Tallahassee Black Owned Foodie Travel Guide
Intro/History of Food in Tallahassee
Florida is one of many states that provides a variety of food choices. From their navel oranges to their freshwater largemouth bass, Florida is held at the top of the list for foodie travelers. Tallahassee, which is also Florida’s state capital, demonstrates what all travelers are looking for; mouthwatering Florida cuisine, comfort food with exquisite taste, or eateries with delicious desserts. With a local SouthSide Farmers Market containing fresh food for the Tallahassee community and the pride the State of Florida takes in agriculture, Tallahassee truly has the most diverse and delicious cuisine to offer. From travelers to local HBCU students of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee has enough food to share for any food lover.
Farming
Tallahassee, which is an Apalachee word for “abandoned fields” or ‘”old town,” dates back to the 17th century and represents an area where there was the ability to farm and serve as agriculturist. With many Apalachee Indians flourishing in the area early on and displaying a flair for agriculture, Tallahassee continues the legacy that was left behind and remains steadfast to farming, growing produce, and creating a way for food to be enjoyed. Tallahassee has grown its agriculture resourcefulness and has numerous farms that allows for restaurant owners to bring the farm straight to the table. Farming in Tallahassee has reshaped the way in which food is presented to local HBCU students, community members, and travelers. With so many ingredients being locally grown, restaurant owners and business owners are providing the best quality of food to their community and travelers.
Restaurants
Restaurants in Tallahassee are expected to have delicious cuisine and appetizing treats. With produce being grown fresh and locally in their back yard or neighborhood, enjoying a flavorsome dish is what all locals, students, and visitors can expect. If it’s classic american dishes with sweet assortments or savory soul food with heavenly beverages, individuals traveling near and far can find a restaurant, eatery, shop, or cafe that fits their needs. Tallahassee, Florida has many places to choose from and today I am going to provide a few Black Owned eateries to add to your foodie list.
Black Owned Guide
Enjoying food while traveling is a requirement for any family, Southern Belle, or Southern Beau. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the staple restaurants and eateries in the area in which you are traveling and if you are traveling to Tallahassee, Florida, then this Black Owned Foodie Travel Guide will get you through your journey smoothly. From restaurants to shops, Tallahassee has a plethora of places for travelers, local community members, or collegiate students to enjoy.
If you are a foodie who enjoys sweets along with more sweets, Gurlies Lemonade & Sweets, is the dessert shop you must try in Tallahassee. Demetrius Murray and Marquis Williams, two African American local business mens, started this idea by selling ice-cold lemonade on a street corner in Tallahassee. The lemonade recipe, from Maquis grandmother, Gurlie Wells, was a hit in the community. Through continuous support and love of lemonade, the entrepreneurs were able to raise enough money to begin their business, Gurlies Lemonade and Sweets. Now known for serving their classic fried Oreos, vanilla ice cream with multiple toppings, and Gurlies Famous lemonade, the eatery is a place that everyone enjoys. Besides the sweet drinks and treats Gurlies Lemonade and Sweets provide, they also believe in investing into the youth. Once a month, the dessert shops invest $1,000 into a local young entrepreneur through their World Changers Mentorship Program in hopes to build stronger kids to help build a stronger Tallahassee community. 
Owners of Gurlies Lemonade and Sweets
Another organization known for their sweets is The Chocolate Dandies.This new brownie company was developed by three young African American entrepreneurs. Noble who is 13, Royal who is 12, and Knight who is 10 created The Chocolate Dandies and named it after their great-grandfather Noble Sissle, who co-wrote a musical entitled “The Chocolate Dandies.” With The Chocolate Dandies being so popular to the Tallahassee community, travelers can anticipate to enjoy a sweet array of brownies with flavors ranging from fudge and nuts to red velvet and peanut butter fudge. Currently, the company is offering pickup and delivery with the hopes to raise $10,000 for their very own food truck to meet the brownie demands of locals and travelers.
Owners of The Chocolate Dandies
Bourne Brilliant is a new vegan eatery created by the Leo sisters aged 13, 12 and 9. These three sisters offer home-made baked goods, such as cupcakes, cookies and bread, along with herbal teas, fresh fruit juices and preserves. Lyrica, Zaira and Nadira Leo launched the food business several years ago, catering and selling their food at local festivals, farmers’ markets and events, and recently opened their physical shop in town. With new cookies including the chocolate caramel brites,red velvet brites, and lemon poppy seed brites, one can see that the Leo sisters are expanding their menu and remaining focused on using natural ingredients. Despite the economic effects of COVID-19, the Leo family felt confident in the opening of their new eatery and are expected to see much growth in their business.
Choco Chip Brites Lemon Poppy Seed Brites
The Leo Sisters-Founders of Bourne Brilliant
Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant at Florida’s Sports Coast — Dade City, Fla.
Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant provides authentic southern fare, prepared with a touch of soul and served with warm welcoming hospitality (as one would only expect from the South). Owned and operated by chef Stephanie Reaves, Steph’s offers only the best in traditional southern style soul food, from liver and onions to battered chicken to meatloaf and more. Dessert is a must here whether it be a scoop of banana pudding or a slice of one of several varieties of cakes. In the words of Steph, “I love to cook as God uses and guides my mind and my hands to prepare delicious food.” For more information visit www.stephssouthernsoul.com.
As you can see, Tallahassee has a variety of black owned restaurants, eatiers, shops, and companies to partake in. Whether it’s sweet desserts or southern style soul food, Tallahassee, Florida prides themselves on creating and serving quality food. So use this Black Owned Foodie Travel Guide to explore the Tallahassee community and the great food it has to offer.
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