Celebrating Juneteenth: Chefs Lana and Nana’s 8 Must-Eat Dishes by Black Chefs in NYC
In celebration of Juneteenth, we couldn’t think of two better chefs to join us in spotlighting the culinary talents of Black chefs in New York City. Our upcoming 8it Family Meal™️ co-hosts, Chef Nana Araba Wilmot of Love That I Knead Supper Club and Chef Lana of Lana Cooks share their favorite dishes crafted by fellow Black chefs in the city. From innovative ramen and vegan lasagna to perfectly fried chicken and collard greens, here’s a look at what they think is 8it-Worthy:
Bacon Egg and Cheese Ramen
Ramen by Ra
📸: @ramenbyra
Chef Nana kicks off her list with a unique twist on a classic dish: Ramen by Ra’s Bacon Egg and Cheese Ramen. Recently opening up in Bowery Market, Chef Rasheeda Purdie merges a traditional Japanese dish with an iconic NYC staple. Chef Purdie, who started with a wildly popular ramen pop-up series, maintains that spirit in an intimate experience with just five guests seated at the bar in front of her as prepares each bowl, mimicking traditional Ramen shops in Japan. Nana says it’s definitely worth the stop and we couldn’t agree more.
Havatini
Hav & Mar
📸: Kate Previte
This unique pasta dish is a taste of the sea, featuring uni butter, shrimp and bucatini. The Ethiopian-born Chef Fariyal Abdullahi showcases African-diaspora food with their exuberant cooking. Abdullahi runs a kitchen led by Black women creating a this dish which is a rich, flavorful experience that Nana calls one of her favorites and a must-have.
Southern Fried Lasagna
Cadence
📸: Cadence.newyork
A fried lasagna? Yup! A vegan fried lasagna? You heard us right…! This Southern Fried Lasagna impresses with its crispy exterior and silky, rich pasta and sauce on the inside. Chef Shenarri Freeman has created a soul food experience that most thought would be impossible, turning it on its head without including any animal products. Even Nana admits she never knew she could love vegan food this much, and this dish is a standout example of vegan cuisine done right.
Suya
Lagos Times Square
📸: @lagosnyc
There isn’t much that gets a New Yorker to Times Square, but the Beef Suya is one of them. Nana describes this dish as “so delicious, so tender, so juicy…” and reminiscent of home. And that was the intention - Lagos owner, John Paul Wadibia says that many of the dishes on the menu are a nod to his childhood in Lagos. We might just start searching StreetEasy for Times Square apartments…
White Chocolate Budino
Raf’s
📸: @steve8it
Chef Lana starts her list with what she describes as “one of the most delicious things you will ever put in your mouth”- a sweet treat from Chef Camari Mick at Raf’s. It’s not the first time this Caramelized White Chocolate Budino has made it to an 8it list. It’s addictive and will keep you coming back for more. Chef Mick, dubbed "NYC's Dessert Doyenne" by Michelin, has gone from honing her pastry skills in notable NYC kitchens, to running the pastry programs at both Raf’s and Musket Room.
Fried Sweet Plantains
The Good Good
Heading up to Harlem, Lana calls the Fried Sweet Plantains at The Good Good a testament to simple ingredients done right, with the plantains being perfectly crispy and topped with a touch of lime salt. Chef Denzell Washington’s “bistro” menu, features modern takes on comforting dishes of childhood Sunday dinners, like these sweet yet savory treats.
Collard Greens
Sylvia’s Restaurant
Another iconic spot in Harlem, Sylvia’s Restaurant makes Lana’s picks with their perfectly cooked collard greens. An NYC icon herself, Chef Sylvia Woods, has been serving up soulful classics since 1962, and hasn’t skipped a beat since. Lana describes Sylvia’s Traditional Collard Greens being as “bright with a nice hit of acid and a lot of layers of flavor.”
Pan Fried Chicken
Charles’ Pan Fried Chicken
📸: @charlespanfriedchicken
With nearly 40 years in business, this Harlem institution continues to fry their chicken in cast iron pans, bringing big vibes and unbeatable flavor. Chef Charles Gabriel hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, started off cooking out of his apartment in the 80’s, then moving into a food truck, followed by a range of brick and mortars that keep on giving. Chef Lana calls this fried chicken, that tastes of Chef Gabriel’s rich history, the best she’s ever had.
Big shout out to Chef Lana & Nana for curating such an 8it-Worthy list in honor of Juneteenth and keep an eye out on the 8it app for more delicious recos from Chef Lana & Nana!
