Hi there! Desi here, filling in for Dom this week. If you follow Dom on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me accompany her on many of her food adventures. I am a Brooklyn based creative writer & wellness worker who, much like Dom, loves food. Although its moved down on my list of worries, considering the state of the country right now, I do miss being outside and on the dining scene. As someone who spent 15 years working in hospitality, and was used to working doubles and spending 12+ hours on my feet, staying at home has drastically decreased my activity level. One way I have been finding joy each day is by making sure I take a wellness walk. To stay committed, I choose a small business to support on the days when it’s difficult to find the motivation to move around. By walking to these places, I’m able to not only get my steps in but to also help them keep more of their profit instead of having to pay out a delivery service company. Keep reading for 11 of my favorite Brooklyn based, Black owned businesses to support right now.

First up is Brooklyn Tea, I fell in love with this tearoom after learning that one of the owners is a tea sommelier. I didn’t even know that was a thing! Both Jamila and Ali are very dedicated and passionate about the art of tea brewing and tea tasting. They have a huge variety of loose leaf teas, a few snacks like the Biggie cookie above plus tea boxes which make great gifts. Follow them on IG: @brooklyntea

194 Tompkins - My go to, a DeKalb Avenue which is turkey bacon, spinach, egg, and avocado on a turmeric roll and a greenwood mango smoothie.

Brooklyn Blend had become a second home for me prepandemic. The food is so bomb but also healthy, and all of their menu items pay homage to Brooklyn streets, bus lines, and neighborhoods. Don’t sleep on the kale patties and they also have the best chai I’ve ever tasted. Check out their amazing IG feed: @bklynblend

613 Franklin Ave - Best crab roll I’ve ever had in life!

The Crabby Shack is my favorite spot to go to when i’m craving seafood. If boils are your thing, look no further. Everything is always so flavorful and seasoned to perfection. They are now offering rum punch and other libations to go. While the crab roll is my number one go to, the mac and cheese and good and the cornbread is life changing! Their IG is @thecrabbyshack

93 Howard - Vegan slice with vegan cheese & Buffalo Chicken slice.

Now the best thing about Cuts & Slices is that this is way more than your average dollar slice of pizza. The menu rotates and you can find slices with jerk shrimp, vegan meatballs, chopped cheese, and even oxtail. There is truly something for everyone. Cuts & Slices IG: @cutsandslicesnyc

Crab & Shrimp fried rice in a pineapple!

Chef Bee has been a saving grace. While she is typically a private chef and caterer, she’s been feeding the block weekly. Usually her menu is released on a Tuesday for a Friday meal. Past menus have included tacos, seafood gumbo, rasta pasta, and a few infused goodies. Keep an eye out for her next theme or inquire about her virtual cooking lessons: @binou.bee.cooking

I don’t know where I would be without wine the past few months. Happy Cork has a great selection of minority and women owned wine & spirit brands and other cool items like coasters, wine glasses, candles, and more. Ordering is super easy via their app where you can pick up your order or get it delivered. Happy Cork hosts has also been hosting virtual tastings via IG Live. Follow them: @HappyCorkBrooklyn

Am I the only one who feels like a green juice cures everything? Juices For Life has a very extensive list of fresh juices and immune system boosting shots. They even have sea moss! I sometimes will stop here first to grab a juice to sip during my walk. Check out their IG: @JuicesForLifeBK

I almost don’t even wanna share this one, I just got put on to Little Miss Muffin ‘N Her Stuffin a week ago and I’m obsessed. I had their jerk chicken patties three times last week (don’t judge me lmao). But they are seriously THAT good. So good I gobble up the food before I can snap a pic! They have other traditional West Indian dishes such as roti and other varieties of patties like bake & salt fish. I suggest visiting them early, I’ve gone around 130pm and they’ve been close to being sold out and they are cash only. This is one of those IYKYK type spots.

Although there’s no brick and mortar, I could not leave out Bad & Boozy! The branding and aesthetics on IG were the first things that caught my eye. In addition to the pouches, they carry disco balls, milk cartons, and even mason jars for these cocktails. All drinks are made with fresh fruits and juices for any of the mixing ingredients. Pick up can be arranged or delivery can be scheduled but the masses have caught on so they sell out pretty quickly! Keep up with them on IG: @badnboozy_ny

Now I know this is a food & beverage focused site, but I became a plant mom and it’s become a big part of wellness for me. There’s something magical about nurturing life and plants are a great to do so. Natty Garden has an excellent selection of greenery. I love ordering plants online but sometimes it feels good to pick them out in person because they’ll speak to you. In addition to their two locations for plants, they also have a pet shop near their Washington Ave location.

Another helpful part of my day is feeding my spirit. Nicholas Brooklyn has everything from whipped shea butter to essential oil to sage and everything in between. They also have crystals and are very helpful if you’re unsure what you need to buy.