Food
For comedian Travele Judon, cooking’s no laughing matter
ROLLINGOUT.COM — Rolling out caught up with stand-up comedian Travele Judon.
By Melanie L. Brown
Rolling out caught up with stand-up comedian Travele Judon, who recently appeared as a contestant on the season 15 edition of Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America.” He shared his experience on the show and his current projects.
How did you get involved with the show?
I tried out for the show back in January 2018, and they said they loved me and I was awesome, but they didn’t pick me. When they began casting in June 2018, I saw they were casting again and I was like, “Nope, nope, nope. I’m not applying again. That was too much work for a huge letdown.” Literally 15 minutes after I said it, the casting department emailed me, and I was like, “Nope I’m not responding.” Five minutes after the email came, they called me and said, “We want you,” and the rest is history.
Are you the worst cook?
I don’t think so. I was just good at fried chicken and fried chicken only. I sucked at everything else.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Fried chicken. All day. Every day.
What food do you ruin every time?
Pancakes. … Even on the show, I screwed them pancakes up again.
How was your experience on the show?
The show was amazing and challenging. We filmed long hours and couldn’t have our cell phones. That creates phone withdrawal. It takes a toll on you mentally as well because you have to adapt to a new way of doing things. Overall, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
When you think back, what would you have done differently on the show?
I can’t say I would do anything differently. I had fun, I learned and I made a lot of people laugh and smile along the way. Laughter is like medicine. I do wish I would’ve won the whole thing, so maybe that’s what I would do differently.
Three words that describe you?
Hilarious, generous, fearless.
How has being on the show changed your life?
Since being on the show, I have met so many nice people that loved the show, and it makes me happy that I was able to bring them joy. Many other doors have opened for me comedically, and even having the pleasure of co-hosting “Windy City LIVE” with Val Warner, who I have been a big fan of since her WGN news days.
Are you a better cook now?
No. I just know how to cook a few cool things in the kitchen, but I’m still lost.
What projects do you have coming up next?
I am currently working on my new stand-up comedy special, which I look to film real soon, and I will be the official tour host for Grammy-nominated gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds. [It] is called the “Make More Room” tour.
How can people book you?
For booking and information visit my website, www.travelejudon.com.
This article originally appeared in Rollingout.com.
Activism
Chef Cleaz and Mistah F.A.B. Host “You Still Have A Son” Mother’s Day Dinner
Oakland Chef Cleaz and Bay Area rapper, author Stanley Cox, aka Mistah F.A.B., hosted a Mother’s Day dinner on Monday, May 13, at Pierre Pierre, a restaurant in the Tribune building in downtown Oakland. The restaurant was decorated with balloons and flowers for the event, and each mother received a bouquet of red roses.
By Carla Thomas
Oakland Chef Cleaz and Bay Area rapper, author Stanley Cox, aka Mistah F.A.B., hosted a Mother’s Day dinner on Monday, May 13, at Pierre Pierre, a restaurant in the Tribune building in downtown Oakland.
The restaurant was decorated with balloons and flowers for the event, and each mother received a bouquet of red roses.
Organized for mothers who have lost their children, for mothers in need of extra love on Mother’s Day, the event gave the hosts an opportunity to remember their own mothers while doing something special for over 100 mothers in the community.
Both men recounted the deep sense of grief they faced in the loss of their mothers and recognized the many mothers who have outlived their children.
“We were in my restaurant, and F.A.B. was having dinner and said he wanted to do something special but wasn’t sure what it would look like,” said Chef Cleaz. “We continued to brainstorm, and at first F.A.B. wanted to come up with ways to bring more business to my new restaurant and serve the community. But days later, F.A.B. came up with the idea for mothers.”
“In these tough times. we know life can get you down'” explained F.A.B. “And expect to lose a parent, but a parent should not lose their child, and with Mother’s Day around the corner, we decided to show moms in need of something special and extra love.”
F.A.B. also knew that Chef Cleaz had recently lost his mother, which made the idea even more appropriate to them.
So, the day after Mother’s Day, F.A.B. and Cleaz hosted “You Still Have A Son, Momma” at Pierre Pierre.
“We wanted moms to still feel appreciated under the covenant of family and love,” said F.A.B.
“I remember my mother being my rock,” said Cleaz. “My mom played a very important part in my life, and not having her anymore gave me the impetus to do something in her honor. She gave me a lot in her lifetime. F.A.B. offered to pay for the entire event, but I said, let’s collaborate.”
“My mom was my best friend, and on Mother’s Day I cry and listen to music so I can get the tears out. But I’m happy because I’m living my purpose, continuing to evolve as a man and father to Liberty and Legacy and continue making my mom proud.”
Initially, Cleaz and F.A.B. planned for 50 to 75 guests, but after they advertised the event via social media posts, the RSVP’s kept rolling in. At last count,120 mothers responded.
F.A.B. said he did not plan on turning anybody away if there were more guests. “If they’re coming, there is a void of love that they are coming for,” he said. Chef Cleaz’s staff donated their time, and entertainer Dyson the Voice brought his band and sang all night.
“We wanted to see all the beautiful women out there,” said F.A.B. “We wanted to see lots of beautiful smiles, faces, and we want the mothers to feel appreciated.”
F.A.B. said his sister Theresa lost her son and that he knows at a very personal level how deep the loss of a child is through her. “You never really get over the loss, you deal with it. You try to make life better for those around you.”
Pierre Pierre is located at 401 13th St. Owner Chef Cleaz is a renowned celebrity chef from the vibrant culinary scene of San Francisco. Born from humble beginnings, he has forged an extraordinary path to culinary stardom, exemplifying Black excellence with each delectable dish he creates.
A dedicated father and loving husband, his commitment to family values extends far beyond his home, as he tirelessly helps anyone he sees in need.
Chef Cleaz has built an empire rooted in his passion for food and a deep respect for cultural heritage. His vision is to establish a sanctuary of culinary artistry, where creole and soul food recipes take center stage. He aims to create a space that the community can proudly call its own, a place where shared meals become moments of togetherness and cultural celebration.
Through his culinary creations, he invites visitors to savor not just his delectable dishes but also the history, traditions, and stories that infuse every plate.
F.A.B. is an American songwriter, entrepreneur, community organizer, and activist whose music career began in the late 1990s when he was discovered by Jazzy Jim and Gary Archer. He was featured on a number of Mac Dre’s Thizz Nation mixtape compilations and quickly gained prominence in the San Francisco Bay Area Hyphy Movement.
F.A.B. is the owner of D.O.P.E. clothing store and other businesses. He is known for hosting community block parties, school supply giveaways, and holiday parties for the underserved. He also created Thug Therapy, a movement for men to receive mental health support, which inspired the work of another community organizer, the late Shantell Herndon, creator of FLY Girl Therapy and Healing Circles.
Community
Opening Soon: Vibe Bistro Is Richmond’s New Hub for Coffee, Cuisine, Community and Culture
Vibe Bistro, located at 1503 MacDonald Ave., Suite B, Richmond, CA, is announcing its grand opening week, May 21-26, 2024. The café will be a hub where people can come together to enjoy coffee, cuisine, community, and culture, according to the establishment’s owner, Free Brown.
By Y’Anad Burrell
Vibe Bistro, located at 1503 MacDonald Ave., Suite B, Richmond, CA, is announcing its grand opening week, May 21-26, 2024.
The café will be a hub where people can come together to enjoy coffee, cuisine, community, and culture, according to the establishment’s owner, Free Brown.
“Vibe Bistro is Richmond’s neighborhood haven for soulful coffee, delicious food, and vibrant experiences. Vibe Bistro is not just a coffee shop; it’s a place where ‘coffee meets community” says Brown.
It occupies the space formerly known as the Richmond Food Hall, which was also the former location of OakStop Richmond.
During the grand opening week, folks are invited to join in celebrating the spirit of community. From Tuesday, May 21, Vibe Bistro will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, serving specialty coffees, convenient grab-n-go options, and delicious breakfast and lunch selections.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23, from noon to 2 p.m., followed by surprise festivities that the owners say you will need to experience in-person to fully enjoy.
Vibe Bistro’s art exhibition opens May 23, through Sunday, May 26. It features a special artist talk led by renowned curator Jowhari Trahan, a story on glass, and a mural unveiling by Richmond’s own Nakari Syon.
Additionally, the community is invited to immerse themselves in artistic expression throughout the week with art and craft classes.
Get ready for ‘Feature Fridays’ at Vibe Bistro, where they will showcase the culinary creations of local food businesses. This initiative is not just about food, it’s about fostering a spirit of collaboration and community.
All local businesses are invited to be part of this exciting journey, says Brown.
For more information, visit www.VibeBistro.com, sign up for the newsletter to stay connected, and follow all social media platforms at @TheVibeBistro.
Community
Calif. Dept. of Public Health: Got Milk Allergies? Don’t Eat Dave’s Bakery Cornbread
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning on Jan. 26, instructing consumers with milk allergies or “severe sensitivity to milk” in the state to not eat Dave’s Bakery Corn Bread due to “risk of illness.” The CDPH warns that consumption of the corn bread manufactured by a Gardena-based company — with expiration dates up to June 18, 2024 — may lead to “life threatening” reactions.
By California Black Media
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning on Jan. 26, instructing consumers with milk allergies or “severe sensitivity to milk” in the state to not eat Dave’s Bakery Corn Bread due to “risk of illness.”
The CDPH warns that consumption of the corn bread manufactured by a Gardena-based company — with expiration dates up to June 18, 2024 — may lead to “life threatening” reactions.
“This warning applies only to the Corn Bread produced by Bake R Us, DBA Dave’s Baking Company and distributed to schools, retail facilities and in vending machines primarily in southern California,” the DCPH statement reads.
“This product should not be confused with other similarly named companies with national distribution,” it continues.
According to the CDPH, although the corn bread product contains whey, which is a milk allergen, there is no allergy warning label on the packaging, though it is required by state law.
So far, authorities say, no illnesses have been reported in the state, but if anyone finds the products on sale anywhere in the state, they should call the CDPH complaint hotline at (800) 495-3232 or file a report online at CDPH.ca.gov
The CDPH is also recommending that people who have eaten the product and are experiencing any reaction or ill effects should consult their health care provider.
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