In the words of André 3000, "The South has something to say," and that doesn't just start and stop with music and fashion. The culinary scene has been speaking volumes on its own. Coined as "Black Hollywood," Atlanta, Georgia, has been a land of new beginnings and bright opportunities, feeding the culture not just figuratively but literally. From local restaurants that have been around for decades to celebrities stepping into the culinary space, Atlanta has it all. It would be an understatement to say that friendly competition isn’t a secret motivating factor in keeping the restaurant scene as hot and flavorful as it is.
HBCU alumna and Nouveau Bar and Grill owner Ebony Austin not only keeps foodies like myself coming back to her Atlanta-based restaurant (with her perfectly fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and signature cocktails), but she is also making it her mission to pour back into her community and equip young Black girls with the same opportunities she was fortunate enough to have.
W4TC had the pleasure of speaking with Ebony on the HBCU Honors Blue Carpet to learn why becoming a restaurateur was in the cards for her. Austin said, "Omg, I love cooking, love people, love serving people, so for me, I just connected all the dots."
Grits are a staple in the South, and Ebony’s buttery grits are always cooked to perfection, paired with a crispy piece of catfish or the most traditional dish, shrimp and grits. No need to worry, though, because you can enjoy her signature grits in your own home. They are available in Atlanta’s local Publix markets as well as her restaurant, Nouveau. But the real question is, do sugar or salt go in grits?
When community is one of the reasons your doors are open, it’s only right to give back, right? Ebony’s grits are the star here, making it possible for the philanthropist to pour back into her community. When asked why she decided to start a grits collection, Ebony said, "The grits collection came from me wanting to give back to HBCU students; and from my grits line, we’ve given away over a million dollars in scholarships."
Ebony is showing up and showing out for her community and the people who believed in her beyond the moment. With turkey giveaways, donations to local high schools, and the opening of youth centers in her home city of Chicago, she’s making a real impact. If you’re interested in helping Ebony continue to pay it forward, simply buy a bag of her grits; one hundred percent of the proceeds go towards helping college students.
If you’re in the Atlanta area, make sure to visit one of Nouveau Bar and Grill’s locations. The vibe is amazing, and the food and drinks are top-tier. If you love R&B, check out one of their karaoke nights
Tune in to celebrate Black excellence at the HBCU Honors on Sunday, December 1, at 8 p.m. ET on BET.
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