03/03/2025
This Week Vibes at Urban Hang Suite!
It’s Women’s History Month so we’re taking a moment to give love to the real MVPs of the kitchen: the Grandmas, Aunties, and Mamas who have been holding it down, feeding generations, and never getting enough credit for being the culinary geniuses of our families.
And right here at the Suite, we gotta shout out the two women who make this place what it is:
Kelli – Our fearless leader, social entrepreneur, multimedia personality, and a true champion for Virginia & Black culture.
Mercedes – The heartbeat of the Suite, the reason you can taste the love in our in-house-made eats and feel the energy when you walk in the door.
But we can’t stop there—we gotta salute A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE women running things in the city’s food scene:
Velma “Mama J” Johnson – The heart and soul behind Mama J’s, serving up authentic Southern cuisine in Jackson Ward since 2009. A Richmond native and one of 14 siblings, Mama J learned the art of cooking from her mother and grandmother. Her restaurant was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Outstanding Service award in 2019.
Kendra Feather – A powerhouse in Richmond's dining scene, Kendra owns several beloved spots: Garnett's Café in the Fan, The Roosevelt (with dope ass Chef Leah Branch) in Church Hill, and Laura Lee's in Southside. She got her start with Ipanema Café in 1998 and is a true mentor to the UHS.
And let’s not forget the icon Edna Lewis, who made sure Black Southern cuisine got the global respect it deserves. Much love to Deb Freeman for making sure her legacy stays front and center.
This month, join us by raising a glass, a fork, and a whole lotta love for the women who feed our bellies and our souls. Shout out your favorite culinary queen in the comment section!
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