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    Take Date Night to a New Level with These Black-Owned Businesses

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    “Let’s go to sleep in Paris and wake up in Tokyo. Have a dream in New Orleans and fall in love in Chicago.”

    LUPE FIASCO

    When you think about taking date night to the next level, international travel or a romantic “baecation” might come to mind. But who says date night has to be overseas? THE BLOCK is here to help you keep things exciting and fresh—without a passport stamp (because, well, we’re still in a pandemic).

    To us, there’s not much better than doing date night in another city or, if you’re staying in town, enjoying a dine-in experience from the comfort of your home.

    Here are some of our recommendations for your next date night in a few of the cities we love—and opportunities to spend time with your boo while supporting Black entrepreneurs in the process.

    New York

    Mikey Likes It – Harlem

    Get your “paint and scoop” on with your date at this unique ice cream shop, where every flavor is named after a pop culture icon. And even if you’re not in New York—don’t worry; Mikey Likes It ships its premium ice cream nationwide.

    Mikey Cole, the owner of Mikey Likes It Ice Cream, has an incredible story. As a former prison inmate, he made a decision to give back to his community and actively supports families and children by donating food each Thursday. He reminds students to stay in school and rewards them with a free scoop when they present their report cards. Check out mikeylikesiticecream.com.

    Ode to Babbel – Brooklyn

    This is a cocktail bar and lounge for the chill creatives with a heart for plants and love for live performances.

    Ode to Babel is a whole vibe, and their aesthetic is an influencer’s dream. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, they have limited events to weekends and Wednesday evenings (all socially distanced), but also open their space up for event hosting for an array of occasions.

    Peaches HotHouse – Bed-Stuy

    Best known for their fried chicken and delectable southern cuisine; bring your foodie date here.

    Ben Grossman and Craig Samuel are the masterminds behind the Peaches Restaurants, which are known best for southern cuisine options, from low-country shrimp and grits to Louisiana gumbo and their famous Nashville-style hot chicken. They currently have four locations.

    Chicago

    THE BLOCK caught up with true Chicagoan Brienne Marie (@tobriehonest_) for some date night recommendations. Brienne is a Chicago native who calls Charlotte home as well. She loves a sophisticated atmosphere and delicious dining. Her recommendation: “I would probably go to Virtue in Hyde Park for dinner‚ the short ribs are the bomb!”

    Virtue

    Southern American cuisine curated by Chef Erick Williams.


    Nipsey’s

    If you’re looking for an upscale sports bar setting but also good drinks and food, Brienne recommends Nipsey’s, which is owned by Felicia Lawrence.

    M Lounge

    “If you’re looking for a quaint and cute place to grab a drink on a Friday night, head to The M Lounge,” Brienne shared with THE BLOCK.

    Sip and Savor

    Looking for a coffee spot to chat with your date? Pop into Sip and Savor.

    Atlanta

    Sublime Donuts

    Grab a sweet treat for a date day or date night. Voted best doughnuts in Atlanta.

    Urban Grind

    Hip coffeehouse that offers poetry slams and other eclectic events.

    Slutty Vegan

    Serving irresistible vegan burgers and other delicious vegan bites.

    Houston

    Taste Bar +Kitchen

    Did somebody say brunch date? They are Houston’s top brunch destination and the place to get your southern comfort food.

    Cupcake Kitchen Houston

    Savory soul food and best know for their specialty cakes and desserts.


    From the Comforts of Home

    Wanna stay in? Make it a dinner and movie night with these highly recommended private chefs.

    Chef Joya – Charlotte, NC

    Chef Joya-the fun loving, vegan chef (previously featured on THE BLOCK) who can turn any soul food meal vegan and make it taste just as good!


    MJ the Chef

    Nutrition/personal chef, all about fine french and southern cuisine. www.instagram.com/twistbychefmj


    Chef Cordell

    The ultimate travel chef who can cater to any palette.

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    Vivian Page is an award-winning author. She is the creator of Love Y Vida, an organization that connects Black and Latinx communities through literature and art.

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