Southern Taste of Dallas Awards returns for third annual celebration

Courtesy Southern Taste of Dallas

The third annual Southern Taste of Dallas Awards will return for a two-day celebration July 23 - 24 at The Shops at Redbird (July 23) and On the Levee (July 24). It's a community celebration that will spotlight the culinary contributions, accomplishments, and excellence of Dallas Black and Latino-owned restaurants, food trucks, ghost kitchens, and health-conscious eateries.

Founded by Brittany “Luscious Barbie” Criswell and powered by restaurateur Rickey Booker, Sr., the Southern Taste of Dallas Awards has now expanded beyond honorary recognition for Black-owned restaurants to now include Latino-owned restaurants, as well as bringing back the popular Shops at Redbird Food Truck Park, restaurant and resource expo, and more!

During the first day of the event on July 23, there will be a Restaurant and Resource Expo providing hands-on access to essential industry tools and resources from 10 am - 3 pm. Guests can expect:

• Exclusive Access to U.S. Food Vendors: U.S. Foods is a proud sponsor, and will also be on-site to showcase its offerings;

• Panels & Discussions: Insights from top industry leaders such as Master Chef Tiffany Derry (TD2 Concepts); Brent Reaves, Co-Owner of Smokey John’s BBQ; Fernando Rodriguez d’Agostino, Hospitality Technology Director for SpotOn; Mahiri Takai (NBC’s On Brand with Jimmy Fallon) and additional panelists—who will cover topics spanning technology, branding, marketing, and innovation in the restaurant industry. Plus, Kayla McDowell of the Dallas Black Bloggers, journalist and food writer Raven Jordan*, and publicist Leah Frazier of Think Three Media will lead a special session on influencer marketing, media and press relations for food and beverage businesses, moderated by Brittany “Luscious Barbie” Criswell

• Health & Community Resources: Explore community resources including support for domestic violence awareness, mental health awareness, and other local initiatives.

• Chef & Vendor Showcase that will feature 20+ interactive booths with food brands, kitchen essentials, and more to elevate one’s culinary business.

• Over 15 food trucks will participate in the Southern Taste of Dallas Food Truck Park, kicking off at 2 p.m. Gathered in a picnic-style setup, guests are invited to try a variety of culinary offerings, while taking advantage of the tented area for dining. A live DJ will keep the energy flowing, while additional activities and giveaways will keep guests entertained all afternoon long. Food trucks include: Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine, Maji Eatz, Taters Elevated, King Pudding, Frios Dallas, and more.

  
  

This is a free community event. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to register online.

Then, on day two, Dallas' culinary community will gather for the third annual Southern Taste of Dallas Awards at On the Levee on July 24. This year's celebration theme is "Cowboy Culture"—inviting guests to don their best Western-inspired couture-meets-luxe attire.

The evening will feature a red-carpet experience, VIP reception, live entertainment by Kkeeyz, Ashley Kaee and others, along with the presentation of community-nominated awards recognizing outstanding achievement across numerous categories. Honorees will be recognized across several culinary categories including:

• Favorite Soul Food

• Favorite Taco Spot

• Favorite Chicken Spot

• Favorite Upscale Spot

• Favorite Brunch Spot

• Favorite Mexican Spot

• Favorite Food Truck

• Favorite Fusion Spot

• Favorite Vegan Restaurant

• ...and more

Prior awardees have included Breakfast Brothers; Aunt Irene’s Seafood; Williams Chicken; Kitchen and Kocktails; Slutty Vegan; Hip Hop Hibachi; Smokey John’s BBQ; Wings World; and others.

Tickets and more details about the Southern Taste of Dallas can be found here.