That's what happened when I visited Simonette in Culver City on a Friday evening. Located inside Palihotel Culver City, Simonette is one of those spots that feels tucked away in a way that makes discovering it part of the experience. The hotel is nestled into the neighborhood, and once you're there, you get this cute, intimate, open-air setting surrounded by trees and twinkling lights. It was warm that evening, and at one point, I was sitting outside watching leaves fall thro

Sometimes you meet someone and realize they didn't just create a business. They created room. Room for people to create. Room for people to connect. Room for people to discover something new about themselves. And, just as importantly, room for other people to bring what they have to the table. That's what came to mind when I met Cynthia, the woman behind Sprinkles N Stuff in Lomita, California. When Cynthia first started making chocolate, she was simply looking for a way to m

Sometimes you start something without realizing just how much it can become. You have an idea. You take the first step. You figure things out as you go. And somewhere along the way, you look up and realize you're building something you never imagined when you started. That's what came to mind when I met Kameelah Abdurrahim, the woman behind KuteNTheKitchen. When Kameelah first started cooking out of her home, she didn't have a grand vision of everything it could become. She t

When art becomes more than something you create, it becomes a way to bring people together. I didn't meet Kandyce Jackson for the first time at the Black Girl Art Show. I've actually been watching pieces of her story unfold for years. Kandyce is the artist and creative mind behind KandyAppleTree, but to me, she's also a reminder of what can happen when you keep showing up for something that once existed only as an idea. She once created the logo for my women's group, and now

Sometimes the best part of a dining experience isn't necessarily what's on the plate. I recently stopped by Primecut Taqueria with a few former coworkers/friends, and while the experience wasn't a complete bust, I found myself leaving a little underwhelmed. The restaurant itself was clean, and I really liked the see-through kitchen. There's something enjoyable about being able to sit nearby and watch your food being prepared. The indoor space felt a little smaller, so we deci

Some people build businesses. Others build experiences. And every once in a while, you meet someone who is doing both while creating something that brings people together. That was Daisy. Through Daisy’s Black LA Food Tour, I got to witness something that stayed with me long after the food was gone: resilience in motion, a charismatic spirit that never seemed to dim, and a genuine heart for people, community, Los Angeles, and good food. Before we even pulled away, there was p

There are food tours, and then there are experiences that remind you why food has the power to bring people together. Daisy’s Black LA Food Tour was definitely the latter. I arrived expecting to eat good food, visit several Black-owned businesses, and learn a little more about Los Angeles. What I didn't expect was how quickly a bus full of strangers would begin to feel like a community. From the moment we arrived, there was an energy surrounding the tour. The original plan wa

Some people create a restaurant. Others create a place where people feel like they belong. Danielle and Fellippe have created the latter. If you've ever walked through the barn doors of Ubuntu and up those steps, you can feel it almost immediately. There's something different here. The fresh flowers on the tables. The blankets available when the evening gets cool. The complimentary Brazilian cheese bread. The little fans placed throughout the space to keep the flies away. Som

Sometimes one visit isn't enough to truly experience a restaurant. I've learned that when I'm reviewing a place, I don't just want to know what the food tastes like. I want to experience the atmosphere, the service, the people, and the energy at different times. It's a lot like looking at an apartment during the day, you may love what you see, but it's worth coming back at night to discover what the neighborhood is really like once everyone is home. That's exactly how I felt

Some restaurants stay on your "must-try" list for months, and EggBred OC was one of those places for me. After finally stopping by, I can confidently say it was worth the wait. I visited on a Saturday around lunchtime. While the restaurant wasn't overly crowded, there was a steady flow of customers picking up orders, which tells me this spot has built a loyal following. Inside, the space is bright, cozy, and full of personality with colorful walls and fun artwork that immedia

Some places simply serve food. Others create an experience. From the moment I walked into Tous Les Jours in Artesia, I knew this café was the latter. Fun fact: Tous Les Jours translates to "every day," a fitting name for a bakery that proudly bakes its bread fresh every single day. That commitment to freshness is reflected throughout the entire café and is one of the many details that makes this place feel so intentional. I visited on a Thursday around 2:15 p.m.looking for a

There are some coffee shops you walk into and immediately see the vision. Piccolo Coffee is one of those places. I visited on a Wednesday morning looking for a cozy place where I could sit, study, and get some work done. The first thing that stood out was the atmosphere. The colors, decor, and overall design create a beautiful and inviting space that feels picture-worthy. I could easily see this becoming a great place for a coffee date, catching up with a friend, or enjoying

When I visit a new coffee shop, I'm looking for more than a great cup of coffee. I'm paying attention to the atmosphere, the customer service, the food, and how the entire experience makes me feel. Customer service is where I believe businesses either shine or fall flat, and it's often what determines whether I'll come back. Enchanted Coffee in Santa Ana didn't just meet my expectations, it exceeded them. First Impressions Located on 17th Street in Santa Ana, Enchanted Coffee

From the moment I walked into PADEKWA, I truly didn’t realize how much of a surprise I was in for. What I thought was going to be a simple stop for a coffee shop review quickly turned into something completely different. Within minutes of being inside, I realized this wasn’t just a place I was visiting once, it was a space I was genuinely experiencing. There’s something about PADEKWA that immediately pulls you in. The atmosphere, the art, the layout, the energy, it all feels

I'll be honest, when I first pulled up to Eggspresso, I wasn't immediately sold. Located in an industrial/business area of Fullerton, it isn't the type of place that instantly catches your attention from the outside. In fact, if it weren't for the photos I saw on Yelp, I probably would have driven right past it. The pictures gave me enough confidence to give it a try, and I'm glad I did because my expectations ended up being completely exceeded. The restaurant itself is small

Some places feed you. Some places serve great coffee. And then there are places like Ubuntu Neighborhood Cafe that remind you what hospitality feels like. What was meant to be a quick breakfast turned into an entire afternoon spent enjoying incredible food, connecting with people, learning the story behind the cafe, and soaking in an atmosphere that made it difficult to leave. In a world where so many establishments feel rushed and transactional, Ubuntu feels intentional. And

At Six Alley Biang Biang Noodle in Santa Ana, the noodles are truly the star of the show. Made fresh throughout the day using only flour and water, each noodle is hand-pulled after you place your order, creating a dining experience rooted in authenticity and tradition. No two noodles are exactly alike, and that uniqueness is part of what makes this restaurant so special. I tried the Mahi Beef Noodles, Dry Mixed Dumplings, and cucumber salad, and every dish delivered on flavor

There’s something special about walking into a place and instantly feeling like you picked the right spot. That’s how I felt when I walked into Hiccups Kitchen in Long Beach near Cal State Long Beach. I originally went there just to study for a little while, but I ended up leaving inspired by the entire experience. I got there around 12:41 pm and it was pretty empty, which for me was perfect. Most people came in, ordered, and took their food to go. Inside, it was spacious and

I had the pleasure of dining at Puesto located in Park Place on a Wednesday afternoon between 12 and 1 PM. Right in the middle of the day when everything is alive, but not chaotic. That’s exactly how I would describe this place:intentionally busy. Puesto sits in the heart of a community where people are doing life; working, living, meeting, connecting. With apartments, a hotel, and a gym all around, the energy feels active but not overwhelming. It’s not “New York busy”… it’s

There was something different about this day and it had nothing to do with the food. Well… maybe a little. But mostly, it was God. Recently, I’ve been praying for alignment. Not just opportunities, but people. I’ve been asking God to connect me with the right women. Women who are intentional. Women who are growing. Women who are building, healing, becoming. Because as I step into this space of food, lifestyle, and pouring into others because I understand that I can’t do it al