News Summary
Black Restaurant Week is underway in the Carolinas, promoting Black-owned food and beverage businesses across cities like Charlotte and Greensboro. From soul food to vegan options, the week showcases a variety of unique cuisines. As this cultural event continues, discussions around cooking oils and health implications arise, particularly regarding the shift to beef tallow. Diners are exploring plant-based options without the risk of cross-contamination, highlighting the culinary landscape’s dedication to both flavor and health.
Charlotte, NC – This week marks the celebratory occasion of Black Restaurant Week in the Carolinas, running through Sunday, May 4. The event is aimed at promoting and supporting Black-owned food and beverage businesses across the region, including bars, bakeries, and snack shops. It is the fourth iteration of Black Restaurant Week in the Carolinas, coinciding with a nationwide celebration of similar events that have been ongoing for the past decade.
Participating cities in this week-long event include Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina, as well as Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina. A variety of restaurants are showcasing their unique cuisines and special offerings during this week.
In Charlotte, a selection of featured restaurants highlights the diverse culinary landscape. Ethiopian cuisine can be enjoyed at the location on Central Avenue, while those craving soul food can visit City Kitch on Thrift Road. Walmart offers American, Southern, and soul food options, and multiple locations provide access to other American-style dishes. For plant-based diners, a vegan establishment on South Boulevard caters specifically to vegan and vegetarian preferences, along with specialty gourmet kettle corn found at a location on 7th Street.
As the black-owned restaurants flourish, there is an ongoing conversation about the health impacts of cooking oils, specifically regarding the transition from traditional beef tallow to seed oils. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy advocates for the use of beef tallow as a traditional ingredient, prompting several restaurants to revise their cooking methods. For example, Steak ‘n Shake has transitioned to using 100% beef tallow for its fries as part of its “RFK’ing the fries” initiative. However, nutritionists voice concerns regarding the health implications associated with beef tallow, associating it with elevated LDL cholesterol levels and potential heart health risks.
For vegans and vegetarians, the search for suitable fry options can be a source of frustration due to the risk of cross-contamination at many eateries. Generally, vegan or vegetarian establishments are the safest bets for ensuring fries meet dietary standards without cross-contact. Charlotte features several notable spots for vegan and vegetarian-friendly fry fans. Bean Vegan Cuisine specializes in vegan comfort food and consistently offers fries on the menu. Five Guys utilizes 100% peanut oil in dedicated fryers, ensuring that their fries remain a vegan-friendly choice. Furthermore, Chick-fil-A is recognized for its gluten-free waffle fries cooked in canola oil in a dedicated fryer.
Other options for diners seeking plant-based fry choices in Charlotte include Flower Child with its roasted sweet potato fries, Oh My Soul’s Filthy Fries topped with vegan queso, and Romeo’s Vegan Burgers showcasing chili cheese fries with vegan toppings. Sanctuary Bistro serves roasted potatoes as an appealing side, while Taco Bell offers vegan-certified Nacho Fries, although caution regarding potential cross-contamination is advised.
In addition, VegGeez, a plant-based restaurant situated in Waxhaw, features chili cheese fries crafted from hand-cut fries, contributing to the growing awareness of food choices that prioritize health and environmental sustainability. As more consumers become informed about these topics, the rise of plant-based diets continues to gain momentum, fostering an increase in dining options that cater to both taste preferences and dietary requirements.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Black Restaurant Week
- Charlotte Observer: Food Scene in Charlotte
- QCity Metro: Plant-Based Dining in Charlotte
- Tasting Table: Best Vegan Restaurants in North Carolina
- Charlotte Magazine: Vegan Fried Chicken in Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Plant-based Diet
- Google Search: Black Restaurant Week
- Google Scholar: Plant-based Eating
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veganism
- Google News: Charlotte Food Scene
