During the month of May I traveled to the Bay Area to visit friends. I hadn’t been to Northern Cali in 20 years and it was the same cold, rainy weather (how, whyyy it’s Mayyy) that I remembered. However, we were able to make our own sunshine and support several Black/women owned businesses that I want to shout out.
Diana and her homegirls at Brown Downtown in Napa.
First up, was Oeste Bar in Oakland. The bar/cafe is owned by a trio of women of color (Black and Latina) and I always like to hit up spots enjoyed by the locals so you can get the real feel and flavor of the city. The place had a chill vibe, there was a DJ spinning great music, and the men bought drinks. What more could a girl ask for?
On Saturday, we traveled to Napa and visited Brown Downtown. Brown Estate Vineyards is the first and only Black-owned estate winery in Napa Valley. The winery can only be visited by members, but they have a tasting room in downtown Napa that is open to the public and it was divine!
The space is gorgeous and we enjoyed a lovely wine flight. Be sure to make a reservation and then sit back and enjoy!
On Sunday we were back in Oakland for brunch at Brown Sugar Kitchen, owned by former Top Chef contestant, Tanya Holland. Now I love me some Top Chef so I had definitely been rooting for her that season – she didn’t win, but let me tell y’all she won with this restaurant! The food was delicious. From the beignets to the biscuits to the fried chicken to the gumbo – the dishes were flavorful, creative, and seasoned with love and soul. Be sure to make reservations because restaurant stayed packed the entire time we were there.
When the food is so good, you forget to take pictures of it so here’s the menu lol
If you’re planning to visit the Bay Area and/or Wine Country, I definitely recommend these spots. You’ll be sure to get great food, great drinks, and great vibes!
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