travel noire houston

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About this guide

Houston stands out as one of Texas' most dynamic metropolises. There are soulful rhythms of live jazz and blues performances in the historic Fifth Ward and thought-provoking exhibits at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. It holds a historical part of the African American narrative and Hispanic heritage. Travelers worldwide come to try the melting pot of Creole, Mexican, and Southern cuisines. The  “Space City” has a legacy of trailblazers inspired by African American culture. Houston also has a vibrant tech scene with the global gathering extravaganza, AFROTECH24 in November 2024. A community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals come together for a week of networking, learning labs, and immersive experiences. There’s also access to the expo floor, main stage talks, and exclusive partner events at a discounted rate , so don’t miss out! 

• Best time to travel: February to March and June to September (peak season), January (off-season), April to May and October to November (shoulder season) 
• Time zone: Central Time Zone (CST)
• Currency: USD ($)
• Noteworthy: Black Restaurant Week Houston (April), Pan-African Cultural Festival (May), Houston Black Heritage Music & Arts Festival (October)
• Best for: Culture & Entertainment, Art & Music Festivals, Culinary Trips, Black History Enthusiasts

Get Away: Getting To and Around Houston, Texas

By air .

The best way to travel to Houston, Texas by air is to book a direct flight to George Bush Intercontinental Airport or William P. Hobby Airport. These airports are well-connected to major cities and offer routes to and from domestic and international flights. Pay attention to seasonal travel trends like shoulder or off-peak times to avoid crowds. 

Navigating Houston by car is a more convenient and flexible option for travelers with busy itineraries. Rental car agencies are available from the airport and all around the city. It is best to make reservations in advance to secure the best rates. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also a simple way to get around without committing to a rental for the whole trip. Taxis are another option, but they might be less readily available during peak traffic hours.

By Public Transit

Houston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County public transit system is an extensive and convenient network of buses and light rail. It provides affordable transportation throughout the city with their Q Card or METRO mobile app. Exploring Houston's key attractions, cultural sites, and diverse neighborhoods via public transit are a more sustainable way to experience the city.

Explore Houston, Texas on Foot

Neighborhoods like Downtown, Montrose, and the Museum District have attractions and dining options within walking distance of most accommodations. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are key as some routes can be rough. The city's unique character and vibrant street life are a testament to the cultural richness of the area.

Quick facts

Central Time Zone (CST)

English and Spanish

Culture & Entertainment

Art & Music Festivals,

Culinary Trips

Black History Enthusiasts

Keep in mind

• Black Restaurant Week Houston (April)
• Pan-African Cultural Festival (May)
• Houston Black Heritage Music & Arts Festival (October)

Gourmet: Places To Eat In Houston, Texas

The family-owned Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant shows the rich heritage of Ethiopia through traditional dishes served with teff-based Injera bread. The menu features delicacies like Teff, Yemissir Wot red lentil stew, and sautéed minced lamb tripe, liver, and beef called Dulet. 

Visionary founder Marcus Davis created the Black-owned brunch spot, The Breakfast Klub, which is popular for brunch classics and lunch favorites. Modern art, lush greenery, and wooden tables adorn the interior for a casual familiar vibe.

The Black-owned Korny Vibes Vegan Cafe is where plant-based foodies can enjoy Houston without sacrificing flavor. The soulful vegan comfort food menu also includes sweet treats, like cookies, pastries, shakes, and soft-serve ice cream.

Phil & Derek's Restaurant Wine and Bar is a Black-owned spot in Houston's Midtown area perfect for foodie travelers. There are weekend brunches with Southern comfort foods, New Orleans-inspired cuisine, and Cabaret-style live entertainment.

The Black-owned Bungalow Downtown Dining serves a fine dining menu on a state-of-the-art rooftop patio with gorgeous views of Downtown Houston. The vibrant bar offers luxurious cocktails and a lavish dining room with gold accents and plush velvet booths. 

Urban Eats is a two-story community space with an upscale market that complements the full-service bistro upstairs. The menu offers classic locally sourced American food with a twist on sliders, meatloaf, seafood, and brunch dishes.

Stay: Places to Stay In Houston, Texas

The Black-owned urban bed and breakfast La Maison in Midtown is within walking distance of Houston's finest restaurants and lively entertainment. Choose one of seven luxurious twin, queen, and king rooms or indulge in a full-size suite with a private veranda. 

The Black woman-owned Wanderstay Hostel in central Houston is where guests choose private or shared rooms. Every stay supports its global exposure grant program for college students to get a passport and a week-long study abroad experience.

This Black-owned Airbnb is an ideal getaway stay for travelers who want a more homely place to rest with four bedrooms. The Sparhill Comfort King Suite has modern appliances, including a washer/dryer and a fully stocked kitchen. 

Guests can enjoy this entire Heights Bungalow Airbnb home close to the downtown shopping and dining areas with full amenities. The house has lots of light, windows, and original artwork on the walls.

This cozy bohemian-style one bedroom apartment is a short commute to the Medical Center, outdoor shopping in Rice Village, and fun activities in the Museum District. The space includes a full kitchen, an in-unit washer/dryer, and guest access to the gym and pool.

For over 35 years, the historic Sara’s Inn has been a local boutique hotel with whimsical decor and charming character alongside complimentary robes, linens, and slippers. All rooms have an ensuite private bath, but the Paris suite has a larger private bathroom across the hall.

Play: Things To Do In The Houston, Texas

This bike tour has a bar with LED lights, a booming sound system, and Trill Trivia and Trap Karaoke throughout this electrifying ride. The Trappin' Captain guides guests through local landmarks with drink specials and VIP entrances at various bars.

Catch a show at the historic Black-owned The Ensemble Theatre. Notably recognized with numerous accolades, this space preserves Houston's theatrical history by captivating diverse audiences. 

The Black woman-owned paint-and-sip experience Everything Artzy teaches color mixing, blending, and brush techniques led by professional artist, Zyn. Guests groove to beats as they connect with like-minded people through laughter, food, and beverages.

As a proud Black woman business owner, TearaVon has over three decades of expertise in teaching hands-on baking techniques. She brings baking mastery to this baking class with homemade cookies or a two-layer cake with two blended icing colors.

This immersive mixology class came to be with the visionary Black owners of Pour Me Perfection. Rasheed and Carlesha Sidney created an intimate evening of mingling and mastering mixology with bartending tools provided.

Guests can sip drinks as they learn the craft of fragrance blending and create two unique candle souvenirs. This custom candle-making boutique is a great activity for small groups.

This adventure-filled scavenger hunt is a dynamic adventure through different locations in Houston. It’s a great excursion for families, corporate teams, and solo travelers looking to solve clues and embrace fun challenges.

The popular Space Center Houston has over 400 space artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the world's largest moon rock collection. The center generates significant economic impact, inspires STEM careers, and hosts NASA tours.

Top 5 Brunches In Houston

Not only considered to be one of the best cities to live in, but Houston is also a great destination for food, culture, and fun. So if you happen to be in town on the weekend and want to hit some of the most lavish restaurants for brunch we have the list to jazz up those itineraries. Here are the top five brunches in Houston.

Rafael Peña • Mar 18, 2022

View this post on Instagram A post shared by .:: Bisou Houston ::. (@bisouhouston)

If you’re searching for an upscale experience with continental cuisine and an endless wine list, Bisou is definitely the location of your dreams in Houston. Featuring marble counter and table tops ad a world – renowned chef from France, you’ve ever had a brunch of this magnitude before. We highly recommend  making your reservations early for Sunday brunch.

Chapman and Kirby

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chapman & Kirby (@chapmanandkirby)

Located in the East Village section of Houston this gastropub and event space provides all the brunch vibes you could ask for. With their signature cocktails and locally brewed beers, their menu features an elegant twist to Houston cuisine. Chapman & Kirby comes highly recommended by Houston’s foodies and socialites alike.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kiss Houston (@kisshtx)

Another fine dining establishment with all the vibes you need is Kiss , located in the park at Sawyer Yards. Featuring an outdoor patio with a view of the Houston skyline. A couple of their menu highlights are the Crab Beignets and their Pan Roasted Salmon pairs well with Kiss’s signature cocktails.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thirteen (@thirteenhouston)

James Harden might’ve not won a championship with the Rockets but he scored points with the locals on his restaurant Thirteen . The lamb chops are the rave, as well as the rib eye steak. You can bring a date or make it a girls night, but expect to have a great time at one of Houston’s trendiest restaurants.

Atomic Bottle

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ATOMIC BOTTLE (@atomic_bottle)

Atomic Bottle is for that special “turn up” friend in your crew. Get ready for a nightclub atmosphere while you dine on some of the tastiest American food in Texas. The brunch party is the talk of the town and on any other night you can have a great time listening to music and enjoying a hookah with your friends.

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Entrepreneur Makes History, Opens Houston's First Black-Owned Boutique Hotel

Deidre Mathis is once again making history in Houston, Texas as the owner of  Wanderstay Boutique Hotel , the city's first adults-only themed hotel. It is another remarkable achievement for Mathis, who also  made history in 2018 when she launched the first Black-owned hostel in the United States.

"You can literally stay with us ten different times and have ten different experiences," Mathis told Travel Noire .

The hotel, located in Houston's Midtown area, is a 7,000-square-foot property developed from a 30-year-old air condition warehouse. Mathis decided to build the new boutique hotel after the success of the hostel she opened in 2018 which has welcomed over 15,000 guests from 30 different countries.

Drawing from her travels to 46 countries across all 7 continents, she knows the importance of having a fun, safe, and unique place to stay while traveling. That's why she wanted to offer visitors and staycation seekers a one-of-a-kind experience. Besides the exciting themes, each room comes with comfy robes, slippers, and a towel warmer for that extra touch of luxury.

Moreover, Mathis, at just 36 years old, is breaking barriers in the hotel industry, where there's a severe lack of representation for people of color. A report by Hotel Management shows that less than 2% of U.S. hotel owners are Black, and the numbers are even lower for Black women, at less than 1%.

Mathis is determined to change this by offering courses to teach others how to open their own hotels, using the knowledge she's gained over her seven-year journey. She has also received support from none other than Houston's own superstar, Beyonce, through her BeyGood Foundation, which granted Mathis's company a small business grant.

Learn more about Wanderstay Boutique Hotel via its official website at WanderstayBoutiqueHotel.com

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Pur Noire Winery Is Changing The Way We Think About Wine

By Shelby Stewart January 26, 2022

Inside Pur Noire's Urban Winery.

Image: Corlon Evans of Foundry House Media

A trip to Europe in 2016 turned Houston couple Carissa and Kenneth Stephens from novice wine drinkers to full-blown oenophiles. The Stephens journeyed to Italy and stayed in a small, unassuming town called Todi , where their love for wine grew even deeper. Among a community of natives, the Stephens broke bread and bore witness to how wine could truly bring a community together.   

The duo's deepened love for fine wines and close community led the Stephens to build their own wine brand and winery, right in the heart of Houston. The urban winery and tasting room is dubbed Pur Noire, as a nod to Carissa’s creole roots, and translates to "Pure Black." The company name is a double entendre of sorts, as the couple didn’t know many other Black-owned wine brands, and the duo wanted to make that a large part of their identity as business owners. 

The storefront, located at 802 Milam, is bringing enology and custom-blend wines to downtown. The couple hopes they can spread knowledge to those who may be unfamiliar and are interested in learning more about the world of wines, from the sweet whites to the full-bodied reds.   

Champagne at Pur Noire, in Downtown Houston.

Image: Pur Noire/Carissa Stephens

"We have amazing wines, and our goal is to really bridge the gap. We’re taking away the pretentiousness of wine," Carissa explains, citing the wine knowledge patrons receive at Pur Noire. "Every day someone walks into this tasting room, they might know something about wines, they might not know anything. But they’re leaving feeling empowered." 

The brand, which launched in March 2020, was met with many obstacles to overcome. The COVID-19 pandemic halted the Stephens in their tracks, pivoting their planned in-person launch to a virtual setting. According to Kenneth, the naming of the brand was in tandem with what he calls the “Black Awakening Period,” referencing the death of George Floyd and the height of the social justice movement. 

Despite facing those hardships, as an emerging Black-owned business, the Stephens persevered. The couple recalls at the peak of the pandemic, people across the nation were ordering liquor from home, which was a beneficial opportunity for them. The couple managed to sell out of their red blend in less than five months, which was roughly four months after its release. 

You’ll also find that the wine’s label art is also indicative of African history, as the label's design is Egyptian-themed. 

"We need something strong. I wanted art that was distinctive, and memorable; that could potentially be a centerpiece for your dining room table," Carissa says, beaming about the historic undertones of the brand. She explains that ancient Egyptians were among the first to perfect wine practices, which is a nugget of history she feels more people should know about. 

"I think most cultures can feel some type of connection or if nothing else, and enthusiasm or interest in the first modern civilization being in ancient Egypt, so that was important."

Each of the eight original wines Pur Noire carries all have their own label design, all of which personify the taste of the wine. Their Old Vine Zinfandel showcases a woman meditating, in a zen position , and their Pur Epiphany pictures Queen Nefertiti on the bottle.

The couple wants their customers' experience to emulate their experience in Italy, and it’s done with the help of their knowledgable sommeliers, who bring decades of expertise to the table, plus the relaxing ambiance of the tasting room, which is decked out in bold greens, ruby red, and sophisticated black decor. The tasting room seats 30 comfortably, making it the ideal destination for date night. 

"We accept all walks of life, and we want everyone to know more about wines," the couple explains. "Pur Noire was built on love, and we really want to share that with the city."

Pur Noire is located in Downtown Houston, at 802 Milam St Suite 103. Walk-ins are welcomed and reservations are suggested. For more information, visit their website . 

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12 Black-Owned Companies Setting New Standards in Luxury Travel

Many travelers would love to give some or all of their business to firms owned by people of color, women, and other underrepresented groups. If you’re one of them, this one’s for you. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the notable black-owned firms in the world of luxury travel right now, including hotels, destination spas , tour services, yacht charters and private jet companies.

black-owned firms to know in the world of luxury travel

OK, we’ll admit it. We have been daydreaming a lot lately about traveling to spend time with friends and family. Or to have a solo adventure in a place we’ve always wanted to go.

Top black-owned luxury travel companies and tour services, yacht charters and private jet companies.

Ah . . . we have so many travel fantasies that we have been forever putting off. Like renting a villa in Ibiza, cruising through the Greek islands, or going on safari. But for black Americans, travel hasn’t always been as simple as dreaming up the perfect destination and then heading out to explore it. In some cases, it’s still not.

the green book

More than 80 years ago, Victor Hugo Green created The Negro Motorist Green Book. This unique travel guide catered to the concerns of black travelers at a time when Jim Crow laws and racial segregation were prominent in the U.S. It featured trusted hotels, restaurants, and gas stations – so that black people could travel without fear. Or at least, a little less fear.

What are the top black-owned luxury travel companies and tour services, yacht charters and private jet companies?

Circumstances have improved mightily for black travelers in the decades since the Civil Rights Act banned segregation in America. But when it comes to the luxury travel and hospitality industry today, black-owned businesses are still few and far between.

Less than 2% of hotels across the country are currently Black-owned. And although spending by African-American travelers has steadily increased to $63 billion (from $48 billion in 2010), much of the luxury travel market still targets and showcases predominantly white tourists —only 2.6% of ads focus on black audiences. A recent study cited by Bloomberg Business reported that fewer than 2% of executives in the hospitality industry are Black.

One benefit of having ample time to dream and plan is that we can be deliberate and conscious about which businesses we choose to support in our travels. With this guide, we are hoping to make it easier to identify and support Black-owned luxury travel businesses, ranging from resorts to travel agencies to yacht and air charters.

In a perfect world, travelers of all races will be able to travel with confidence, secure in the knowledge that the hospitality industry is . . . actually hospitable to everyone. But until then, all travelers can know that these Black-owned businesses offer more than just traditional luxury. They also offer peace of mind from implicit bias and discrimination.

And as always, putting dollars into Black-owned hospitality companies will foster the dawn of a more inclusive and diverse global luxury travel industry. Which would be a true luxury indeed.

black-owned luxury hotels 

1. salamander resorts and spas: virginia, florida, south carolina, jamaica.

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, is the owner of the luxurious 340-acre property, Salamander Resort and Spa located in the countryside of Middleburg, Virginia.

It is the DC area’s only 5-star destination resort and offers a 23,000 square foot spa, as well as outdoor adventures like zip-lining, hiking, and horseback riding. Our ace travel agent Judi spent a long weekend there recently, and she said it was one of the best resort experiences she’d ever had. It’s pure luxury all the way, from the horse barn and stables to the resort rooms.

Johnson’s company also manages equally sophisticated and luxuriously appointed properties in Destin, Florida ; Charleston, South Carolina ; Montego Bay, Jamaica ; and Tampa Bay, Florida , should you be up for a tour of the South.

2. Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns: New York, Washington D.C, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Husband and wife team — Glenn Pogue and Monique Greenwood (former editor-in-chief for Essence magazine), grew their upscale lodging collection from a dilapidated mansion in Brooklyn that the neighborhood children once called “the haunted house.”

They restored the 14-foot ceilings, ornate fireplaces, intricate parquet wood floors of the 1860’s landmark mansion with modern amenities like oversized Jacuzzi tubs. And decorated it throughout with antiques and elegant Afrocentric decor.

Their vision extended to a Victorian inn in the beach town of Cape May, NJ ; a literary-themed townhouse in DC ; a luxury spa resort set in a Gilded Age mansion that once belonged to the founders of the F.W. Woolworth Corp. in the Poconos Mountains ; and a historic manor in Philadelphia .

3. La Maison in Midtown: Houston, Texas

Houston attorney Genora Boykins and her business partner Sharon Owens are the epitome of boss women. Both juggled their full-time jobs while building and opening the three-story New Orleans-inspired B&B with a conference room for meetings and a parlor, living room, and dining area for that quintessential at-home vibe.

The property is surrounded by some of Houston’s finest dining, best shopping, and entertainment venues. It has also been included on BedandBreakfast.com’s list of the World’s 10 Best Urban Bed and Breakfasts.

4. The Ivy Hotel: Baltimore, Maryland

Husband and wife, Eddie and Sylvia Brown met as college students at Howard University and embarked on opening this exquisite hotel after nearly 50 years of marriage.

The historic Mount Vernon mansion underwent 4 years of renovations and is now complete with 18 posh and charming suites and guest rooms, a luxury spa, and home to Magdalena , the culinary jewel of Baltimore.

5. Urban Cowboy B&B: New York and Tennessee

Jersey Banks is one-half of the hipster B&B venture, Urban Cowboy, that she shares with partner Lyon Porter. Together, they have created impossibly cool and Instagrammable accommodations in the Catskill mountains of New York and in Nashville, Tennessee.

Each property is decked out with a maximalist’s eye for design: regional craft traditions, handpicked antiques, loud pattern mixing that just works. Their Catskills Lodge is set on 68 sprawling acres with access to hiking trails and swimming streams. The Nashville property boasts eight experiential suites housed in a historic Victorian mansion while the on-site Public House Bar serves up amazing craft cocktails.

black-owned transportation services

1. soca caribbean yacht charters.

If the Caribbean is calling your name, you’ll need to charter a yacht for a true luxury experience. Howard Law graduate Sheila Ruffin grew up boating with her grandfather on Virginia’s eastern shore. Those experiences inspired her to start her own travel company after a stint in St. Thomas.

Her company provides full crew charters based in the Bahamas, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands. Whether it’s providing door-to-dock-to-door service, personal gourmet chefs, or bartenders, Ruffin’s company is dedicated to making your vacation an epic experience.

2. B2Aviation

Bernie Burns is defying odds in more ways than one- first, as a black pilot (only 3% of commercial pilots are African American) and second as the owner of a private aviation company.

Prior to the launch of B2 Aviation, Burns worked for Cessna Aircraft Co. and Bombardier – two of the largest companies in private aviation. With $6,000 in personal savings, he started his company, which now arranges private jet flights all around the world and curates exceptional travel experiences.

If you’re fed up with the constant Uber and Lyft controversies, consider Moovn instead. Launched in 2015 by Godwin Gabriel, Moovn Technologies is proudly black-owned and comprised of almost 99% black driver-partners.

Tanzania-born Gabriel immigrated to the U.S where he taught himself to code. His app works the same way as any other ride-sharing app, allowing the passenger to schedule or pre-schedule a ride up to a month in advance. The company has operations in most major US cities, as well as in Canada and Africa.

black-owned travel and tour services

1. perspective travel.

Perspective Travel prides itself on offering unique access to the places that even Google can’t find.  Nothing that they do is copy and paste. They believe that “needle in a haystack” travel experiences should be the norm and not the exception.

Founder Amina is passionate about seeing a destination through the eyes of locals is a privilege, respecting the culture and traditions of a destination is a necessity.

2. Travel Noire

Travel Noire is an award-winning boutique travel company founded with one lofty goal in mind. Founder, Zim Ugochukwuthe, wanted to make international travel more inclusive and representative for explorers of color.

The multimedia site offers a community membership that helps discerning travelers discover, plan and experience new destinations. From partnerships with black owned hotels and brands around the world to exclusive content for travelers of color.

3. Showtime travel

Showtime Travel is a travel agency that focuses on helping busy professionals plan leisure luxury all-inclusive vacations since 2002. Their goal is to give busy professionals peace of mind so all they have to do is show up and enjoy their vacation.

4. The Wind Collective

The Wind Collective a bespoke community travel experience. They host monthly group trips “for the constantly curious, the daringly brave.” Every trip is crafted alongside local partners in their destinations provide adventurers with an immersive experience from the moment they land to the moment they leave.

Whether it’s Sri Lanka, Morocco, Japan or the South of France, founder Clé Hunnigan, believes travel can heal and inspire creativity.

black-owned firms in the world of luxury travel

As these companies prove, traveling with Black-owned luxury travel businesses can open up your mind and the world. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for when you’re planning your next big trip !

Julie Murphy

Julie began her career in fashion as a design intern at 3.1 Phillip Lim after graduating from Parsons School of Design. As the fashion editor at Dandelion Chandelier, she brings over a decade of experience as a designer and marketing creative to cover trends and styling.

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5 Amazing Black-owned Travel Companies to Know and Support

“Travel has changed my life. And just when I think it can’t get any better, it does.”

The second time Zim Flores ever traveled internationally, it was an across-the-world move to India . Landing a fellowship post-college in the South Asian country, the then-20-something sold everything she owned and made the life-changing leap. But what she discovered when she arrived was jarring: India’s fixation with fair skin. Flores first got a glimpse into this color complex while in Delhi, when she saw a commercial for a skin-lightening cream, advertising dark-skinned complexions as something to conceal.

This was coupled with the fact that she rarely, if ever, encountered someone who looked like her during her travels. “I had been living in India and traveling frequently around Southeast Asia , and never ran into someone who looked like me doing the same thing,” Flores, who spent a little over a year in the region, told Travel + Leisure .

Though tarnished, this still-transformative trip inspired Flores to change the narrative — to find a way to amplify Black travel experiences .

“Living and working in India afforded me the luxury of frequent and inexpensive travel. In addition to close proximity to other Asian countries, I was jetting to new destinations monthly — for as little as $8 for a one-way flight,” said Flores. “I believed instead of being the subject, someone who looked like me could be the traveler…so, I set out to create a place for Black travelers to connect and explore new boundaries.” And in 2013, Travel Noire was born.

According to a 2018 study by Mandala Research , African Americans spend nearly $63 billion on travel annually. Showcasing this representation, Travel Noire launched as a space for Black travelers to be seen and share their stories, providing tools, resources, inspiration, and eventually even guided tours. “I simply wanted to create a company that spoke to the unique experiences that I encountered while traveling,” said Flores, who served as the CEO until 2017, when she sold the company to Blavity, where it continues its mission to serve as a platform for Black millennials.

Flores is still known and celebrated as a powerful voice and presence in the travel space. When asked what it means to her to be a traveler of color, The Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, who has racked up quite a few passport stamps over the years, said, “It means that I am a cultural asset. The world is informed by Black culture — in clothes, in music, in art. I am proud, but I am also aware. I’m aware of my privilege as an African. And then as an African born in America. And as a Black person. These are all very different and carry with [them] different nuances. So, I carry these many identities with me as I travel around the world.”

And with that often comes challenges. “There are many who will mistake Black skin for dirt. There are people who have put their hands in my hair,” said Flores. “It’s getting the awkward stares when I fly in business class. It’s being denied a taxi because of the color of my skin. Then there are experiences of my friends who have been called immigrants, prostitutes, thugs, and thieves. You name it, we know it. I often have to dress nice enough for [people] to know that I have money, but not too nice so that I’m not a target. It can be an exhausting line to dance around, but when you travel as often as I have, you recognize that it’s part of the territory.”

But her relationship with travel remains strong. “I love the way [travel] challenges me to be a better person. For the way that it inspires me to dream. For the way my mind creates new worlds as a result of it. Travel has changed my life. And just when I think it can’t get any better, it does,” she said. As a travel expert — one that is tapped into the latest trends — we asked Flores to share some of her favorite Black-owned travel companies to know and support.

The Wind Collective

The Wind Collective hosts group trips that offer a mix of creativity, adventure, and cultural immersion. Travelers can choose from a variety of themes including nature, wildlife, food, culture, and nautical experiences. “What Clé and his team are doing for travel and travel content is nothing short of remarkable. Some of the most breathtaking imagery I've ever seen.”

Dipaways specializes in coordinating private and group getaways. “This brand was started by a former Travel Noire experience designer, Chadricks. He is a master at experience design — so much so that Dipaways has grown exponentially in a matter of months. He has a knack for bringing good people together. If you find yourself on this trip, you won't regret it.”

Airfordable

Drawing from her own experience of struggling to buy expensive airline tickets to visit her family in Ghana, Ama Marfo co-founded Airfordable to make travel more accessible.“They allow you to split up the cost of your flights into payment plans. I had a family friend of ours use this to fly their family of six out to France for our wedding."

Curiocity is “a network of African-designed hostels rooted in community," with locations in Cape Town and Johannesburg. "I’ve had the pleasure of staying at their Johannesburg hostel several times over the years and we’ve partnered with them to create unique experiences.”

Siviwe Tours

“ Siviwe is an inbound operator that I’ve worked with for many years. [They] specialize in guided experiences through Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township." Founded and owned by Siviwe Mbinda, a Langa local, Siviwe aims to share the culture of Langa with a wider audience, employ local residents, and support grassroots initiatives. "Much of what I know about South Africa is because of him.”

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LIST: 2024 Houston Black Restaurant Week showcases diverse culinary delights

Local businesses will participate in the event, offering special menu items and prices.

Holly Galvan , Digital Content Producer

More than 100 restaurants , food trucks, bars, bakeries, culinary products, and catering businesses owned by Black individuals in the Houston region and surrounding areas, will participate in Black Restaurant Week .

SEE ALSO: KPRC 2′s Eat Like a Local Crawfish Fest on sale now! 🦐

The annual event celebrates the diverse flavors of African, African American, and Caribbean cuisines. These businesses will offer special menu items and prices from March 31-April 14.

MORE: 5 Houston-area restaurants ranked in Yelp’s top 100 places to eat

Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell, and Derek Robinson, a group of entrepreneurs, established Black Restaurant Week in 2016. They aim to collaborate with Black-owned restaurants and chefs to amplify awareness and bolster support for Black culinary professionals.

Here’s a look at the restaurants participating this year:

• KISS HOUSTON
• Wing Quarter Daiquiris & Creole Kitchen
• The Fry Guys
• Rocos Grill and Smokehouse
• Park Place @ The Boardwalk Steakhouse & Grille
• Mikki’s Cafe and Catering Pearland
• Mikki’s Cafe and Catering
• Micheaux’s Southern Cuisine
• LA Burgers and Daiquiris
• Jamaica Pon Di Road
• Gottis Restaurant & Bar
• Comfort Foodies
• Flava Wings
• STUFF’d Wings
• Ray’s Real Pit BBQ Shack
• Dandelion Cafe
• Rockhouse Southern Kitchen
• Craft Burger
• Just Chef Enterprises LLC
• Chic Sweets Bakery
• Quad Houston Restaurant and Sports Lounge
• Kilwins Cypress – The Boardwalk at Towne Lake
• Meek’s Vegan Pizza
• This Little Cake of Mine Dessert Bar LLC
• Waters Edge Winery & Bistro
• The Sweet Swirl
• Chef Tarrance Michael
• Culinary Cognition Catering, LLC
• FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge
• Pur Noire Urban Wineries
• B’s Wine Bar
• Houston This Is It Soul Food
• Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill
• Taste Kitchen + Bar
• Upper Kirby Bistro
• Fainmous BBQ
• Sophisticated Delights Contemporary Catering
• Glitter Quake Cupcakes
• Kid Kreole Kooking
• The Funnel Cake House
• Remo’s Cafe
• Saucy Nosh LLC
• Grooves of Houston
• Bungalow Downtown Dining
• Prospect Park
• The Brunch Bus
• Southside Sporting Club
• Kamp Houston
• Lost & Found
• KG’s Kitchen
• Sugar Rush Too OST
• 1929 Po-boy Kitchen
• Swamp Chicken Mo City
• Orange Lee’s Poboys & Wings LLC
• Soul Heaven Foods LLC
• Ador Kitchen and Cocktail
• Mamie G’s Restaurant and Lounge
• Any Mini Dessert Cakes
• Franny’s Bartending & Event Services
• Soul Lit Kitchen
• Simplee Smokin LLC
• OMG Baked Potatoes
• Phil & Derek’s Restaurant
• Euphoria Lounge
• Butterfunk Kitchen Houston
• John Henry’s Food Products
• Jeannie’s Cakes
• InJoy Meal Prep
• Island Spice Bar and Grill
• Marie’s Kitchen Htx
• Chefdeliceous
• Royal Taste of Jamaica
• Midwest Coney Connection Food Truck
• The French Fry House
• Gumbo Xpress/Twisted Kitchen
• Miss Patty’s Southern Soul & Seafood Kitchen
• Astor Farm to Table
• Charlie’s Bar-B-Que and Catering
• Tuttis Treats

ADDITIONAL STORIES ABOUT RESTAURANTS

For more information and the full list of participating restaurants, visit https://BlackRestaurantWeeks.com/

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Holly galvan.

Holly joined the KPRC 2 digital team in March 2023, leveraging her eight years of expertise in blogging and digital content to share her passion for Houston. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the city's vibrant scenes, all while balancing her roles as a wife and mother to two toddlers.

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A New Winery Brings Accessible Bottles and Wine Education to Downtown Houston

Focused on accessibly priced bottles of wine and educating customers about what they’re drinking, the Black-owned Pur Noire Winery will debut in early summer 2021

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Share All sharing options for: A New Winery Brings Accessible Bottles and Wine Education to Downtown Houston

A brand new Black-owned winery coming soon to Downtown Houston aims to bring custom-blended wine and wine education to a demographic often overlooked by the US wine industry.

Pur Noire Winery, which plans to open by early summer at 802 Milam, is a project from married couple Carissa and Kenneth Stephens, who fell in love with wine while on a vacation to Italy in 2015. The couple had already dipped their toes into the world of wine, having discovered a few vinters owned by people of color, but in Italy they discovered a whole new universe, one where wine is inexpensive, good quality, and easily accessible — not something reserved for fancy dinners or special occasions.

“We were staying in this little town called Todi, and every few days people would just get together like a potluck — bring their food and stuff outside — and there was something about that communal aspect fo them getting together and drinking wine,” Kenneth Stephens says. “It was obviously a small, tight-knit community, but they allowed us complete strangers to sit there and break bread and drink wine with them.”

Back in Houston, Kenneth, who is an attorney, and Carissa, who worked in oil and gas, started looking to invest in business opportunities. They decided to turn to the wine industry, partnering with wine makers in Napa Valley to develop their own wine brand. They chose the vineyards, varietals and vinter, and the name Pur Noire, an homage to Carissa’s French-Creole roots, and set a goal to launch four wines in March of 2020.

Then the pandemic hit. Their massive launch party had to be moved online, but it was still a success, with bottles of their red blend selling out within 90 days.

Pur Noire has been selling its wines direct to consumers ever since, but the business plan was never just about the wine. Its owners wanted to create a space for people who knew little about wine to figure out what styles they liked, and to learn about the wine-making process. They wanted an atmosphere that was welcoming and non-judgmental, evoking the experiences they felt in Todi, Italy. That’s where Pur Noire Urban Winery comes in.

The winery will include several vats and an area for barrel storage, plus a tasting room where wine lovers and those new to wine alike can explore Pur Noire’s four existing wines. Plus, the Stephenses have plans to release three more styles of wine once the tasting room is open. They’ve hired a winemaker from California who has made a number of 90-plus point pinot noirs and are relocating her to Houston to guide the process.

“Our goal was always to introduce wine to people who otherwise hadn’t really experienced it,” Stephens says. “So we have intentionally crafted our wines to be appreciated by those who have more developed palates, but also people who never really drank wine. So they’re not super sweet, but they’re also not anything super tannic.”

The wines at the tasting room will also be priced accessibly, with nothing over $25. The Stephenses will be able to offer wines at that price because they won’t have to pay for production in, and shipping from, Napa Valley. Stephens said he hopes to show Houstonians that fine wine is available right here in the city and that drinkers don’t have to travel to California or even the Texas Hill County to find it.

He also hopes to show the wine industry that there is a market for wine outside of these largely wealthy, white places.

“A lot of people don’t see African Americans as a viable market for wine,” he says. “Less than one percent of all wine makers are African American. We’re really proud that we’re African American wine makers and wine brand owners.”

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• Here Are the 2024 James Beard Awards Restaurant and Chef Finalists

See the full list of nominees

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Share All sharing options for: Here Are the 2024 James Beard Awards Restaurant and Chef Finalists

On April 3, the James Beard Foundation dropped its full list of James Beard Awards finalists, including the nominees for Outstanding Restaurateur, Best New Restaurant, and the regional Best Chef awards. This list was whittled down from a long list of semifinalists released in January.

Today’s announcement also included the winners of the foundation’s Leadership, Humanitarian of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement awards. The five Leadership award honorees include Muhammad Abdul-Hadi of Philadelphia’s Down North Pizza and Down North Pizza Foundation; Niaz Dorry of the North American Marine Alliance; Helga Garcia-Garza of Agri-Cultura Network; Mai Nguyen of Farmer Mai; and Christa Barfield of FarmerJawn. Each was recognized for demonstrating leadership in a particular realm, such as policy advocacy for Dorry and sustainability for Nguyen. Lindsay Ofcacek and Edward Lee won Humanitarian of the Year awards, while Ruth Reichl took the award for Lifetime Achievement. Last month, the James Beard Foundation announced the winners of its Americas Classic’s award , which recognizes six restaurant institutions across the country.

The final winners in the restaurant and chef Awards categories will be revealed at a gala ceremony in Chicago on June 10. Media awards nominees will be revealed later this month on April 30, and awarded on June 8. Check out the full list of finalists below.

2024 James Beard Awards: Restaurant and Chef Finalists

Outstanding restaurateur.

A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations, and is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture while contributing positively to their broader community.

• Mamba Hamissi and Nadia Nijimbere, Baobab Fare, Detroit, MI • Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham, Phở Bắc Súp Shop, Phởcific Standard Time, and The Boat, Seattle, WA • Chris Viaud, Greenleaf, Ansanm, and Pavilion, Milford, NH • Hollis Wells Silverman, Eastern Point Collective (The Duck & The Peach, La Collina, The Wells and others), Washington, D.C. • Erika Whitaker and Kelly Whitaker, Id Est Hospitality Group (The Wolf’s Tailor, BRUTØ, Basta, and others), Boulder, CO

Outstanding Chef

A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals while contributing positively to their broader community. • Sarah Minnick, Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, Portland, OR • Dean Neff, Seabird, Wilmington, NC • Michael Rafidi, Albi, Washington, D.C. • Renee Touponce, The Port of Call, Mystic, CT • David Uygur, Lucia, Dallas, TX

Outstanding Restaurant

A restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community.

• The Compound, Santa Fe, NM • Convenience West, Marfa, TX • Langbaan, Portland, OR • Mixtli, San Antonio, TX • Vestige, Ocean Springs, MS

Emerging Chef

A chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come while contributing positively to their broader community.

• Fariyal Abdullahi, Hav & Mar, New York, NY • Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle, WA • Nikko Cagalanan, Kultura, Charleston, SC • Ryan Fernandez, Southern Junction, Buffalo, NY • Masako Morishita, Perry’s, Washington, D.C.

Best New Restaurant

A restaurant opened between October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community. Establishments that have opened after September 30, 2023 can be considered for the 2025 Awards.*

• Bar Bacetto, Waitsburg, WA • Barbs-B-Q, Lockhart, TX • Chez Noir, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA • Comfort Kitchen, Dorchester, MA • Dakar NOLA, New Orleans, LA • Hayward, McMinnville, OR • Kaya, Orlando, FL • Kisser, Nashville, TN • Oro by Nixta, Minneapolis, MN • Shan, Bozeman, MT

Outstanding Bakery

A baker of breads, pastries, or desserts that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community.

• The Burque Bakehouse, Albuquerque, NM • Gusto Bread, Long Beach, CA • JinJu Patisserie, Portland, OR • Mel the Bakery, Hudson, NY • ZU Bakery, Portland, ME

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

A pastry chef or baker who makes desserts, pastries, or breads. Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick-and-mortar presence. Candidate contributes positively to their broader community.

• Susan Bae, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C. • Jesus Brazon and Manuel Brazon, Caracas Bakery, Doral and Miami, FL • Atsuko Fujimoto, Norimoto Bakery, Portland, ME • Crystal Kass, Valentine, Phoenix, AZ • Anna Posey, Elske, Chicago, IL

Outstanding Hospitality

A restaurant, bar, or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.

• Crawford and Son, Raleigh, NC • Gemma, Dallas, TX • Lula Cafe, Chicago, IL • Melba’s, New York, NY • Woodford Food & Beverage, Portland, ME

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

A restaurant that demonstrates exceptional care and skill in the pairing of wine and other beverages with food while contributing positively to its broader community. This includes the selection, preparation, and serving of wine, cocktails, spirits, coffee, tea, beer, or any other beverage with outstanding hospitality and service that helps inform and enhance a customer’s appreciation of the beverage(s). Ethical sourcing and positive contributions to the broader community will also be considered. • Lula Drake Wine Parlour, Columbia, SC • The Morris, San Francisco, CA • Strong Water Anaheim, Anaheim, CA • Tail Up Goat, Washington, D.C. • Waxlight Bar à Vin, Buffalo, NY

Outstanding Bar

A wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, or any other business whose primary offering is beverage and that demonstrates consistent excellence in curating a selection or in the preparation of drinks, along with outstanding atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, and contributing positively to its broader community. • Barr Hill Cocktail Bar, Montpelier, VT • Clavel Mezcaleria, Baltimore, MD • Jewel of the South, New Orleans, LA • Las Ramblas, Brownsville, TX • Pacific Cocktail Haven, San Francisco, CA

Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions, while contributing positively to their broader community.

Best Chef: California

• Geoff Davis, Burdell, Oakland, CA • Rogelio Garcia, Auro, Calistoga, CA • Lord Maynard Llera, Kuya Lord, Los Angeles, CA • Tara Monsod, Animae, San Diego, CA • Buu “Billy” Ngo, Kru, Sacramento, CA

Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)

• Vinnie Cimino, Cordelia, Cleveland, OH • Jose Salazar, Mita’s, Cincinnati, OH • Sujan Sarkar, Indienne, Chicago, IL • Hajime Sato, Sozai, Clawson, MI • Jenner Tomaska, Esme, Chicago, IL

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)

• Tony Conte, Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana, Darnestown, MD • Jesse Ito, Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Philadelphia, PA • Matt Kern, One Coastal, Fenwick Island, DE • Harley Peet, Bas Rouge, Easton, MD • Kevin Tien, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.

Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)

• Ann Ahmed, Khâluna, Minneapolis, MN • Rob Connoley, Bulrush, St. Louis, MO • Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite, EsterEv, Milwaukee, WI • Christina Nguyen, Hai Hai, Minneapolis, MN • Tim Nicholson, The Boiler Room, Omaha, NE

Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT, WY)

• Brandon Cunningham, Social Haus, Greenough, MT • Ali Sabbah, Mazza Cafe, Salt Lake City, UT • Matt Vawter, Rootstalk, Breckenridge, CO • Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Denver, CO • Nick Zocco, Urban Hill, Salt Lake City, UT

Best Chef: New York State

• Nasim Alikhani, Sofreh, Brooklyn, NY • Atsushi Kono, Kono, New York, NY • Chris Mauricio, Harana Market, Accord, NY • Charlie Mitchell, Cloverhill, Brooklyn, NY • Jeremy Salamon, Agi’s Counter, Brooklyn, NY

Best Chef: Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)

• Conor Dennehy, Tallula, Cambridge, MA • Maria Meza, Dolores, Providence, RI • David Standridge, The Shipwright’s Daughter, Mystic, CT • Jake Stevens, Leeward, Portland, ME • Cara Tobin, Honey Road, Burlington, VT

Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)

• Avery Adams, Matia Kitchen, Orcas Island, WA • Kristi Brown, Communion, Seattle, WA • Josh Dorcak, Mas, Ashland, OR • Gregory Gourdet, kann, Portland, OR • Melissa Miranda, Musang, Seattle, WA

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)

• Jamie Davis, The Hackney, Washington, NC • Rod Lassiter and Parnass Savang, Talat Market, Atlanta, GA • James London, Chubby Fish, Charleston, SC • Robbie Robinson, City Limits Barbeque, Cayce, SC • Paul Smith, 1010 Bridge, Charleston, WV

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)

• Valerie Chang, Maty’s, Miami, FL • Hunter Evans, Elvie’s, Jackson, MS • Gabriel Hernandez, Verde Mesa, San Juan, PR • Carlos Portela, Orujo, San Juan, PR • Arvinder Vilkhu, Saffron, New Orleans, LA

Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)

• Rene Andrade, Bacanora, Phoenix, AZ • Jeff Chanchaleune, Ma Der Lao Kitchen, Oklahoma City, OK • Steve Kestler, Aroma Latin American Cocina, Henderson, NV • Steve Riley, Mesa Provisions, Albuquerque, NM • Eduardo Rodriguez, Zacatlan, Santa Fe, NM

Best Chef: Texas

• Emmanuel Chavez, Tatemó, Houston, TX • Christopher Cullum, Cullum’s Attaboy, San Antonio, TX • Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, Birdie’s, Austin, TX • Misti Norris, Petra & the Beast, Dallas, TX • Ana Liz Pulido, Ana Liz Taqueria, Mission, TX

*As of the 2023 Award Cycle, the Restaurant and Chef Awards defines the annual eligibility time frame as October through September (formerly January through December), to allow the voting body more time to consider businesses opening later in the calendar year.

Disclosure: Some Vox Media staff members are part of the voting body for the James Beard Awards. Eater is partnering with the James Beard Foundation to livestream the awards in 2024. All editorial content is produced independently of the James Beard Foundation.

Additional photo illustration credits: Getty Images for the James Beard Foundation

In This Stream

James beard foundation awards 2024: winners, news, and updates.

• Where to Watch the 2024 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards

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