Alright, let’s talk about this “cuisine noire,” whatever that fancy name means. I guess it’s about black folks’ food, right? You know, the kind of food our grandmas and their grandmas before them used to make. It ain’t nothin’ complicated, but it sure is good for the soul.
What is this black people food, anyway? Well, it’s a whole mess of things, really. It’s like, remember them grits your grandpa used to eat every morning? And them collard greens that took all day to cook but tasted like heaven with a bit of hot sauce? Yeah, that’s part of it. And then there’s them tamales, too. My neighbor, she makes the best tamales, even though she ain’t from down south. I guess good food travels, you know?
This food, it tells a story. It ain’t just about fillin’ your belly, though it does that real good. It’s about where folks come from, you know? Like them slaves way back when, they brought their way of cookin’ from Africa, and then they mixed it up with what they found here in America. That’s how you get somethin’ special, somethin’ that sticks with you.
- Grits
- Greens
- Tamales
- And a whole lot more
Now, I hear tell there’s some fancy folks over in France, yeah, that’s right, France, cookin’ up this kind of food. And they ain’t just cookin’ it, they’re tellin’ stories with it. Stories about their folks and where they come from. That’s what I heard, anyway.
It ain’t just old-timey stuff, though. You got these fancy chefs now, makin’ all sorts of new things with them old ideas. They’re takin’ them greens and makin’ ’em fancy, addin’ this and that. And them side dishes, oh my! They’re somethin’ else. You got your mac and cheese, your candied yams, your potato salad… Makes my mouth water just thinkin’ about it.
There’s this thing called “soul food.” That’s what some folks call it. It’s the food that feeds your soul, you know? It’s the food that makes you feel good inside and out. It’s the food that reminds you of home, even if you ain’t been home in a long, long time.
And there’s folks out there makin’ sure these stories get told. They got this thing called “Cuisine Noir,” sounds all fancy, don’t it? But it’s just about lettin’ the world know about all the good food black folks have been makin’ for years. And not just the food, but the people behind the food, too. Them chefs, them cooks, them grandmas who passed down their recipes.
And it ain’t just in America, neither. I heard there’s black-owned restaurants over in Paris, that’s right, Paris, France! They’re changin’ the way folks think about food over there, showin’ ’em what this “Afropean cuisine” is all about. Good for them, I say. Folks need to know about good food, no matter where it comes from.
So, what’s the big deal about this cuisine noire? Well, it’s about more than just food. It’s about history, it’s about culture, it’s about family. It’s about rememberin’ where you come from and sharin’ that with the world. And that’s somethin’ worth celebratin’, I reckon.
So next time you sit down to a plate of good food, take a minute to think about where it came from. Think about the folks who made it, and the stories behind it. And if it’s that good old soul food, well, then you just go ahead and enjoy every last bite. It’s good for you, body and soul.
And don’t forget them side dishes! A good meal ain’t complete without ’em. Whether it’s some creamy mashed potatoes or some sweet cornbread, them side dishes just make everything better. They’re like the little somethin’ extra that makes you say, “Now, that’s a good meal.”
So yeah, that’s what I know about this “cuisine noire.” It’s just good food with a good story behind it. And ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.
Tags: [Cuisine Noire, Soul Food, Black American Cuisine, Southern Food, African American Food, Afropean Cuisine, Food History, Food Culture, Black Chefs, Recipes, Side Dishes]
