The second annual culinary fest takes over Philly this Sunday through June 23, celebrating the flavors of African-American, African and Caribbean cuisines.
Darlene Star Jones from Star Fusion Restaurant in Overbrook said the dozen participating restaurants will wow your tastebuds.
"A lot of times people don't know where to even go or they don't even know that we exist," said Jones, though she credits the fest for bolstering a traditionally slow time in the industry and helping her make connections.
"Because now I know the owner of Booker's," she said, "and I know the owner of Tasty's."
It also gives visibility to black business owners.
"It gives us a face so children who look like me will see me."
Jones said aspiring chefs have reached out to her for advice or guidance in the industry. "I talk to everybody who wants to jump into this business because it was really hard for me to get into it. ... The big picture here is for generations to see that other black minorities can open up businesses and be successful at it.
"If you can see someone actually doing it and creating it, you can see a vision for yourself."