On Friday February 25th in celebration of Black History month, Slow Food North Louisiana in partnership with MS KICK – Southern University at Shreveport along with two celebrated Local Chefs offered local diners “A Tale of Two Soul Foods”. 

Diners were able to choose between two soul food plates for their Friday lunch, one prepared by Chef Joslin of Vegans on the Run which that consisted of a vegan meal or Chef Hardette of Us Up North that was prepared traditionally. 

Vegans on the Run, led by Chef Joslin Mar-Dai, featured one of their best sellers, which spoke to many traditions in the African American culture, but with 100% Vegan Twist. Chef Joslin attributes food with family and heritage, “We know that many important events are often celebrated around the dinner table but, don’t always know why. Black History Month gives us a moment of reflection. As descendants of the diaspora, Soul Food is how we have culturally preserved African food traditions with the resources available. It is a beautiful marriage of our heritage, culture, and tradition. Vegans on the Run is proud to be a creative conduit for honoring our ancestors and history from our table to yours.” Vegans on the Run’s menu consisted of Louisiana Fried (Banana Blossom) Fysh, Southern Black-Eyed Peas, Local Garden-Fresh Steamed Cabbage, Nana’s Cornbread Muffin, Peach Cobbler, and Fresh Strawberry Lemonade. 

Us Up North, led by Chef Hardette Harris, featured a more traditional menu that is featured seasonally at her local café. “The soul warming dishes of our culture is a gift to the culinary world and I am honored to be one of the gift givers. Black History Month is a time our heritage foods are given the spotlight and I know that makes my ancestors proud. My hope is that we can keep that light shining bright all year long”, stated Chef Hardette when asked about how her traditional food coincides with Black History month. Us Up North’s menu consisted of Fried Catfish, Mustard and Turnip Greens, Purple Hull Peas, Cornbread Square, Peach Cobbler & choice of Beverage.