CHATHAM — Returning for its second year, the Taste of Black Chicago will bring together black-owned restaurants and vendors from across the city this weekend.

The free event, which aims to celebrate black people’s contributions to Chicago’s world-class culinary scene, will again be held at Mosque Maryam, 7351 S. Stony Island Ave., from 1-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18.

About 50 restaurants and vendors are scheduled to participate this year including: Luella’s Southern Kitchen; Brown Sugar Bakery; Jamaican Me Crazy; Ankara Imports; Imani Bean Pies; Akhirah’s Praline Candy, Beignets and Coffee; and Soul Vegan.

Before launching the Taste of Black Chicago, Chicago native Toure Muhammad, founder of black-owned news outlet Bean Soup Times, created Black Chicago Eats, a directory of black-owned restaurants across the city. Before launching the site, he estimated that 20-30 restaurants in Chicago were black owned, but after researching the restaurant landscape in Chicago, he found more than 100.

The directory fills a void and creates more awareness for black-owned businesses, Muhammad said. It’s much easier to find Italian, Indian or even Polish restaurants in Chicago, he said, but finding a restaurant that is black-owned can be much more difficult.

More than 50 black-owned restaurants and vendors are scheduled to be at the Taste of Black Chicago Saturday. Taste of Black Chicago

The website directory attracts people who want to experience the excellent cuisine from black-owned chefs, restaurateurs and caterers and those who want to boost the local economy in the black community, Muhammad said.

“There’s such diversity there,” he said.

Muhammad, a Morehouse graduate, said this year’s event will be more organized, with new vendors and more entertainment.

For more information email toure@beansouptimes.com or visit www.blackchicagoeats.com.

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