Kurtis Wells

Germany

Berlin

You tend to bump into people who miss home as much as I miss home, or people looking for a taste of the Caribbean, so it’s not very hard to connect. For me, this is the most authentic Jamaican/Caribbean restaurant, they don’t serve food without it being spicy, and most Germans they like food without spice, which is totally fine. I had a chat with the owner and he told me he doesn't like cooking without spices because you come for the most authentic meal. I’d recommend the oxtail.

Vybz Catering

It’s an African spot with multiple restaurants and bars, it’s pretty cool you can just hang out for hours, you feel like you’re literally not in Berlin. YAAM is centred around Black people. They curate this vibe where people can come and perform and sell their art, this is one spot where I’ve definitely felt connected to culture.

YAAM 

They make a lot of Caribbean-style drinks and cocktails it’s cool to pop in there if you don’t just want the average cocktail, and you want a rum punch.

Johnny's Bar

The Caribbean Art Collection is an incredible experience. From being greeted with wine by the owners to hearing stories about each piece and its origins, my visit was nothing short of special. Being able to unfold what inspired all the different pieces collected and donated by artists all over the Caribbean really gives perspective on how culture can be exported through art.

Caribbean Art Collection

In my opinion, Badehaus really highlights a lot of the underground scene surrounding upcoming talent in Berlin. I’ve discovered great acts here. It’s perfect for a spontaneous Saturday night.

Badehaus

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Kurtis Wells Top Caribbean Spots in Berlin

Valeria Chrampani

Greece

Athens

A beautiful centre for a walk, running and even picnic. There are sometimes events and free concerts! Worth a visit

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

The best Chinese restaurant in Athens. Bit far from the centre but worth the visit

New Great Wall

Baba Au Rum

48 Urban Garden

Good and cheap burgers in Central. The best food after a night out

Food Str

True Love Tattoo

Color Skates

Fave outlet ever ✌🏻 I found amazing deadstock pieces for 1-2€

Vintage Outlet Store

Vintage store at Eksarxia. You can find treasures sometimes ✌🏻

Yesterday's Bread

Thrift store in the Centre, you need to search well for clothes but you will find at least one piece that u like x

Kilo-Shop

V qt boutique, everything from Athenian Designers

Neon Raum

I visited this place two months ago and it was incredible! There's a library with rare fashion books/magazines and art books and it's decorated with furry WALLS and the whole floor is pink!

Atopos CVC

Good vibes, and you can chill- have a drink on the street outside the bar

The Handlebar

Best ice cream and fab decoration! You should visit

Little Kook

You should try the red curry chicken with cherry tomatoes. One of my fave restaurants in Athens

FOUAR

Stylist Valeria Chrampani Guide to Athens

United States

Portland

Owner, Ian Williams, offers sneaker-themed coffee + 👟 detail shop ☕️.

Dead Stock Coffee

🎧 The NW first & only Hip-Hop winery created by Bertony Faustin.

Abbey Creek Vineyard

Delicious, authentic west African cuisine cooked by a native west African girl.

Akadi PDX

Assembly Brewing

Cason’s Fine Meats

They serve authentic Jamaican Cuisine in the heart of Portland. And yes, they cater events!

Jamaican Homestyle Cuisine

A contemporary soul food restaurant that provides career development opportunities and is non-profit.

Po' Shines

Based in Portland, this pop-up vegan supper club is curated by two Black queer artists, Chef Salimatu Amabebe and artist, Annika Hansteen-Izora. It was founded on the premise to rail and dance against the erasure of Blackness in the food and art worlds.

Black Feast

A mellow Ethiopian spot offering yummy traditional food.

Enat Kitchen

A unique cultural experience where you can come learn how to cook African food or order some for dinner!

Spice of Africa

Fresh and delicious Haitian and Caribbean meals.

Mathilde’s Kitchen PDX

Everything to make you salivate: baby back ribs, brisket, chicken, cajun links, etc…

Trap Kitchen PDX

Private Chef/Caterer providing delicious food all throughout the PDX & Gresham area.

Everybody Eats

The BEST green juices and smoothies. Literally, the best.

Rose + Lincoln

Cannabis dispensary in the heart of Madison South neighbourhood.

Budding Culture PDX

Black co-owned florist. Flowers & weddings without rules.

Novella Theory Floral Co.

Keeping it sweet and simple. Good coffee, good food.

Kiss Coffee PDX

Owner Anthony Brown and big smile brings unique food is unique in his bright blue cart with Southern and Mexican inspired fusion of just plain ol” deliciousness.

Nacheaux

Home of custom cakes & elaborate cupcakes, cookies... you name it.

DB Dessert Company

BuzzFeed Tasty's Top 50 wings in the USA!

Mandos PDX

Southern-style cuisine fused with their Oregon roots.

Fish Fusion PDX

A fun and tasty twist on your average healthy snacks. Perfect snacks for kids.

Galactic Grapes PDX

A soul food cart serving heart-warming dishes.

Erica’s Soul Food

This publishing company all started with a book written by co-founder and CEO, Jelani Memory. As a black father with a blended family, racism was an inevitable topic of conversation. The increasingly popularity of this book developed into creating more books about complex topics such as feminism, cancer, gratitude, belonging and much more.

A Kids Book About

Their work and activism includes direct community education workshops, supporting the outreach of their continued advocacy as first respondents, and helping community members contribute through direct engagement and legislative value. They are focused on shifting cultural and systemic discrimination.

Don't Shoot PDX

An amazing initiative which tracks the progress of the federal, state and local legislation which addresses police violence.

Campaign Zero

Founded by Cameron Whitten, a local Portlander, who has more than five years of experience in non-profit leadership and donation accountability. Cameron has served as the Executive Director of local nonprofits such as Know Your City, Brown Hope, and Q Center.

The Black Resilience Fund

Black-Owned Businesses in Portland

HiedraH Club de Baile

Argentina

Buenos Aires

Although it is a very recognizable tourist place, like la Ciudad Vieja in Montevideo, it preserves the melancholy and mystery of the city. There is an enhancement of the city to combine the most avant-garde art galleries with the riverside museums of typical artists of the area. The most beautiful art district and the charm of the city mixed with the stench of the river are a perfect combo for us.

Caminito La Boca

This is the essence of the city of Buenos Aires itself and its Misa Criolla, the sensitive concept of our identity. It's a mix between Hogwarts and the Parisian amphitheater from "Interview with the Vampire" but with a Sudaka energy. You can watch the milonga dance under the candlelight and enjoy a glass of wine. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday and you will find the most suspiciously friendly characters here.

Catedral del Tango

The best pizzeria in Buenos Aires and one of the obligatory stops when we bring a foreign producer. The ritual of eating a slice of muzza al corte and a deep-fried empanada is unique of Buenos Aires.

Güerrin Pizzería

Other people would say that the renowned cemetery in Buenos Aires is La Recoleta, but for us the cemetery and La Chacarita neighborhood implies a beautiful universe of popular heritage. The Cemetery was created to house the enormous quantity of corpses resulting from the yellow fever that struck Buenos Aires in 1871 and that brutal energy is felt in its streets. You can visit the niches of Gilda, Gardel, Moura, Favio, Ferrari, and other popular artists of Buenos Aires and get to know the largest necropolis in the city. Also, on the outskirts of the Cemetery you will find a sanctuary of Gauchito Gil, a pagan saint to whom we usually bring offerings or ask for help, and on Saturdays in Parque Los Andes there are some very good fairs to buy trinkets.

Barrio de La Chacarita

It’s the city's largest and most biodiverse green space, in contrast to its location in the fancier area of the City. Also, it has a “hidden” side, in which it is a good spot to practice cruising behind the bushes. On weekends you can also drink a beer and eat a choripan in the carritos parrilleros at the entry and walk through la feria while people dance cumbia in the street. La combi completa!

La Reserva Ecológica

Parque de La Memoria (Memorial Park) is a scenic landmark and one of the most beautiful historical monuments in the city. It is located facing the Rio de La Plata, the fatal destination of many of the people who disappeared due to the murderous actions of the last military dictatorship. In addition to its strong historical content, it has a very interesting contemporary art center and astonishment monuments. It is a solemn, beautiful and forceful space to be visited on a sunny day.

Parque de La Memoria

The Market was inaugurated at the end of the 19th century with the aim of supplying the necessary food to the new wave of European immigrants. The building retains its original internal structure, made up of metal beams, arches and columns with sheet metal and glass roofs. In addition to its architecture, it also preserves a certain charm of old customs and in its corridors, you can buy everything from meat, fish or vegetables to antiques, jewelry and decoration elements. It is also a gastronomic pole to eat regional or international food.

Mercado de San Telmo

33km from the city of Buenos Aires, Tigre is one of the most important tourist destinations in the province and is the weekend getaway for many Buenos Aires residents. There is the lower Delta of the Paraná River, one of the largest in the world. On its way it drags a large volume of sediment that is deposited forming clay, sand and silt banks that continually grow and give rise to islands. This complex water system, of more than 350 islands that divide the course of the waters, contributes to giving its shape to the landscape, and also shapes the lives of its inhabitants who have the river environment as their main means of communication by boats. It is a unique ecosystem in the world and a great adventure to navigate its waters and spend a weekend in its stilt houses. Super recommended!

Delta del Tigre

It is a crowded place on weekends, but if you can go during the week it is a very nice place for doing sports, rollerblading or cycling, running or simply to sunbathe and enjoy the air of the city smoking a joint.

Bosques de Palermo

Buenos Aires with HiedraH Club de Baile

Guillaume Schmidt

Netherlands

Amsterdam

A really beautiful shop owned by a beautiful brown lady. They have a really rare and diverse selection of dolls in all shapes, forms and colours. Unique and super nice. Colourful Goodies is situated in the north of Amsterdam.

Colourful Goodies

I wouldn’t say it’s a business per say, but at the same time you can spend money there. It's important that Black Archives is here, it gets supported and that people can see it. It's Black history in [the] Netherlands. The shape and form that it takes in this country, and all the different parallels and historic touch points about the disgusting tradition of Zwarte Piet – it goes on and on. They are very active and do a lot of stuff, and there's always something to see over there. So that's definitely a recommendation.

Black Archives

It's like an alternative canal ride that shows you the history of Amsterdam through a different lens and a different perspective. Mainly the slave trade, so to speak. How did this beautiful city get so rich?

Black Heritage Tours

Super dope little bar in the west side of Amsterdam. A lot of fun people and always good vibes. I want to give an honourable mention to Pamela, who's actually around the corner. One of the owners, Lola, is a beautiful spirit. It's multiple owners but it's such a nice place and the best queer place in the city. If you're open-minded and you're a good person, you're cool, it's definitely worth a visit.

Bar Bario

Lola Edobor is an Amsterdam-born restaurateur with Dutch and Nigerian roots. She is the owner of Pamela, a queer and BIPOC safe space in the city centre with plenty of high-quality drinks, music and food to satisfy your needs.

Pamela

This unique store offers an extensive range of diverse and inclusive books. Books that function as mirrors so that children can recognise themselves, and windows so that they get a glimpse into the world of the other.

EduCulture

In the west side as well. Owned by the beautiful Shirley, that's our own spot – that's our local. Get a drink there – it’s good vibes – and just chill. Get yourself familiar with the Surinamese kitchen.

Meo's Colosseum

Another little jam you can't miss. Get yourself a nice little goat curry, get your reggae tunes and vibe the hell out.

Jamaica Lounge

Can't forget my cousin's beautiful place. Black haircare to the fullest. My cousin is a special person – good energy and good vibes – so check it out if you need to get your hair done. It’s a big recommendation.

Natural Nation

Patta’s Guide to Black-Owned Businesses in Amsterdam

Abornmal Sleepz

United Kingdom

Manchester

This is where the studio is, however from time to time they have art exhibitions and stuff. Besides me there's a community of studios and musicians/bands. If you're into music don't be a stranger!

Islington Mill

Right in the heart of where I've grown up. Beautiful park that's been renovated. Great day out when the weather's nice. Manchester Carnival takes place here in Summer time too

Alexandra Park

You will find everything here from bars, nights out, quirky restaurants and vintage shops. It's worth exploring on a visit to Manchester.

Northern Quarter

This is a really cool club spot open in the day. Perfect balance of a good night out. Whether you're smart casual or all out dressed up all are welcome. They have ping pong tables and beer pong. I DJ here sometimes and is the main place I go out to.

Twenty Twenty Two

When I was growing up I loved the arcades here. You can do shopping here as an alternative to Town/Arndale centre. If you got kids or are a kid take them to the arcade in the food court.

Trafford Centre

Go for a chicken split - it wont taste the same anywhere else you go I guarantee!

Chicken Run

This is a legendary food spot. You'll find your favourite artists here at crazy hours of the morning. This is on the curry mile and a must go

Al Madina

Abnormal Sleepz' Best Spots in Manchester

Ramadani Prasetya

Indonesia

Bali

Potato Head

I spent a lot of time there with my family on a beautiful slope of Batukaru. The setup is natural and architecturally well-done. We don’t really think about what we are going to eat; they harvest whatever is available, mostly Indonesian food and mostly vegan. They definitely have good coffee beans and their own nice blend. The surroundings consist of 10 hectares of coffee fields, and the owners are around all the time. The owner, Kentri Norberg, self-healing cancer survivor, especially spends most of her days in the kitchen. Perfect for a retreat, they don’t provide programs, but you can create your own with your family or friends. A yoga shala is provided, and there are natural pools; just make sure you visit during the rainy season because the river might be dry as well.

Batukaru Coffee Estate

One of the few natural pools and waterfalls created by the crates. It can be quite touristy at times but is still considerably less commercial and well-managed. It's best to visit early in the morning on weekdays rather than weekends, and avoid holidays and ceremonial days as it is considered a sacred spot. Bring your swimwear and waterproof protection for your camera, as it can be quite damp and soggy. It’s not very far walking. 

Tukad Cepung

One of the few conservation centers for Lepidoptera, housing both moths and butterflies. They have around 25 species, mainly native to Bali, with almost half of them protected and endangered according to the IUCN. The reason I chose the butterfly park is because it plays a key role in our sustainable future. Don’t expect to see a ton of butterflies; yes, you will see them, but you cannot take pictures with them unless they have just emerged from their chrysalis. There’s also a local water playground and a restaurant.

Kemenuh Butterfly Park

I curated this place. The owner is Ni Wayan Srilaba and has been in the orcids industry for 25 years, and we are together as a board member of Indonesian Orchid Society. The orchid garden consists of 400 species of orchids and another fifty hybrids that bloom throughout the year. It's an agritourism space where you can find guides and QR codes for self-information. It's advisable to visit every two to three months because the flowering seasons may vary. Peak flowering periods are February-March and August-September. Indonesia is considered one of the richest countries in orchid species and varieties. Here, you'll find most of the Old World orchid species as well as new world orchid hybrids. Arundina Restaurant is a place to go if you want to try East Balinese cuisine, featuring their special dish 'Tipat Blayag' (Chicken Curry), without having to travel to Karangasem. 

Duta Orchid Garden

I operate this place, established by Blair and Ben Ripple in 2002. It's one of the longest-running horticulture farms, where you can witness the growth of Potato Head’s overview. Sharing the Bali culinary revolution's mission, like Potato Head, we introduce new crops while preserving staples and native varieties. The farm boasts over 250 different varieties. As it's not primarily agrotourism-focused, appointments are necessary, and guided tours may not always be available. The area is dedicated to agriculture production, showcasing a wide array of crops and innovations.

Island Organics Bali

The cave itself, carved by the relentless waves over centuries, offers a glimpse into Bali's natural wonders. Inside, the echoes of the ocean resonate, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection. Don't forget to explore the hidden beach and soak in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Suluban Cave is not just a destination; it's a journey through Bali's rugged coastal beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Suluban Cave 

Uncovering Bali’s Sustainable Adventures and Natural Wonders with Ramadani Yuhda Prasetya 

Hot4U

London

Walk in and show yourself to a table. Order the off-menu ox heart and thank me later. It’s a 420 hotbox heaven of smoke. Like the tastiest damn smoke there is. If we powered London on Umut lamb rib smoke, I guarantee we’d be much happier little city dwellers. Cash only, so don’t be a dum dum and remember your purse. Be nice and they’ll give you a T-shirt. I was laughed at for eating their hottest chilli and the chef kindly patted me on the back with a heavy shovel-esque hand as if I was one of his own. I lost full sight for a few minutes. Tears streamed from my eyes. The only thing holding me down in reality was that damn delicious smoke.

Umut-2000

You’re up at 3am. It’s not because you’re still up, wide awake, listening to your mate recalling his favourite house mixes. It’s because you are heading to fish Mecca, Billingsgate Fish Market. Get there early and you’ll see pallet trucks loaded high with goods and bounty. Marked and labelled, ready for dispatch to the likes of Ikoyi, Koya and other spots that flex that primo stuff. Before you even begin to search out your treasure across this vista of wet floors and raincoats, turn left. Take yourself into the cafe immediately. Don’t worry about the guy in front taking the crab you had your eye on, there’s more in the back. Just focus on you. A bacon and scallop roll is everything. Vinegary ketchup, butter not spread to the corners, served in a white paper bag. It feels like the joy of surf and turf - shabby chic, boujee trash - is unadulterated in every way. In that moment, right there, polystyrene cup of tea in hand you have made it to heaven.

Billingsgate Cafe

In a parallel universe where turkey twizzlers don’t exist, this is the kinda food I wish I grew up eating.
It feels strangely like I already did. It’s all so familiar.
Walking into the gardens of an old school it feels as if you’ve already been there a thousand times. Like meeting yourself in another life.
It’s homely. I always leave feeling as if I’ve eaten amongst friends even when out for lunch alone. It’s a place where I feel safe in whatever menu choices I decide on.
As well as never ending banging menu (lunch and dinner), the wine list is always a winner and the negronis are strong as an ox.
I go for something fried, something salad-y, a fish and a potatoes pretty much every time. That said I massively over order and take some home for midnight feasting so it’s a win/win.
I have an awful lot of time for Rochelle and a deep place in my heart for it always.

Rochelle Canteen

My friend Siri rocks. The most humble, hardworking and genius one man show I’ve ever known. He feeds me food I’ve never tasted before. I find it incredibly inspiring to try foods like this. It widens the sandbox for me when I think of my own menus.
It makes me question ingredients and their applications.
The food always seems to be at the very peak of its flavour.
How you can push so much concentrated flavour into a stock defeats me. This is truly precision cooking with expertise.
Order EVERYTHING on the specials board.
It changes on the regular.
Memorable dishes are a spicy as fuck rabbit laab, the clams and the pomelo salad.
Remember to say ‘hi’ when you go to the toilet as you have to pass through the dish pit to get there.

Singburi

Douglas McMaster treated everyone in London the day he relocated Silo from Brighton to Hackney Wick.
Read his book, take the time to understand zero waste and how we can all better our approach to reducing waste where possible or, by turning it into truly delicious, mind blowing food sorcery as Douglas does.
Sustainability can be sexy. Luxury doesn’t need to be wasteful.
There was this one dish of a humble pink fir potato with a hollandaise sauce.
The potato was brined, cooked, peeled, smoked and then introduced to a bath of brown butter. That’s a lot of process. When you eat it, you’ll understand.
They work with some fab favourites such as Flourish Farm, Duchess Farm, Fin and Flounder and Estate Dairy.
Also pop in during lockdown and grab some coffee from the white building market. Stephen and Georgia make ridiculously mean coffee.

Silo

HOT4U Share London's Best Hidden Restaurants

Detroit

It's a spot that we like to go to sometimes together and just the vibe is fire because you share plates. Everything is either you can eat it by yourself, or you can share it. But the selections that they have are fire and it's seasonal, so the menu changes. So anytime you go back, there's something new going on.

Selden Standard

It's a newer spot that recently opened up in the city, but they have so many different cocktail options. The vibe is cool. It's like dark with ambient blue lights - it's really like small and intimate.

Standby

A speakeasy where you gotta set your little reservation, but it's in an alley in Detroit downtown. It looks sketchy as fuck, but you go to the back in that alley, pass a couple porter potties and some wild shit, and then you knock on the door. It's just a big steel door. You don't see a sign or anything, and then they let you in, and it's this fucking hyper, classy ass spot. It's fucking fire as hell, very quaint but low key with low lighting and a crazy big ass bar with a myriad of drinks. They make the craziest drinks and sometimes they make their own chocolate. 

Bad Luck Bar

They throw a whole bunch of parties and shows. It's a venue, but it's like a mansion and a historical landmark in Detroit.