ON THE ROAD WITH RODE!
Hello everyone, my name is Rode Bataille. I am a fifth-year student at the University of Connecticut majoring in Philosophy and Sociology with minors in Human Rights and Crime and Justice. On campus, I am a student recruiting specialist (a tour guide), the vice president of the Nubian Dance Team, and The Major Experience Mentor for Philosophy. When I’m not in class or at work, you can find me writing poems, dancing (or singing) when no one is watching, and reading a ton of books from my favorite poets and authors! It is my honor and privilege to be a part of the ShopBlackCT team this semester, and possibly longer. I look forward to getting to know you all!
FEBRUARY 24, 2021
I'm Back on the Road...Checking Out Craig's Kitchen!
Craig's Kitchen brings you straight to your happy place. It serves home-style Southern cuisine with a variety of different meal options, including authentic meals that range from a mixture of proteins such as jerk chicken, fried chicken and more with any combination of side choices. I had the opportunity to drive over to Vernon, Connecticut, and order some of this amazing food. I was able to try the fried chicken, yams and collard greens plate and there truly is nothing else like a meal that tastes like home!
Craig's Kitchen currently offers take-out orders for those interested in ordering authentic Southern food during the pandemic. Do not worry, the Limited Service Menu has some of the best options from Craig's Kitchen original menu available to all customers. On their website, you can read a portion of the owner's story, where he shares: "Soul is about appreciating every day and enjoying the local bounty with friends and family. I'd like to think that my little new place here will be all that to you and yours when you need some good old-fashioned soul food." Check out the rest of Craig's story and their menu by clicking here.
Craig's Kitchen brings you straight to your happy place. It serves home-style Southern cuisine with a variety of different meal options, including authentic meals that range from a mixture of proteins such as jerk chicken, fried chicken and more with any combination of side choices. I had the opportunity to drive over to Vernon, Connecticut, and order some of this amazing food. I was able to try the fried chicken, yams and collard greens plate and there truly is nothing else like a meal that tastes like home!
Craig's Kitchen currently offers take-out orders for those interested in ordering authentic Southern food during the pandemic. Do not worry, the Limited Service Menu has some of the best options from Craig's Kitchen original menu available to all customers. On their website, you can read a portion of the owner's story, where he shares: "Soul is about appreciating every day and enjoying the local bounty with friends and family. I'd like to think that my little new place here will be all that to you and yours when you need some good old-fashioned soul food." Check out the rest of Craig's story and their menu by clicking here.
DECEMBER 12, 2020
Next Up...The Glass Jar Natural Tea & Spices!
The Glass Jar Natural Tea & Spices delivered some of their best products to my doorstep and I was thrilled to try out their natural and organic sucre (sugar) and seasonings. I am already about three quarters done with the Maple Black Pepper spice blend that I received from them! In the image here, I took an aesthetically pleasing photo of a cup of delectable hot chocolate, using their pie blend spice blend as well as their Honey Vanilla Cardamom sucre. It was by far the best homemade hot chocolate I have had and these natural ingredients in their products add a touch of home and freshness! These products are especially perfect during the holidays because that's when hot beverages and holiday flavors come to life.
The Glass Jar Natural Tea & Spices is located in New Haven, Connecticut, and their website is super easy to follow and beautiful to look at! They have all of their products dispersed by category and with vibrant pictures. Check out their blog section as well, which showcases a variety of recipes that you can follow based on their products. The "Candied" Apple Oatmeal recipe is one that I cannot wait to try in the morning during this season. They said it best on their website: "Local and homegrown herbs are thoughtfully blended to create beautiful and delicious moments for you to enjoy," - I can definitely vouch for that! Check out their website here as well as their sister store at www.glassjarnaturalskin.com
The Glass Jar Natural Tea & Spices delivered some of their best products to my doorstep and I was thrilled to try out their natural and organic sucre (sugar) and seasonings. I am already about three quarters done with the Maple Black Pepper spice blend that I received from them! In the image here, I took an aesthetically pleasing photo of a cup of delectable hot chocolate, using their pie blend spice blend as well as their Honey Vanilla Cardamom sucre. It was by far the best homemade hot chocolate I have had and these natural ingredients in their products add a touch of home and freshness! These products are especially perfect during the holidays because that's when hot beverages and holiday flavors come to life.
The Glass Jar Natural Tea & Spices is located in New Haven, Connecticut, and their website is super easy to follow and beautiful to look at! They have all of their products dispersed by category and with vibrant pictures. Check out their blog section as well, which showcases a variety of recipes that you can follow based on their products. The "Candied" Apple Oatmeal recipe is one that I cannot wait to try in the morning during this season. They said it best on their website: "Local and homegrown herbs are thoughtfully blended to create beautiful and delicious moments for you to enjoy," - I can definitely vouch for that! Check out their website here as well as their sister store at www.glassjarnaturalskin.com
DECEMBER 4, 2020
Next Up...Gifts in a Balloon Creations!
All of my adventures are precious to me because I get to meet outstanding people who are talented and creative. Meeting Roberta and seeing her work in Manchester, Connecticut is an example of this. I met Roberta at a studio complex where her work was displayed and honestly, I have never seen anything quite like it. Her specialty lies in creating balloon art with gifts inside of the balloons! I would be a happy customer with one or the other (a balloon art or a gift) but together it's out of this world! I had the honor of seeing her Thanksgiving-themed balloons, a wedding-themed balloon and a kid's edition as well. My favorite part was seeing her Minnie Mouse balloon art that looked extremely realistic and magical!
Roberta and I spoke about how she became involved in this unique field and one thing she emphasized is that all of her balloons are filled with air instead of helium or any other gas source. She works with various people when creating and completing her work because a lot goes into crafting balloons and filling them with customized gifts.
Roberta and I were mid-conversation while I was holding a remarkable pink and white balloon with not only more balloons but also gifts inside when she surprised me and said that it was mine! I am not exaggerating when I said I almost burst into tears and laughter out of shock and appreciation. I still have her gift from my trip a couple of weeks ago and you can echo my smile once you order one of her amazing birthday, anniversary, wedding, children's, or any other themed gifts in a balloon creations. Check out her website here.
All of my adventures are precious to me because I get to meet outstanding people who are talented and creative. Meeting Roberta and seeing her work in Manchester, Connecticut is an example of this. I met Roberta at a studio complex where her work was displayed and honestly, I have never seen anything quite like it. Her specialty lies in creating balloon art with gifts inside of the balloons! I would be a happy customer with one or the other (a balloon art or a gift) but together it's out of this world! I had the honor of seeing her Thanksgiving-themed balloons, a wedding-themed balloon and a kid's edition as well. My favorite part was seeing her Minnie Mouse balloon art that looked extremely realistic and magical!
Roberta and I spoke about how she became involved in this unique field and one thing she emphasized is that all of her balloons are filled with air instead of helium or any other gas source. She works with various people when creating and completing her work because a lot goes into crafting balloons and filling them with customized gifts.
Roberta and I were mid-conversation while I was holding a remarkable pink and white balloon with not only more balloons but also gifts inside when she surprised me and said that it was mine! I am not exaggerating when I said I almost burst into tears and laughter out of shock and appreciation. I still have her gift from my trip a couple of weeks ago and you can echo my smile once you order one of her amazing birthday, anniversary, wedding, children's, or any other themed gifts in a balloon creations. Check out her website here.
NOVEMBER 25, 2020
Next Stop...Adae Fine Art Academy!
This was definitely a new experience for me. I met Kwadwo, the teacher and exceptional artist, in this amazing art academy located in New Haven, Connecticut. Kwadwo taught me so much throughout my two-hour evening session. My work included drawing a still 3D object and my first mission was to create a first draft in order for Kwadwo to identify how my hands speak. Throughout my first draft, he observed my work and took notice of things I can learn to enhance my work. The second draft involved a geometry lesson and honestly, an improvement upon my first draft! He truly took the time to show me how to draw 3D objects realistically from my perspective and even drew the same object from his own perspective to showcase changes I can make. My last draft was almost a masterpiece and I felt my inner Van Gogh shine through!
When entering the art academy, you will first notice the various paintings scattered along the walls of the studio. Most of the breathtaking artwork and paintings are from Kwadwo himself, but also includes work from his students. Kwadwo spoke with me about the feeling of painting different flowers and plants amongst other works of art. He was sagacious in the way he described art as a freeing and enlightening way to express emotions, thoughts and attitudes.
The classes in the art academy are maxed at 10 students to ensure that all students in attendance are receiving the same amount of attention and feedback throughout the class. In addition, students of all skill sets and preference of art media are welcome to take a free trial lesson and before returning as students at the art academy. Learn more about Adae Fine Art Academy by clicking here.
This was definitely a new experience for me. I met Kwadwo, the teacher and exceptional artist, in this amazing art academy located in New Haven, Connecticut. Kwadwo taught me so much throughout my two-hour evening session. My work included drawing a still 3D object and my first mission was to create a first draft in order for Kwadwo to identify how my hands speak. Throughout my first draft, he observed my work and took notice of things I can learn to enhance my work. The second draft involved a geometry lesson and honestly, an improvement upon my first draft! He truly took the time to show me how to draw 3D objects realistically from my perspective and even drew the same object from his own perspective to showcase changes I can make. My last draft was almost a masterpiece and I felt my inner Van Gogh shine through!
When entering the art academy, you will first notice the various paintings scattered along the walls of the studio. Most of the breathtaking artwork and paintings are from Kwadwo himself, but also includes work from his students. Kwadwo spoke with me about the feeling of painting different flowers and plants amongst other works of art. He was sagacious in the way he described art as a freeing and enlightening way to express emotions, thoughts and attitudes.
The classes in the art academy are maxed at 10 students to ensure that all students in attendance are receiving the same amount of attention and feedback throughout the class. In addition, students of all skill sets and preference of art media are welcome to take a free trial lesson and before returning as students at the art academy. Learn more about Adae Fine Art Academy by clicking here.
NOVEMBER 20, 2020
Next Up...The Wright Slice of Cheesecake!
This cheesecake shop is located in Manchester, Connecticut and owned by the Wright family. I had the pleasure of meeting Tia and Jarvis Wright on their home-front business location where you can get one (or more, always more) of their hand-crafted cheesecakes. The first thing that I noticed is that they didn't serve their cheesecake in slices. Instead, their customers receive an entire cake piece offered in a variety of sizes - either personal, medium, large or extra large. I received a sample of their iconic strawberry shortcake and their seasonal pumpkin pie cheesecakes.. what a sweet and delectable dessert! I completely devoured the strawberry cheesecake round before arriving home!
Jarvis Wright spoke to me about how they were receiving attention prior to the pandemic from friends and family and after some encouragement, they opened this family business. I understand now why the Wright's friends and family were so amazed! Right now, they are super busy fulfilling orders and baking cheesecakes. If you want to see what the hype is about, check out their Instagram or website by clicking here.
This cheesecake shop is located in Manchester, Connecticut and owned by the Wright family. I had the pleasure of meeting Tia and Jarvis Wright on their home-front business location where you can get one (or more, always more) of their hand-crafted cheesecakes. The first thing that I noticed is that they didn't serve their cheesecake in slices. Instead, their customers receive an entire cake piece offered in a variety of sizes - either personal, medium, large or extra large. I received a sample of their iconic strawberry shortcake and their seasonal pumpkin pie cheesecakes.. what a sweet and delectable dessert! I completely devoured the strawberry cheesecake round before arriving home!
Jarvis Wright spoke to me about how they were receiving attention prior to the pandemic from friends and family and after some encouragement, they opened this family business. I understand now why the Wright's friends and family were so amazed! Right now, they are super busy fulfilling orders and baking cheesecakes. If you want to see what the hype is about, check out their Instagram or website by clicking here.
NOVEMBER 13, 2020
Next Up...Edible Couture!
This cupcake shop was worth the road trip to the southern part of Connecticut! Edible Couture is a bakery located in New Haven. They specialize in cupcakes, gourmet cake cups and gourmet cakes! I had the honor of seeing their cupcake selections with a variety of amazing flavors like carrot, white chocolate coconut, peach cobbler, vegan strawberry shortcake and their popular banana pudding flavor!
I had heard so many great things about their baked goods from some of the ShopBlackCT volunteer team members and they were not exaggerating! I knew once I was in New Haven, I had to pop in and see what the hype was about and I was not disappointed. I had the chance to chat with Tisha about the bakery. She recently relocated to New Haven and opened the bakery in August - it's already thriving! Tisha shared with me the secret to baking and now I want to share it with you; when following a recipe, follow each step to a "t"! There is always room for creativity but perfecting the foundation when baking.
Fun fact: Edible Couture delivers to local areas and they have a Party on Wheels bakery truck for events! They offer catering services and like they say on their website, why spend money on one big fancy dessert when you can choose from many! Check out the Edible Couture on their website, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
This cupcake shop was worth the road trip to the southern part of Connecticut! Edible Couture is a bakery located in New Haven. They specialize in cupcakes, gourmet cake cups and gourmet cakes! I had the honor of seeing their cupcake selections with a variety of amazing flavors like carrot, white chocolate coconut, peach cobbler, vegan strawberry shortcake and their popular banana pudding flavor!
I had heard so many great things about their baked goods from some of the ShopBlackCT volunteer team members and they were not exaggerating! I knew once I was in New Haven, I had to pop in and see what the hype was about and I was not disappointed. I had the chance to chat with Tisha about the bakery. She recently relocated to New Haven and opened the bakery in August - it's already thriving! Tisha shared with me the secret to baking and now I want to share it with you; when following a recipe, follow each step to a "t"! There is always room for creativity but perfecting the foundation when baking.
Fun fact: Edible Couture delivers to local areas and they have a Party on Wheels bakery truck for events! They offer catering services and like they say on their website, why spend money on one big fancy dessert when you can choose from many! Check out the Edible Couture on their website, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
NOVEMBER 6, 2020
Next Stop...INI Sips Premium Coffee & Tea!
This stop was such an adventure and I want to thank Guliad (Mr. Ismail) for speaking with me and for providing me with the best Pina Papaya white tea blend that I have ever had! Fun fact: I have never tried white tea before and I don’t think I will go back to my regular tea bags after this experience. I requested a surprise flavor between the Pina Papaya tea and the Sweet Chocolate Rose tea and I was not disappointed with the final result!
INI Sips' loose leaf tea blends are made from natural ingredients and their blended/grounded coffee is made with certified organic ingredients. They offer herbal, black, green, white and decaf tea as well as matcha options. They also offer a variety of different decaf and coffee flavor options such as salted caramel coffee and pumpkin spice coffee.
INI Sips is located at 53 Columbus Boulevard, New Britain, CT and offers curbside pickup only. The best part is that they are family-owned, Black-owned and proudly veteran-owned. I left with a huge smile on my face and you will too. Click here to check out their website and call in your order at 860.975.5594 today!
This stop was such an adventure and I want to thank Guliad (Mr. Ismail) for speaking with me and for providing me with the best Pina Papaya white tea blend that I have ever had! Fun fact: I have never tried white tea before and I don’t think I will go back to my regular tea bags after this experience. I requested a surprise flavor between the Pina Papaya tea and the Sweet Chocolate Rose tea and I was not disappointed with the final result!
INI Sips' loose leaf tea blends are made from natural ingredients and their blended/grounded coffee is made with certified organic ingredients. They offer herbal, black, green, white and decaf tea as well as matcha options. They also offer a variety of different decaf and coffee flavor options such as salted caramel coffee and pumpkin spice coffee.
INI Sips is located at 53 Columbus Boulevard, New Britain, CT and offers curbside pickup only. The best part is that they are family-owned, Black-owned and proudly veteran-owned. I left with a huge smile on my face and you will too. Click here to check out their website and call in your order at 860.975.5594 today!
OCTOBER 29, 2020
Next Stop...Pampered By J!
This was one of my favorite experiences! I had the amazing opportunity to meet Justice, the lovely woman who is responsible for this masterpiece of a business. I spoke with Justice and got to know her while she worked on my nails. She is a nail technician and has recently added fall colors to her nail color collection. I had the honor of being the first to try this sunset orange color fresh from her collection. Justice provides manicures, pedicures, acrylics, nail art designs, and even advice on how to grow long and healthy nails! She is super sweet and amazing at what she does. Stop by Pampered By J in Hartford and meet Justice so she can work her magic on your nails as well. Click here to check out her Facebook page to see more of her work!
This was one of my favorite experiences! I had the amazing opportunity to meet Justice, the lovely woman who is responsible for this masterpiece of a business. I spoke with Justice and got to know her while she worked on my nails. She is a nail technician and has recently added fall colors to her nail color collection. I had the honor of being the first to try this sunset orange color fresh from her collection. Justice provides manicures, pedicures, acrylics, nail art designs, and even advice on how to grow long and healthy nails! She is super sweet and amazing at what she does. Stop by Pampered By J in Hartford and meet Justice so she can work her magic on your nails as well. Click here to check out her Facebook page to see more of her work!
OCTOBER 23, 2020
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Fifth stop...Isankofa Natural Skin Care!
I had the privilege of meeting Sahra, the founder of Isankofa Natural Skin Care. She is passionate about her products and it shows with the number of natural skin products in her line. She has products aimed at facial, skin, and general hygiene functions. She spoke with me about why she decided to begin this business and her motive is to provide affordable naturally made products for underprivileged groups so that they may be able to take care of their skin and are aware of the ingredients in the day to day products that they use on their face and skin. Your skin is your largest organ, Sahra said, and therefore you should take proper care of it.
Despite the comforting and rich scents in her shop, Sahra's products are not made with ingredients meant to enhance or change the natural scent of the items. All of her products are naturally scented, and let me tell you, her shop smells magnificent.
Here I have a goody-bag filled with naturally made toners, facial moisturizing creams, and a night facial cream. After using these products for about a week now, my skin feels refreshing and I think Isankofa Natural Skin Care for that! This shop is located in Willimantic, CT and you can check out her fantastic website by clicking this link.
Fun fact: Isankofa Natural Skin Care has its own vapor rub that is naturally made. Now you can pronounce and understand the ingredients in your new vapor rub!
I had the privilege of meeting Sahra, the founder of Isankofa Natural Skin Care. She is passionate about her products and it shows with the number of natural skin products in her line. She has products aimed at facial, skin, and general hygiene functions. She spoke with me about why she decided to begin this business and her motive is to provide affordable naturally made products for underprivileged groups so that they may be able to take care of their skin and are aware of the ingredients in the day to day products that they use on their face and skin. Your skin is your largest organ, Sahra said, and therefore you should take proper care of it.
Despite the comforting and rich scents in her shop, Sahra's products are not made with ingredients meant to enhance or change the natural scent of the items. All of her products are naturally scented, and let me tell you, her shop smells magnificent.
Here I have a goody-bag filled with naturally made toners, facial moisturizing creams, and a night facial cream. After using these products for about a week now, my skin feels refreshing and I think Isankofa Natural Skin Care for that! This shop is located in Willimantic, CT and you can check out her fantastic website by clicking this link.
Fun fact: Isankofa Natural Skin Care has its own vapor rub that is naturally made. Now you can pronounce and understand the ingredients in your new vapor rub!
OCTOBER 15, 2020
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Next up...Jewell Hart Naturals!
Jewell Hart Naturals is an all-natural skin care body healing company. Their products are made out of all-natural ingredients, like this amazing Mia's Hair Growth Oil that I have had the pleasure of using. The oils in this product include coconut, jojoba, olive, avocado, rosemary, grapeseed, and Jamaican black castor oil.
It is inspiring to have products for hair, skin and to cleanse your body that are natural and Black-owned! I can't wait to expand my horizons and try their other products that cater to body healing and growth. In the meantime, this hair oil is perfect for all hair types, especially natural hair! You can't go wrong with natural ingredients on natural hair.
Jewell Hart Naturals is based in Vernon, Connecticut. I highly recommend checking out their beautiful website for more information on the variety of products they provide...and check out their affordable prices while you're there! Click here to visit it now!
Jewell Hart Naturals is an all-natural skin care body healing company. Their products are made out of all-natural ingredients, like this amazing Mia's Hair Growth Oil that I have had the pleasure of using. The oils in this product include coconut, jojoba, olive, avocado, rosemary, grapeseed, and Jamaican black castor oil.
It is inspiring to have products for hair, skin and to cleanse your body that are natural and Black-owned! I can't wait to expand my horizons and try their other products that cater to body healing and growth. In the meantime, this hair oil is perfect for all hair types, especially natural hair! You can't go wrong with natural ingredients on natural hair.
Jewell Hart Naturals is based in Vernon, Connecticut. I highly recommend checking out their beautiful website for more information on the variety of products they provide...and check out their affordable prices while you're there! Click here to visit it now!
OCTOBER 8, 2020
Next stop...Purposeful Cakes!
This trip is one for the books! Even my roommate requested to come along with me to Brooklyn, CT to visit Elodia where she bakes and decorates elaborate cakes for any occasion! Elodia bakes for events such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and more! Her baked sweet treats are limitless and that is just how we like it. A little bit about Elodia from my meeting her: she found this creative hidden talent in 2018 (which is when I learned how to bake Betty Crocker cookies), she also began teaching and sharing her gift with others and wants to continue to do so. I look forward to taking one of her classes in the near future and enjoying the beauty of her sweet treats. The box I have here is only a sample box! Everything you see is edible and it was almost (emphasis on almost) too beautiful to eat. Each slice replicated a flavor you can request for your own cake, including German chocolate, vanilla pumpkin pie slice, marble, chocolate Reese's, red velvet and more! Click here to check out the Purposeful Cakes website for more information on what services she offers and how to order a cake of your own. |
OCTOBER 1, 2020
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Second stop...Carl's Barbeque and Jerk!
One can never have too much Jamaican/Caribbean cuisine! Carl's Barbecue & Jerk has all of the originals, from beef patties and jerk chicken to full dinner portions of your choice. This authentic restaurant filled with Caribbean flair and a taste of home is located in East Hartford, CT. Here you see me eyeballing a large dinner plate of oxtail and rice and beans. I had heard about Carl's even before checking out their Facebook page through ShopBlackCT.com, and the recognition was well deserved!
Check out all of their options on their menu through at this link.
One can never have too much Jamaican/Caribbean cuisine! Carl's Barbecue & Jerk has all of the originals, from beef patties and jerk chicken to full dinner portions of your choice. This authentic restaurant filled with Caribbean flair and a taste of home is located in East Hartford, CT. Here you see me eyeballing a large dinner plate of oxtail and rice and beans. I had heard about Carl's even before checking out their Facebook page through ShopBlackCT.com, and the recognition was well deserved!
Check out all of their options on their menu through at this link.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2020
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First stop...Perfect Poundcakes!
Have you ever had a banana split as a cupcake? How about sweet potato or better yet, chocolate bacon? The cupcakes and their flavor varieties at Perfect Poundcakes, located in East Hartford, Connecticut, are out of this world! Not to mention this family business is Black-owned.
Here is a picture of me with my first, and most definitely not last, banana pudding cupcake. This is a bakery full of firsts!
Find more info about Perfect Poundcakes at this link.
Have you ever had a banana split as a cupcake? How about sweet potato or better yet, chocolate bacon? The cupcakes and their flavor varieties at Perfect Poundcakes, located in East Hartford, Connecticut, are out of this world! Not to mention this family business is Black-owned.
Here is a picture of me with my first, and most definitely not last, banana pudding cupcake. This is a bakery full of firsts!
Find more info about Perfect Poundcakes at this link.