On May 25, 2020, four police officers killed 46-year-old black male George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since that incident, protests across the country have popped up to show support for Floyd and shine a light on police brutality. These gatherings are already having an impact on police reform: Some local departments are now moving toward improved de-escalation training as well as bans on chokeholds, including Miami-Dade County.
As much as I would love to take part in the protests, I can’t — my wife is considered high risk for contracting the coronavirus. Fortunately, protesting is just one of the many ways you can support the Black Lives Matters movement. In addition to donating, we’ve been showing our support by frequenting black-owned businesses. Here are a few great spots we’ve visited lately:
Balloo
Local foodies know chef Timon Balloo from his big Midtown restaurant Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill, but it’s his cozy namesake Downtown eatery that’s turning heads lately. The 20-something seat restaurant provides an intimate setting for enjoying Balloo’s varied cuisine, which pulls influences from his Chinese, Indian and Trinidadian roots. Jerk chicken, oxtail and fried rice are common sights on the often-rotating menu; each experience is sure to introduce diners to unique flavors. It’s a culinary rollercoaster you’ll want to ride again and again.
Balloo is located at 19 SE 2nd Avenue, Suite 4, Miami, FL 33131. For reservations, visit their official website.
Groovin’ Bean
Great coffee? Check. Great food? Check. Alcohol? Check. Groovin’ Bean is a bustling Overtown café that’s known for its java by day and its lively entertainment by weekend night. While the latter aspect has taken a break due to the current pandemic, the former aspect keeps locals coming back for more. An extensive menu of hot and cold coffee drinks is joined by an equally lengthy food list that includes chicken and waffles, French toast, beignets and other mouthwatering selections. Be on the lookout for specials announcements on their social media.
Groovin’ Bean is located at 801 NW 3rd Avenue, Suite 104, Miami, FL 33136. Follow them on Instagram at @groovinbean for the latest menu updates and other news.
Manjay
Discover delicious Caribbean cuisine at Manjay inside The Citadel Miami. The Haitian-owned food hall favorite is cooking up staples like conch fritters, red beans and rice, coconut curry shrimp, griyot and rum cake. The menu is small, but the flavors you’ll find are anything but. Food comes out quick, and it’s easy on the budget. There’s not much else to say about this awesome spot — it’s best to let Manjay’s tasty fare do all the talking.
Manjay is located at 8300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33138. Check out their offerings here.
Rosie’s Pop-Up
When Copper Door Bed & Breakfast shut down in mid-March due to the pandemic, owners Akino West and Jamila Ross lost all their business overnight. Without guests to welcome, there was no money coming in. In response to this sudden situation, the duo opened Rosie’s Pop-Up onsite within a few weeks.
The menu at Rosie’s is made up of just over a handful of items, but each selection packs a punch; from their chocolate croissant and biscuits to their breakfast platter and chicken and waffle, there’s no wrong choice. Right now, the eatery is only open in the morning. Also keep in mind that there’s no seating; this is strictly a takeout and delivery venture. And while you could order the food through your favorite delivery service, it’s best to show some love by calling ahead for pickup or walking up to the window and ordering.
Rosie’s Pop-Up is located at 439 NW 4th Avenue, Miami, FL 33128. For the latest updates, follow them on Instagram at @rosiesmia.
