order to create a contrast to the negativity that comes with everyday life.  Founded in 2013, this brand isn’t limited to just clothing. Tialer also does event planning and curation for Stay (+), which further pushes her message of positivity to the masses.

At this year’s A3C Festival & Conference, Tialer is slated to have a Pizza Party/Pop-Up shop at Edgewood Pizza that’s open to people of all ages. We were recently granted the opportunity to speak with Tialer about her brand, thoughts on being a female in the fashion industry, and her plans for the future.

With you being from New Jersey, do you feel that there is a difference between the fashion scenes on the east coast and Atlanta?

Yes, I do. I feel like it’s black Hollywood, but at the same time it has its own sense of fashion here. The East Coast on the other hand, mainly New York, is the fashion capitol. I’m not saying one is better than the other, but I feel like more statements are being made up there, then in trickles down to everywhere else. The East Coast sets off fashion, while Atlanta sets off music.

There is an oversaturation of designers and clothing lines in Atlanta, and Stay (+) has become one of the more popular brands in the city. What do you think makes your brand unique?

Initially, I wasn’t trying to make money or get rich quick, I just wanted to promote positivity. Also, in terms of promoting my brand, there was no shame to my game. A lot of people let their pride hold them back. I spoke to people, I networked and just tried my hardest to get the name out there. Patience was key in the beginning… I slowly but surely built my clientele into what it is today.

I've noticed the Stay (+) brand on a lot of notable people. How do you get your clothing on these athletes and entertainers?

Most of the people that I’ve gotten brand placements on, if they’re not from Atlanta, it’s probably my first time meeting them. I’ve recently had placements on Cardi B and Dave East, and they didn’t know a thing about my brand. It was the way I approached them, and how I presented myself to their management. Your reputation is everything in Atlanta. I can have the ugliest brand in the world, but if people are rocking with me, and how I present my brand, the product will always move.

Aside from the Stay (+) brand, you've done modeling, event planning and curation. Which one do you enjoy the most?

Modeling is my passion. I remember doing my first runway show in the 4th grade. I remember my entire outfit to the tee! *laughs* I love curating events, but its levels to it. All the events you’ve seen me do, I’ve done on my own. Modeling is my first love but event planning is something I love to do as well.

When you design your pieces and products, what feeling do you want people to have when they wear and see that Stay (+) logo?

I know it sounds cliché, but I just want people to feel positive, and to know that they can do anything that they want, and to know that the power is in their hands.

What was your initial inspiration to start a clothing line, and what keeps you inspired today?

Honestly, I was inspired by myself. I’ve been involved in Nursing since 2011, and I deal with people with dementia and special needs.  I’ve always loved Chemistry, and if you’re familiar with atoms you know that protons never interact with electrons, so that’s where I got (+) in my brand. Positivity should never be tainted by anything else.

Just like music, fashion is very "here today, gone tomorrow." How do you feel about the direction that fashion is headed?

I think its headed in a good direction. It’s starting to show a lot of individuality, and people have the opportunity to be who they want to be.

As with many things in this world, the fashion industry is male dominated. do you feel that you've run into certain obstacles in this business because you're an African-American female?

Yes! *laughs* In actuality, if you’re not Caucasian or a person of status, people look at you like: “who are you?” I’m literally going against the grain every day of my life. As black females, I feel that we’re not appreciated in all aspects, especially in the fashion and music industry. When we become successful, instead of heralding us, people look and think that we did something to compromise our integrity in order to get in the position that we are in.

Outside of the Stay (+) clothing line, do you see yourself expanding the brand into different endeavors in the future?

I definitely want to expand when it comes down to charity events, and partnering up with bigger companies. Stay (+) is more than just clothing, it’s a state of mind. Regardless of what I do in the future, I never want to limit my brand to just clothing, it is so much more than that.

With your event at A3C this year, what is your main goal? What do you want to take from this event, and what do you want other people to take away?

When people come to my events, I want them to know that they are in the midst of positivity. I want them to see what my brand stands for; what I stand for. They need to know that they can have a good time, and that they can be themselves.

For more information and updates on Flockaland and Stay (+), be sure to check out the website here.

"2017: Oh, What A Year..."

Via: The RapFest; Jan. 2018

Celebrate what you want to see more of…” – Thomas Peters

With the turn of new year now in full affect, the affirmation is that there are many things to look forward to in 2018. 2017 was a great one for hip-hop; from the quality of music that was released, to the many highlights that were produced in media. We saw a few of the artists we were familiar with solidify their place in mainstream culture, while also seeing some of the newer musicians come of age. Due to its massive streaming numbers in 2017, hip-hop “officially” became the most popular music genre in the world. While one should marvel at the promise that this new year holds, we should also reflect on the amazing year that was, 2017.

There were many highs, lows and everything in between throughout 2017 in media. We saw the unlikely emergence of the rapper Joe Budden as a exceptional media personality; his podcast as well as the popular Everyday Struggle show achieved much success in 2017.

Unfortunately, one of the hottest names in the lane of podcasting, Taxstone  was sentenced to prison; and we also lost the legendary Combat Jack to cancer during the final days of the fourth quarter. We all enjoyed some of the interviews that Charlamagne Tha God, N.O.R.E., and Angie Martinez conducted, while Everyday Struggle provided us with a multitude of viral moments for the public’s consumption. The digital age is the best time in history for a media personality to flourish. Social media, as well as sites like YouTube (and many others…) have given DIY’ers the platform to create, produce and release content without being restricted to the conventional ways of thinking.

Musically, it has been quite some time since hip-hop had an output of albums and mixtapes with this level of quality and consistency. Rap heavyweights such as Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar released amazing projects, while the raw, new acts like J.I.D. and Belly provided a refreshing reminder that the culture will remain in good hands for years to come. In 2017, some of those highly-anticipated albums that have evaded us for so long finally came to fruition. CyHi The Prynce and Big K.R.I.T both dropped bodies of work that were well worth the wait, and hopefully they will be able to release on a more frequent basis for the time being. Meek Mill, Big Sean, 2Chainz, Future, Tyler The Creator along with a bevy of others made their presence felt last year; and with Nas, Drake and Pusha T all slated for new music, 2018 will be an amazing year for any hip-hop enthusiast.

Hip-Hop also garnered heavy attention in television and film during 2017 as Donald Glover p.k.a. Childish Gambino received awards for his work on the unforeseen hit show Atlanta, while Lena Waithe was heralded for her performance on the Netflix original, Master of None. Lena and the incomparable Issa Rae and her unprecedented Insecure HBO series aren’t tied to hip-hop in the traditional sense, but they exude the culture and let that fact be known with every given opportunity. With all the accolades that the hit show Atlanta received during awards season, the anticipation of it’s second season has reached a fever pitch.

The year 2017 truly proved to be a roller coaster in every sense of the word. We all experienced the tragedies and triumphs associated with life as the top of 2017 rang in a new POTUS that we still disapprove of, but what this year showed was that regardless of how bad something seems, you can always get through it if you possess a positive mindset. Hip-hop reigned supreme in 2017 through it’s innovation in media, it’s content in film and television, along with its variety in music. With that being said, if this year is anything like the last, then we have plenty to look forward to in 2018.

With claiming week two to be in the bag, as such the other 50, as always, continue to assist in pushing the culture forward.

Have an amazing new year, folks.

- Okla