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Home» Blog

New Location & Services!

Posted on January 10, 2021 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

Big News!  Dining With Grace, Inc. is moving to a new home in Brooklyn, NY! We are excited to announce the upcoming February 2021 opening of The Caterer’s House- our new commercial kitchen space in Crown Heights, Brooklyn! We will be offering the same catering services you know and love for social and corporate events! In […]

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A Little History on the Matter: African Cuisine: Origins and Influences

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

Many people have asked me in the past if specializing in Contemporary African-inspired cuisine is limiting and while it does sound rather specific, be rest assured I chose this path wisely and after much consideration.  I hate to be pigeon-holed in the kitchen so what would I have to work with given an African-inspired menu concept? […]

View Post African history, cooking, food, heritage, travel

New Recipe!! Stuffed Vine Leaves w/ Fenugreek

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

Stuffed Vine Leaves with Fenugreek INGREDIENTS 1 jar preserved grape leaves (8oz) 1 cup Egyptian rice or other short grain rice 1/2 cup each of dill, parsley and mint 1 medium onion (grated) 2 plum tomatoes, chopped 1/4 cup corn oil 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp cumin 2 tsp *fenugreek (freshly ground) 1/2 tsp […]

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African Brunch Recipe: Scotch Eggs

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

Honestly speaking…there’s no way that Scotch Eggs could go wrong.  Seasoned sausage surrounding a hard-boiled egg, then breaded and deep-fried?   This British recipe found its way to Nigerian cuisine and has remained a favorite for special celebrations.  Here’s the recipe, it may be a good way to use any extra Easter eggs!!! 1 lb […]

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Spring Fix: Salmon- Three Ways!!

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

EAT MORE SALMON!!! Why?  Ok, I have no choice but to appeal to your vanity-Salmon promotes muscle health, brain function, eyesight, great hair, skin and nails and even a great mood! Needless to say, everyone needs more salmon in their lives.  Well…if you don’t mind I would like to include the color into this conversation. […]

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Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes…With a Twist! Part III- Yellow Rice with Raisins

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

South African Yellow Rice with Golden Raisins This isn’t just any Yellow Rice and you can’t find this out of a Goya box!  I first tasted South African Yellow Rice from Madiba restaurant (read their review also in this newsletter!) and I loved the flavor!  I’m not typically of fan of sweets in my savory […]

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Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes…With A Twist: Part II- Ethiopian Spiced Potatoes

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

Nitter Kibbeh-Spiced Potatoes (Ethiopian Spiced Buttery Potatoes) Niter Kebbeh is a spiced butter made in Ethiopia-the spice capital of the world!  It makes a great pairing with roasted, pan-fried or baked potatoes.  Here I used Yukon gold potatoes, which has an already buttery flavor that will complement the warm flavors in this recipe. 3 tbsp clarified […]

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Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes…With a Twist- Part I-Piri Piri Turkey

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

Part I of the series featuring my favorite classic Thanksgiving recipes with a special African-inspired Dining With Grace twist!! Piri Piri Turkey Piri-piri is a seasoning blend found in the Southeastern part of Africa used as a spicy marinade or sauce condiment for broiled or grilled poultry and seafood dishes.  This spicy blend originated in […]

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Traditional PepperSoup (get ready to fight the chill!!)

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

I have been looking for eons for the perfect peppersoup recipe.   I must admit that when my Mom used to make it when I was younger, I had no interest whatsoever in following her lead.  I didn’t want to be around that hot pot of torture!  Ok ok, I’m being a little dramatic but lets just […]

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Wedding Cake Jitters

Posted on July 3, 2011 by Chef Grace in Blog No Comments

I love cakes…really I do.  I love weddings…really…I do!  But there is something about the wedding cake combo that makes me cringe.  As if my perfectionist tendencies weren’t dizzying enough, making wedding cakes takes it to a whole other level.  It’s perhaps because I’m not into the easy fondant cover-up technique and buttercream is more apt […]

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    diningwithgrace

    NYC ➡️🌍
    Afro-Caribbean Catering 👩🏾‍🍳🇳🇬🏝
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    Dining With Grace
    We outchea having a real good Gracetine’s Day!!! We outchea having a real good Gracetine’s Day!!! 
🌹💚🥰😂

📸 : Deboned Crispy Organic Chicken, Tostones & Steamed Broccoli 

Dessert: Dreamberry Strawberries w/ Greek Yogurt 

Being single ain’t that bad. 🧐😂😂🤷🏾‍♀️

But when *he* comes, he’ll be very blessed. 
🥳🥳😍

Wishing you all a blessed love-full  life. 🙏🏾
A day ain’t enough.
    It’s National Carrot Cake Day!! How cute 😍🥕😍🥕

Special Valentine’s Day Offer! This month we are offering a special edition 🧡🧡🧡 heart- shaped cake (serves 10-12) with a specialty White Chocolate Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting! **FREE SHIPPING Nationwide**

Plus we include a special  customized gift note for your loved one! 

Link in Bio to order or visit
www.gracescarrotcake.com

Thank you for supporting!!
🧡🥕🧡🥕🧡🥕
“Every good and perfect gift is from above...”
James 1:17
    📸: Red Wattle Heritage Pan-fried Pork Chop, Dun 📸: Red Wattle Heritage Pan-fried Pork Chop, Dun Dun (Yam Fries), Side Salad
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Simple goodness. 

I like quality things. I remember the first time I had a Red Wattle chop.  It was at a fancy restaurant and came highly suggested.  I eat pork very infrequently but I remember it being easily the best meal of that year.  I’ve always remembered that it was a “Red Wattle” pork chop. 

Make sure when choosing a chef or caterer for a special event that they have an appreciation for the quality of ingredients used.  Cheaper/low price doesn’t often equate to a quality product.  Or, it may be seasoned well but it doesn’t sit well with you.  Quality matters. 

I am so glad I discovered @heritagefoodusa.  They only specialize in heritage non-industrialized meats.  This means that the breeds they offer are not part of this industrialized American meat machine.  They are from small local farms where the breed is the direct descendant of the actual natural animal. 
That gives me confidence in the flavor, texture and natural quality of the ingredient. 

As many larger events have scaled down to smaller intimate celebrations and the industry has been given time to reset, I aim to continue supporting the sustainable, small and local high quality businesses.  It’s an amazing way to offer restaurant quality meals to clientele.  If I won’t eat it, I won’t offer it.  As you support me, I will support the best for you. 
💚💚💚
#qualityeats 

The pork chop was brined in water, pink sea salt, honey, ginger, garlic and bay leaf.  Pat dry,  sprinkle with salt and tri-colored peppercorns and granulated onion.  Pan-sear in some avocado oil .  Finished with thyme, garlic, a touch of sesame oil and organic orange preserves. 

That’s it.  It was so good just like that!  No sauce needed but I did dip my yam fries in pepper sauce and ketchup. 😌😎
    📸: Curry Chicken w/ Bulgur The most beautifull 📸: Curry Chicken w/ Bulgur

The most beautifully plated dish at the World’s Top 50 restaurants would not do when you have a hankering for some good West Indian Curry Chicken!  True or False? 🤷🏾‍♀️ I don’t know...I think my @vp will agree though 😊
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I made this in my @instantpotofficial.  It was cheaper than a flight to Jamaica or a drive to Flatbush Ave 😏. 

Plus I’m usually very happy with what I make vs. what I buy when it comes to everyday dinner. 👩🏿‍🍳

I ate this with bulgur- a simple carb, that makes a tasty and nutritious rice substitute. 
⬆️ protein & fiber
⬇️nutty flavor & cooking time.

It’s a fave!
(Swipe left for brand!) 

This curry chicken recipe has an anti-inflammatory+ anti-oxidant + flavor punch 💥 💥 💥 
with curry powder, fenugreek, cayenne powder, onions, garlic, ginger, celery, scotch bonnet peppers, green sweet pepper and thyme.  I added yellow squash for a taste-free veggie boost and a Tbsp of coconut manna for texture/flavor. 

⚠️Of course, it all starts with a good quality chicken.  No pumped up business. ⚠️

A side of spinach provided some extra greens for one delicious and nutritious comfort meal.  That sauce can make you eat all the raw spinach in the world so it’s literally all good! 😅

Another ALL GOOD thing...

Coming Soon!
Weekly Meals Available for Local Pick-up/ Delivery 
🥘Holiday Specials, Family Meal Plans, Special Diets & More. 

Sign Up Now (LINK in BIO) to join our mailing list for updates and weekly menu
https://mailchi.mp/diningwithgrace/meal-plans
    Hmmmm. Well. (Looking for my tambourine) 🤩 Hmmmm. 

Well. 

(Looking for my tambourine)

🤩🤩🤩

📸: Braised Mushrooms on Polenta.  Made with Red Onion, Celery, Garlic, Lambrusco, Tarragon, Jalapeño & Spinach with a touch of butter. 

I definitely may *Yes* have a piece of carrot cake @gracescarrotcake for dessert.  Because vegetables are good for us. 😉 #judgenot 

🤲🏾💫😍🙏🏾

#vegetariancooking 
#diningwithgrace 
#cookingforone 
#whateverilike 
#giftedhands 
#veggiesarelife 
#celebratelife 
#cheflife 
#chefgraceodogbili 
#food52 #chefsofinstagram 
#vegetarian #parttime
    Image Reposted from the brilliant @amandascgorman. Image Reposted from the brilliant @amandascgorman. 
💥💥💥

I believe this much is true.  We can grow.  The choice to grow good fruit or grow bad fruit is up to us.  We’ve all had dirt thrown on us, it’s part of the growth process. 🌱
    📸: Moi-Moi Sliders on Toasted Potato Roll w/ Sp 📸: Moi-Moi Sliders on Toasted Potato Roll w/ Spicy Slaw

This was a featured appetizer I created for a multi-course Afro-Vegan tasting. 

Shout out to God for giving us good natural food to eat and create with.  Shout out to Nigeria for creating these delicious savory steamed bean cakes! Shout out to @potatorolls who IMO makes an excellent product!  I love using their party rolls.  Shout out to Brooklyn, who still makes me say “Shout out”. 

Thank you for your time this Tuesday.  Shout out to you. 😍😉

Please reach out to book your upcoming 2021 events of any size!
    Go get your dream, sista. #Godspeed #martinhada Go get your dream, sista. 

#Godspeed 
#martinhadadream 
#mlk

📸 by @nakslee
    Just me and my Zenni’s! Love a fresh and crisp. Just me and my Zenni’s! 
Love a fresh and crisp...pair of glasses. 😆🤓 #zennioptical
    Always ready for that good work! Visit www.dinin Always ready for that good work! 

Visit www.diningwithgrace.com and plan your 2021-2022 events!

Featured Dish: Shrimp Escovitch Salad on Arugula with Caribbean Fish Cake
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🚀
#panafricancatering
#goodfood
#partyfood 
#specialevents
#foodtrends 
#diningwithgrace 
#thecaterershouse 
#panafricancuisine
#nyccatering 
#finefood
#fresh
#nycstrong
    Yesterday I had the honor of meeting Mayor DeBlasi Yesterday I had the honor of meeting Mayor DeBlasio and being a guest on his media availability along with the Commissioner of Small Business Services.  I was asked to share my entrepreneurship story and how it’s important to be mentored and supported through the many challenges of building a business.  I for one know how it can be a tiresome and lonely journey when building a business and seeking real guidance.  COVID has not made it any easier but many of us had to pivot. 

 I am proud of the initiatives NYC is taking to truly support and mentor minority business.  My hope is that our success stories will be the norm and that we will build wealth-generating , legacy-building , community-changing small businesses. 
🤲🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾 (Amen!)

Remember, keep going! Be flexible! Stay agile!  Stay encouraged. 2021 Motto: Stay greasy! 
You CAN make it through a difficult situation. 
💚💚💚💚

Also, please stay tuned for more news about Dining With Grace services!! We still represent great food and Pan-African cuisine.  However, my way of staying greasy during a critical time was to go to my love and skill for baking!  I’m glad I did!! I love the products and @gracescarrotcake (please follow!) will always be alongside my work as Chef of Dining With Grace.  I specialize in GOOD FOOD EXPERIENCES. (Period)
💚🎊👩🏾‍🍳

Thanks for your support!
Xoxo 

(Link in Bio!  I’m featured around minute 25:00)
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#sba #nycsmallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #nycmayor #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessmentorship #media #cityhall #nycmade #brooklyn #madeinnyc #nycphotography #nycmedia #staygreasy #glowup #entrepreneurs #slowandsteadystillwins #blackownedbusiness #gracescarrotcake #diningwithgrace #chefgraceodogbili #panafricanchef 
#borninBrooklyn 
#nigerian #american 
#godisincharge #thankyougod 
#nextinline #letpatiencedoitsperfectwork
    Have you ever made something so good you were like Have you ever made something so good you were like “Ooooh mami!!”

Get it? Umami!!! 🤓😂

Has someone come up with that already bc it’s sooo good! 😂

I’m playing around with some plant-based ingredients and it is 🤯😍😍

-more to come...

#goodfood 
#goodmood
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    © 2015 Dining With Grace - Styled by Lisa @ Artful Prose