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swseats · 5 years

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ECLECTICLE 9/26

I used to dread networking events. Actually, the truth is, I still do. The flurry of business cards flying back and forth, even at this point in the digital age. In some of my previous lives, it was a necessary evil that I managed to endure. Recently, my thinking about these requisite business-social events may have changed.

When last weekend rolled around I did the unthinkable. I actually went *out* on a Saturday Night. That is not something I usually do these days. Saturday night is for chilling at home and enjoying that small respite between the day's activities, and all the family chores that need doing on Sunday.

The event was the 10th anniversary of Cuisine Noir, a food, wine, and lifestyle magazine that focuses on the African Diaspora. After years of hard work, V. Sheree Williams has turned it into a thing of beauty.

My chef-friend Wanda Blake -- my plus one for the evening -- and I chatted over bites and drinks in a spacious West Oakland event space. You know the kind. Exposed brick, high beam ceilings, hardwood floors finished to a gleam. Very Oakland casual. Looking around I saw African American F&B (Food and Beverage) professionals. Our tribe. I didn’t feel the usual pressure. I was even able to help facilitate at least one new connection that I hope will bear fruit.

After snapping a few selfies -- because it didn’t happen if there wasn’t a selfie -- we made our way over to the re-opened Tribune Tavern. We devoured our dishes of Pan seared Monterey Bay calamari and beautiful fried green tomatoes. We caught up, laughed, and cleaned our plates with glee.

After a delicious cabernet blackberry sorbetto, and lavender creme brulee, we managed to unravel the mystery that is Twitter. Some of us “older folks” have to work a little harder to keep up. LOL #ittakesavillage.

On reflection, it felt good to have a network of like minded folks together in the same space. A village of support. Even over a shared meal, having that one on one time was wonderful. In the past, networking had the feel of me trying to *get* something from someone. On this outing, I learned that networking should be more about encouragement and assistance. That’s what made it all feel so rewarding and uplifting. So I am looking for more of that. More opportunities to share, experience, and connect in a way that is helpful and beneficial. Even if it means giving up some of my precious Saturday nights.

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"You are where you are today because you stand on somebody's shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If you stand on the shoulders of others, you have a reciprocal responsibility to live your life so that others may stand on your shoulders. It's the quid pro quo of life. We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give." - Vernon Jordan

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If you’re new here, ECLECTICLE Is my “Eclectic Listicle” of the recent things that have been happening in my world. It is a regularly occurring place to toss out items of interest and information. My hope is that you will enjoy it and find something useful. So, let’s get going.

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“...[I]t is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” - Audre Lord

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What I’m eating:

Tribune Tavern Calamari or Fried Green Tomatoes

Often times there is an item on a menu that you just can’t get enough of. This would be the Fried Green Tomatoes at the newly reopened Tribune Tavern. We’ve been lucky to have a later than usual tomato season here in the East Bay, but that is starting to dwindle, judging from my friends tomato harvests. Thankfully this is still on the Tribune Tavern’s menu. Buttermilk brined tomatoes that are firm enough to hold up to cutting, but not too mushy after the deep fry. The parmesan crust, creamy lemon dungeness crab, capers, and olives just makes you keep going back bite after bite.

What I’m reading:

This piece I stumbled upon in Greatist, thanks to a Twitter rabbit hole, made me chuckle. It also made me think. Would I have been so eager to give up my dietary habits for love? And how do I feel about having to make that choice? Take a gander and let me know what you think. I Cancelled A Date Because He Was On A Diet

I was able to give the ice cream and pani puri dessert a try at the most recent Eat Real Festival in Oakland. I am officially a big fan! Sunday is just about to get a little sweeter. KoolFi Creamery is making the Bay Area's most inventive ice cream

This pair of articles on the Napa Wine Train, with reflections on Napa itself, is interesting as well as insightful. How has the Wine Train and its namesake city, changed over the last three decades. And how will the Wine Train move forward given the times in which both Napa and the train co-exist? The Wine Train Is Napa Valley Review: The Napa Valley Wine Train is tacky. It's also a lot of fun.

Accessibility in restaurants is so much more than a sticker on the door and a ramp to get in. This enlightening article from SF Food Critic Soleil Ho introduces us to ideas and information from the people most affected. Disabled folks themselves. A really good read. Equal Access? Dining While Disabled

This is another take on food accessibility, community, and following through on your passion. I found this read really uplifting. There are still good people in the world. Alabama Restaurant Has No Prices On The Menu Just A Box For Diners To Drop Any Amount They Want

What I’m Listening to:

Really interesting to listen to the audio programming for a performance. I used my using my ears, brain, and imagination in a whole new way. Fascinating.

This Is What Accessibility Sounds Like - Audio Version by Sounds by James Dinneen on #SoundCloud

What I’m watching:

The Chef Show - Netflix

Season One / Volume one: Episode 3

Chef Film Recipes

Chef Roy Choi and John Favreau whip up some sweet treats while dropping a few tricks and tips and hanging out with Andrew Rea of "Binging with Babish". I'm pretty sure that was some decent chocolate they were using.

#SWSEATS #EatLocal #what i'm eating #what I'm reading #what i'm listening to #what I'm watching #oaklandeats #oaklandlocal #oaklandloveit #oakland #eastbay #foodblogger #food enthusiast #foodie #blackfoodbloggers #foodwriter

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