Dedicated to the Black Experience
Listen in as KC and the family have an unedited, unfiltered conversation for your listening pleasure! Since we are keeping it raw, this is a Members’ Only podcast so enjoy. This one goes out to all the LA Babies!
Stay tuned for 2013 where we will be bringing you SO MUCH MORE! Thank you for your continued support!
This summer the city of Los Angeles has seen a plethora of events geared toward the new food truck frenzy. From food fests to outdoor cinema and music events, the people in the food truck industry are making money hand over fist, and giving local, non-mobile food businesses a run for their money. But certain areas of the city have seen no love from the food truck craze; their streets remain devoid of the colorful trucks offering up a variety of delectables to choose from. These same areas, like Leimert Park, have a scant selection of food offerings to begin with and a variety of options would be a welcome change to the locals in the area.
Enter in Sky’s Gourmet Tacos. Sky’s, a staple in the Picfair Village area of Los Angeles, has been located at the corner of Pico and Hauser Boulevards for the last 18 years, and hit the streets in June with their first mobile truck. And though you will find Sky’s on Museum Row amid dozens of other trucks at lunch, they have a monopoly on the Crenshaw District weeknights, setting up on the corner of Crenshaw and Coliseum from 4 – 8 pm. No other trucks, no other competition, and plenty of customers. So many customers, in fact, that they rarely make that 8pm deadline.
Now, I don’t know anybody that doesn’t love food, me included. But why run across town chasing different trucks when there is one right here in my own neighborhood? It seems that many of the food truck owners simply follow where other trucks go in hopes of making a name for themselves and haven’t considered the economic power this area has. The Crenshaw District is centrally located with easy access to Leimert Park, View Park, Windsor Hills, and Ladera Heights. These neighborhoods are filled with hard-working (and many affluent), hungry people with limited food options, especially when it comes to take-out. Thank goodness Sky’s is enough of a visionary to think outside the box, and bring a bit of diversity to our neighborhood.
Sky’s, (which happens to be a black-owned and operated business – but when it comes to good food, who cares?), offers up their regular menu and their gourmet tacos, that come in chicken, turkey, steak (filet mignon even), shrimp and lobster varieties, will have you coming back for more. They offer a smaller version than what the restaurant offers on the truck for a mere $2, but if you have a large appetite, ask for the regular size for an extra buck.
Support Sky’s as they are supporting us: they are on the corner of Crenshaw Blvd. and Coliseum St., Monday – Friday from 4 – 8 pm. This upcoming Friday, August 13th, they will not be there due to a private event. Oh yeah – book them for your next party as well. Thanks Sky’s!
Los Angeles has some of the best food spots owned and operated by Black restaurateurs in the nation, and I was lucky enough to discover a new one. Toffee Sensations, located at the corner of Manchester Blvd. and Dalton Avenue, this small, green, hole-in-the-wall serves up mouth-watering dishes that will have you coming back for more. Although toffee candy and desserts are their specialty, Toffee Sensations’ menu boasts delicious sandwiches and wraps, salads, pasta, and hands-down one of the best turkey burgers I’ve ever had. However, you would be remiss to gloss over their desserts. The Toffee Pecan Cookies are addicting, but their greatest claim to fame is the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes! Need I say more?
From preparation to presentation, Toffee Sensations hits all senses with their palate-pleasing dishes. They are also available to cater your next event.
*Tip: Order the turkey burger, Toffee Sensations style, and have a mouth orgasm. Also, they usually have sample-sized cupcakes available for just $1!
1530 W Manchester Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90047
(323) 971-1727
Open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 – 2:30 (brunch/lunch only)
open Saturdays from 11:30 – 5pm
In an effort to let the Black dollar circulate, I try to keep an eye out for new Black businesses and products that hit the market. My aunt introduced me to a product called GumboBrick that has signed a Costco vendor contract, and is the brainchild of Carole Foster, a Black woman from Compton, CA.
The Gumbo Brick product is a pre-made roux for gumbo lovers that speeds up the preparation of gumbo. According to the site, it is called a brick because, “the roux is the foundation for great gumbo”. Each 16-ounce Brick is $11.59, makes eight servings and will be available at the Costco in Hawthorne on Friday, June 11th – Sunday, June 13th. Check the website for more details and support this business! Y’all know you love some gumbo….