A taste of soul: Black Restaurant Week returns to Lexington. Here’s what’s on the menu
In the winter of 2020, Martina Barksdale and Ashley Smith came together to pitch a vision for a way to celebrate Black culinary excellence and agriculture as a partnership.
What came of the conversation developed into SoulFeast Week, which Barksdale founded with her twin brother Marcellus, and Black Restaurant Week, a branch of SoulFeast Week that partners with Black Soil KY, of which Smith is the co-founder and CEO.
“I was excited to see agriculture included from the very beginning,” Smith said.
SoulFeast Week will return to Lexington June 14-23 with Black Restaurant Week featuring June 17-23 to showcase Black-owner restaurants. Black Soil KY, a Black, woman-owned business invests in the Black culinary network and agriculture practices throughout Kentucky.
“We facilitate our Kentucky proud seasonal produce, local meats and other goods like honey, coffee and throughout the restaurants who are vending throughout the pop-ups that are featured,” Smith said.
The featured dishes in this year’s rendition of Black Restaurant Week, which each restaurant will sell for $12, will have at least one ingredient locally sourced through Black Soil KY.
One of the participating restaurants, Moody Mike’s (802 N Limestone St.) serves vegan wings, sandwiches and burgers throughout the year.
For Black Restaurant Week, their specialty item will be something brand new to the menu: “Henny Butter Shrimp,” a vegan shrimp dish that features a Hennessy-infused sauce on a bed of rice and arugula with green onion sprinkled on top. The arugula will be sourced from Black Soil KY in Fayette County and the Green Onions from Miller’s Farm in Lincoln County.
Michael Harris, the co-owner of Moody Mike’s said this is her third year participating.
“We’re very excited to be in Black Restaurant Week again. It was a lot of fun. Every time we’ve participated we’ve always had a lot of fun, a lot of new customers, just a different customer base that starts coming to us once they see us there,” Harris said.
Black Restaurant Week menus
Along with Moody Mike’s, nine other restaurants will showcase their culinary skills and creativity with signature dishes.
Wing Kyng (101 W Loudon Ave.) will feature “The Dirt Bowl Classic Meal,” a house blend of sweet and spicy wing sauce with Kyng’s signature potatoes. Those potatoes will be sourced from Cleav’s Family Market in LaRue County.
Chef Li’s Tacos (101 W Loudon Ave.) will feature “Li’s Jerk,” two jerk chicken-seasoned tacos with cheese and onions served with a side of cilantro rice, birria consommé, guacamole salsa, fresh pico de gallo and sour cream. The dish’s jalapenos will be sourced from Cleave’s Family Market and the tomatoes from Miller’s Farm.
Genesis Coffee House & Eatery (1403 N Forbes Road) will feature the “Big Bayou Chicken Sandwich Tray,” served on a toasted bun with pickles, Bayou Coleslaw and Bayou Sauce and a side of fries and a non-alcoholic Mint Julep. The mint will be sourced from Black Soil KY.
Josanne’s Homestyle Kitchen (3449 Buckhorn Dr.) will feature “Cajun Catfish & Grits” with a mixed pepper blend. The bell peppers for the dish will come from Black Soil KY. The restaurant will also feature “The Ultimate Creole Box,” eight creole dry rub wings with fries, Creole Corn and Homestyle Ranch.
HoneyJ’s Southern Eatery (1474 Anniston Dr.) will feature the “Kickin’ Cajun Box,” spicy breaded two-piece chicken with a choice of a Southern Side, Miss Honey’s Cornbread and Watermelon Nectar (watermelon lemonade). The restaurant will offer a non-spicy option (southern fried) upon request. The honey in the dish will be sourced from Beeing2gether Honey in Jefferson County.
Mimi’s Southern Style Cooking (126 E New Circle Road) will feature “Mimi’s Berrylicious Waffle Delight” paired with seasoned chicken wings and sweet buttery syrup. The eggs will be sourced from Hills of Kindness Farm in Taylor County.
CRĒAUX (310 W Short St.) will feature “Seafood Gumbo,” made with a dark roux, the holy trinity (green peppers, onions and celery), Cajun seasonings and spices, and chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp and crab meat as the proteins. The bell peppers will come from Black Soil KY.
JD’s Kitchen and Catering (161 E Reynolds Road) will feature “Dova’s Mix,” eight wings with Dova’s Special Sauce and a choice of Lemon Pepper, Cajun, BBQ or Buffalo. The dish uses basil sourced from Black Soil KY.
Mix It Up Mobile Concessions (a food truck in Fayette County) will feature grilled chicken thighs on a bed of spring salad with sliced red onion, carrots, tri-colored tomatoes and an avocado vinaigrette dressing. The dish’s cilantro will be sourced from Black Soil KY.
SoulFeast Week Events
While Lexingtonians look forward to featured dishes and deals, SoulFeast Week also hosts events throughout the week to continue cultivating the celebration.
Farm Dinner and Tour at Coleman Crest Farm: Attendees can tour and enjoy a “family-style” dinner on June 14 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Coleman Crest Farm, 3723 Royster Road, the first African American-owned USDA Certified Organic Produce Farm, according to the SoulFeast Week website.
The meal will be made by James Beard Award Semifinalist, Chef Isaiah Screech.
SoulTeenth Fest at Moondance Amphitheater: A free family-friendly Juneteenth celebration on June 15 from 12-6 p.m. at the Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St., according to the SoulFeast Week website.
“This year’s festival is dedicated to highlighting Black vendors, makers, and chefs, and we’ve got an incredible lineup of activities and attractions that the whole family will love,” the website said.
Cocktails & Cigars: This event provides a space for attendees to unwind with cocktails, cigars, games and “great bites” on June 15 from 8-11 p.m. at The Void Sake Company, 819 National Ave. Suite 120.
“Our expert cigar vendor will bring the summer vibes to the patio with a wide selection of cigars for every palate,” the website said.
Rabbit Hole Juneteenth Hip-Hop Brunch: At the rooftop bar at Lost Palm, 941 Manchester St., attendees can enjoy Rabbit Hole cocktails, brunch and music by “two of Kentucky’s best DJs” on June 16 from 12-4 p.m.
“Our DJs are some of Kentucky’s best, and they’ll be spinning tunes all day long, creating the perfect atmosphere for you to soak up the vibes and let loose with friends and family.” the website said.
Soulful Sunday Gospel Brunch: A closing celebration to SoulFeast Week, America’s Test Kitchen Winner, Chef Antoinette Johnson, and UK Athletics Chef, Danielle Connor are cooking brunch to live gospel music.
“This joyous event is the perfect way to wrap up a week of festivities, offering a delightful blend of soulful music, delectable food and vibrant community spirit,” the website said.
