As we continue to seek out ways to redirect our dollars, sometimes it’s easier to have those products come straight to us. In a society where we crave that notification from Amazon that our package has been delivered, it is apparent that convenience is key. With that in mind I’ve put together a list of businesses I have personally supported and approve of that offer delivery, shipping and digital products.
Pan African Connection
Pan African Connection is a bookstore, art gallery and resource center that has been servicing the community since 2000. They regularly give away large amounts of fresh produce, host community events, sell authentic African clothing, artwork, hair and skin care products, and the list goes on. I had the opportunity to host a Juneteenth vegan block party there last year. I highly recommend adding some of their books to your library.
Melanin Origins
Speaking of books, Melanin Origins is a publishing company that promotes educational empowerment, strong families and cultural confidence. They have a variety of children’s books and even have a curriculum that can be used in schools and home schools.
Tales of The Originals
Tales of the originals is a Children's Fantasy World inspired by Kemetic and Ancient Egypt deities. These are great for keeping your children engaged during at home learning.
Keith Clark Collection
Keith Clark specializes in handmade aromatherapy products without the synthetic chemicals you find in most commercial products. I have personally used his inhalers (they have helped me to quickly get rid of a stuffy nose and headaches) as well as his oil diffusers.
Unique and Natural Products
Unique and Natural also specializes in handmade products. I discovered them while on the hunt for a natural deodorant. I got hooked on their Frankincense deodorant. I also have a beautiful Kente cloth bar of soap as well as the warming massage oil which smells amazing.
Berkshire Farms Winery
Getting their start in farm industry with free range pork products, the Jackson brothers decided to expand and create pairings for their meats. In 2017 the Berkshire Farms Winery began. I am hooked on their Sangria! The Kessler is another great wine of theirs. I can’t wait until some of the expansions they’re working on come to fruition (keep an eye out for those announcements), but in the meantime get their wine delivered or shipped straight to your door. They also have wine popsicles. If interested in meat products inquire here for info on getting them delivered to your door as well.
Amour Geneve
This is the only non local company on this list. They are one of my favorite products I’ve ordered this summer, so I couldn’t help but to include them. The wine came in less than a week and had a personalized message written on it. I had a chance to take a class with Coviello Salines, the owner, and listening to his chemist explanation on how he created a blue wine blew my mind.
Manna Juice Bar
Manna Juice Bar is located in Mansfield, but if you can’t make it out there, they offer delivery throughout the Dallas Ft Worth metroplex. Last year I did a juice cleanse from them, and I’ll be doing another juice cleanse this summer.
The Belle Haus Spice Blends
Spices make the dish and The Belle Haus has the perfect blends for you to take your dishes to the next level. They offer seasonal blends, and my favorite current blend is the garlic everything. You can literally put it on everything. I’m patiently waiting on the bourbon molasses blend to be back in season. Currently sold out, but stay tuned. They’ll be back in stock soon. Side Note: The owner has done all of my major celebration cakes. She’s definitely one of the top bakers in the metroplex.
Cobbler Gobbler
If you’re looking for some of the best cobbler in the city, then look no further. If you think sweet potato cobbler sounds a little iffy just let Cobbler Gobbler make you a believer. It is divine! The peach cobbler is amazing as well. They also specialize in a variety of flavored cinnamon rolls. The best part is you can get them delivered straight to your door with their weekly deliver service.
Gigi’s Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth like mine and love cake then Gigi’s Sweets needs to be your next delivery. She specializes in mini cakes, which I love, because often times small celebrations need a small special treat. I personally have tried the pecan praline cake jar and the red velvet cookie sandwich.
Fineapple Vegan
This is a product you have to act on fast. Fineapple Vegan ships her infamous vegan cheese sauce, appropriately named Liquid Gold, nation-wide. She sells out fast, so be sure to turn your post notifications on so you’re the first to know when it goes on sale. If you are venturing out in the DFW you can find her products at stores in Dallas and Denton (check her website for exact locations). She also does pop ups with various menu offerings in Plano as well as recipe videos on her YouTube channel.
Gabrielle McBay
In the face of the pandemic, with the future being uncertain, Gabrielle took the lemons she was giving and made some bomb lemonade with a dash of Prosseco charm. She chronicled her process of creating the cookbook You’ve Got Food at Home which has since been featured in publications like Essence and Forbes. You can get a digital copy or get a matte or glossy finished book delivered to your home.
Bam’s Vegan
Bam promised that I could get a man to fall in love with me after making some of the recipes from his cookbook. I’ll report back after I find a man to cook the recipes for lol. If you’ve ever braved standing in the lines at the Dallas Farmers Market to get a taste of his food, then you know it’s the real deal. He’s sharing some of his secrets in his collection of digital cookbooks.
Potent Pours
As the name suggests, cocktails from Potent Pours are indeed potent. They offer menu consultations for restaurants and bars, mixologist workshops, small and large event bar service, customized cocktail garnishes and recently released a cocktail recipes e-book so you can create craft cocktails in your home.
Kenneth Temple
Celebrity chef and Food Network Chopped winner Kenneth Temple shares some of his winning recipes in his Southern Creole Cookbook. He has a meal prep challenge coming up soon and has a variety of virtual experiences for kids and adults including knife skills (which I need to take). I also have his Budget Chef cookbook which you need to get for every high school grad in your life before they head off to college.
Call Me Ambam
Your favorite Auntie Ambam had me drooling with her Memorial Day Weekend food, and she shared all the recipes in her digital cookbook. I have gotten her meal prep which she prepares and delivers and the food is delicious. She’s also an avid traveler and being the travel lover that I am, I purchased her trip planning services. She will plan everything you need from flight deals, to accommodations, excursions and even connect you with local tour guides.
Have a product/service that you’ve ordered in the Dallas Ft. Worth area that should be included in the list? E-mail me at brandisfoodiediary@gmail.com and I’ll be updating this page with a section of foodie fam recommendations.