Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Hall.
Chanel, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in Marietta, Ga where good food was not much of a thing. Every corner consisted of the same fast food chains or some mom and pop shop with no flavor. At home is where my love for food blossomed. My mother and grandmother were always in the kitchen cooking up something new, and, of course, I was always nearby with my fork in hand ready to give my stamp of approval. That is where I knew food would always be my “best friend.”
Eventually, I moved into the heart of Atlanta and discovered there was more out there than my mothers’ kitchen. I am not a picky eater, so every week I was at some new restaurant ordering half of the menu. Then it came to me, do something with what I love, blog about eating! At first, it was just some cameo on my personal Instagram, but I kept getting asked “where” and being encourage to “just go for it,” so I did, and Noire Eats was born.
Can you give our readers some background on your work?
Noire Eats is a food blog essentially about good places to eat in Atlanta. I am not acting as a food critic. I am just showcasing places I have had a good experience and a great meal at. Noire Eats is used to bring my loved ones and friends together over a meal. Eating with loved ones encourages togetherness, and I strive to keep my circle of people close-knit. My inspirations, without a doubt, are my mother and grandmother. I admire everything about them, but they truly helped to cultivate my love for food.
In french Noire means black. Although I do blog about any type of restaurant, Noire Eats is primarily a means to highlight black-owned restaurants in the Atlanta area, for they deserve every bit of recognition. I feel as though often times black-owned restaurants are overlooked, so my mission is to show Atlanta that there is more to the city than that fast food chains you love. My goal is for Noire Eats to be your go-to page you turn to when you just can’t figure out what you want to eat.
Noire Eats started in the heart of Atlanta as a joke… Shortly after a realization was made that this could be a really good thing. A passion for having a good time with loved ones centered around food brought a simple joke to reality. Constantly trying new places, wanting to highlight black-owned restaurants, and being asked “Where is that?” continued to be inspirations. Good food should be shared.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I feel as though the biggest challenge is overcoming adversity as an African American blogger. There are so few African American bloggers in the Atlanta area. Often times than not, I am denied interviewing restaurant owners, or I am not permitted to take pictures in the establishment. This is one of the main reasons why I focus on black-owned restaurants. We both understand the reality of where we live, and that who we are makes it 10x harder to succeed. I want to show Atlanta and myself that barriers are continually being broken!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My photos are on my Instagram page as well as my personal website. You can support me by using my hashtag, #foodNEwhere, when you eat out or use a restaurant, I suggested on my page. Also, on my website, you can subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get updates from Noire Eats.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.noireeats.com
- Email: noireeats@gmail.com
- Instagram: @noireeats
Image Credit:
Chanel Hall
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