Let’s be clear: supporting Black-owned businesses whenever possible, including restaurants, should be part of your year-round routine. But given that now through August 30 is Portland’s official Support Black-Owned Restaurants Week, there’s no better time to direct your takeout budget toward one or more of the 141 local restaurants listed on ILoveBlackFood.com, a directory of Portland-area Black-owned businesses.

Every day, participants are encouraged to follow a different theme. Monday’s was West African food, while Tuesday’s was Caribbean food. Wednesday’s theme is East African food, and Thursday’s will be soul food and barbecue. Friday features fusion food; that afternoon also kicks off the week’s capstone events: a pre-ordered, to-go dinner from Sri Lankan pop-up Mirisata, and a performance of live, “soulful” music at Amalfi’s Restaurant & Mercato with all-outdoor seating by the new Rosie PDX mural; beer, wine and cocktails to sip on; and to-go options. 

The weekend is dedicated to brunch, pop-ups, and outdoor dining, highlighting spots including Nacheaux Food Truck, Fuel Cafe, and Po’Shines Cafe De La Soul. There’ll also be a number of special pop-ups over the weekend, including a pound cake station from Lucille and Annie’s Poundcakes at the Alberta Co-op, a collaboration between Trap Kitchen and The Black Mannequin clothing, and a seafood dinner at Gourmet Brothers Grill. The weekend wraps up with a Sunday outdoor dinner, complete with more soulful music, at Amalfi’s.

For full details: iloveblackfood.com/support-black-restaurants-week-2020