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Brunchin’ through RVA: Afro-Edition

Picture this: It’s a glorious Saturday morning, and you’ve indulged in the luxury of sleeping in until 9 (or even later because, hey, you’re living the single life with no kiddos). With no pressing commitments and a beautiful, sun-soaked day with a gentle breeze, you throw open your windows and ponder, “What shit will I get into today?” There’s only one answer: BRUNCH and Mimosas with the girls!

Now, the ultimate conundrum arises – where to brunch? Fear not, for I’m here to be your trusty guide to brunching in Richmond, VA, with an Afro-inspired twist. Supporting black-owned businesses is not just a trend but a delightful mission I’ve embarked on. So, whether it’s a brunch triumph or an “Oops, let’s not do that again,” I’m here to dish it all out, all in the name of bolstering Afro-descendant communities.

Full disclosure, I haven’t had the pleasure of brunching at all these spots (yet!), but this list is my roadmap to rediscovering RVA, one plate at a time. And, because I believe in the power of sharing, I’ll be updating this post with my fresh finds and unfiltered opinions on RVA’s black-owned brunch destinations. So bookmark this page and return for my brunchy adventures in the months to come!

Current Brunch Highlight: Jubilee

Let’s start with a standout: Jubilee! Nestled in the charming Manchester district off Hull Street, this restaurant is part of the Lindsey Food Group, known for its culinary prowess throughout the city of Richmond. For the full scoop on their tasty ventures, check out Michael Lindsey’s IG, showcasing their eight restaurants.

Now, why do I adore Jubilee? Well, their brunch menu is refreshingly concise (goodbye, Cheesecake Factory-sized novellas). I’ve frequented this place about three times on lazy Sundays, and it’s usually blissfully uncrowded. And the music! Oh, the music is why I keep coming back – it’s a haven for R&B lovers.

But let’s talk grub. My top pick here is the West African Shrimp and Grits, and not just because I’m West African myself. When I read “Obe Ata” and felt slightly puzzled, a quick Google search revealed the magic: pepper soup seasoning! The shrimp and grits were an explosion of flavor in my mouth, making me want to break into a spontaneous happy dance.

And if you’re in the mood for something that pairs perfectly with R&B vibes, try the Montecristo sandwich. That sweet-salty combo is simply divine, especially when you dip it into the berry jam. As I’m writing this, I can’t help but crave a return visit this very weekend.

So, let’s jubilee on over to Jubilee for a brunch adventure bursting with flavors that’ll make your taste buds groove to the rhythm of the morning.

Tipping

Before we embark on this delightful journey through our Black Brunch list, let’s take a moment to discuss the often overlooked, yet crucial, aspects of tipping and restaurant etiquette. As someone who has spent nearly a decade in the restaurant industry, I’ve seen firsthand how tipping habits can vary, especially when it comes to people of color.

It’s essential to understand the importance of tipping generously. While some restaurants do have automatic gratuity policies in place to ensure their hourly staff’s financial stability, not all establishments follow suit. In 2023, the standard tipping range that ensures fair compensation for your server falls between 18% to 22% of your bill. This tip isn’t just pocket change; it’s the lifeline that helps servers pay their rent, cover bills, purchase groceries, fill up their gas tanks, and meet all their living expenses.

Here’s a thought experiment: Imagine if your employer decided to pay you $10 an hour one day, $20 the next, and a mere $2 another day. You’d rightfully be upset because your income is what you rely on to make ends meet. Servers in the restaurant industry are no different; they depend on tips to make a living.

So, as you savor the delicious offerings at these brunch spots, let’s not forget to show our appreciation by tipping within the 18% to 22% range. Remember, servers and restaurant staff are hardworking individuals who deserve to earn a fair wage, even if they accidentally forget your honey mustard. After all, we’re all human, and a little generosity can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.

The Afro-edition Brunch List

Now, you’re itching to explore more Afrolicious brunch spots, here’s a handy list of black-owned brunch places in RVA to whet your appetite. (For an extended menu of options, check out VisitBlkRVA.)

Don’t keep all the fun to yourself! Let me know in the comments which of these brunch havens you’ve explored and which ones have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to scrumptious brunch spots in RVA!

As Always Thank You for Reading My World, My Vision, My Adventure! 

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