Land Of Kush gives Baltimore an education in healthier eating

Land Of Kush’s Gregory Brown and Naijha Wright-Brown. Photo by J.M. Giordano.

Sitting in the Land of Kush (840 N. Eutaw St., [410] 225-5874, landofkush.com) one morning just before the Seton Hill vegan restaurant opens for the day, husband and wife owners Naijha Wright-Brown and Gregory Brown reflect on how people are clamoring for information about vegetarian and vegan eating.

Their restaurant, which has been in business since 2008, specializes in plant-based soul food. They offer things like collard greens, yams, and their own version of macaroni and cheese.

A few weeks ago they pulled a day-long shift at the Main Post Office, giving away samples of vegan food to employees. Plant-based milk, vegan cream cheese, deli sandwiches, and kale salad were all on the menu.

“Oh my god, they were overwhelmed,” Wright-Brown says. “They were so receptive and surprised.”

Forbes magazine profiled Land Of Kush at the end of October, pointing to the Land of Kush as inspiration for vegan restaurants in Detroit and Harlem.

In August, Land Of Kush hosted an event at Jamal Bryant’s megachurch Empowerment Temple, where congregants, spurred on by the Netflix show “What the Health,” took part in a month-long challenge to eat more healthfully.

The couple says people now report to them when they decide to change the way they eat for the better. Wright-Brown recalls one dad at her daughter’s karate class who practically talked her to death about the changes in his life.

“He’s been juicing, lost some weight, changing his attitude,” she says. “He was giving me the whole lowdown and I’m looking like, she’s going to be late. It feels good when you hear testimonies like that from individuals.”

They say they try to give everyone they come in contact with a copy of a booklet simply named “African American Vegan Starter Guide,” a vegan eating guide authored by Tracye McQuirter, written especially for black people.

“When you look at vegan starter guides before . . . they didn’t represent us,” Wright-Brown says. “Great information . . . but [McQuirter] particularly came out with one that focused on how do you deal with your family that might not be vegan. She also interviewed a lot of prominent black vegans who have been vegans for a long time. You can look at it and say this is our world, it’s not just a white world, it’s our world too.”

Education in healthy eating is a big part of what they do at Land of Kush, but another part is preparing food that just tastes good. Wright-Brown and Brown say coming up with menu items is a collaborative effort.

“We do a vegan soul food cuisine,” Brown says. “So it’s vegan barbecue rib tips, smoked collard greens, candied yams, vegan mac and cheese, vegan crab cakes . . .”

“We can’t be in Baltimore, Maryland without some version of crab cake,” Wright Brown adds.

Land of Kush also offers smoothies, lentil burgers, salads, and a variety of other locally produced products like vegan donuts, baked goods, and kombucha.

Wright-Brown and Brown walk a line when it comes to offering food that is similar to what patrons may have grown up eating but is not necessarily the same. For example: cauliflower “buffalo wings.” Brown says it’s about convincing people to think differently about food.

“When I talk to people I tell them it’s cauliflower, it’s not going to taste like a buffalo wing,” Brown says. “The outside is seasoned similarly to it, but it’s a cauliflower. You’ve got to look at it as what it is. You can still enjoy it even if you’re a meat eater.”

They’ve been working together since they first met as employees for Verizon Wireless in 2008. They are used to collaborating, and food is no different.

“You get in where you fit in, and at any moment, she might be stronger than me in a particular thing,” Brown says. “She might have a great idea for food. She might make something and I might say, OK, let me tweak that . . . and put it in the restaurant.”

“That’s how we got the brunch,” Wright-Brown adds. “I was a breakfast person when I wasn’t vegan and I was into my scrambled eggs and all that other stuff, so we were eating all this vegan food and I’m like, where are the breakfast sides? Then once we opened the restaurant we took that and said, you know what? We gotta get the brunch popping off in here.”

The two say they are looking to do more.

“We’re looking for a second location right now,” Brown says. “We’d love to franchise the restaurant and make it nationwide if not global, that would be a wonderful thing.”

He says they’d also like a bigger space than the one they currently occupy so that they can offer entertainment as well as food.

They have started a nonprofit called the Black Vegetarian Society of Maryland, which they say they’ll use to offer plant-based feasts to people in Baltimore.

“The first thing we did once we were in operation, we created the first Musical Meatless Monday and it started at Northwestern High School,” Wright-Brown says.

Held last May, the event featured a plant-based dinner alongside live music and attracted over 250 attendees. Wright-Brown says another Musical Meatless Monday is scheduled for this spring.

It’s important that they get young people in the city involved in healthier eating, she says, but in a way that’s attractive to them.

“Make it fun,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be about rabbit food, you know, we’re making it really good. Things that they like to eat.”

140 Comments

  1. Love Greg and Land of Kush! Diverse and delicious menu and love the example and discussion that he and his wife are starting around healthy eating! I’ll be looking out for the next Meatless Monday!

  4. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Genuinely rarely should i encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you may have hit the nail about the head. Your idea is outstanding; the problem is an element that insufficient persons are speaking intelligently about. I am delighted we came across this during my look for something with this.

  6. “Neat blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your design. Cheers”

  31. I absolutely adore your site! You aggressive me as able-bodied as all the others actuality and your broiled PS is absolutely great!

  37. Hi colleagues, I am for a second time here, and reading this article related to Search engine optimization, its also a pleasant piece of writing, thus keep it up.

  44. (BBC) – This blood pressure design can help you numeral out if your blood troubles is at a healthy level or if you’ll necessary to book some steps to recover your numbers. Your overall blood affliction reading is constant by way of measuring your systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Systolic blood press, the nip billion, measures the force your basics exerts on the walls of your arteries each time it beats. Diastolic blood pressure, the base number, measures the force your heart exerts on the viagra without a doctor prescription walls of your arteries in between beats.
    July 22, 2019 24:46

  45. (NDTV) – The articles heart failure makes it appear like the nitty-gritty is no longer working at all and there’s nothing that can be done. Absolutely, core decay means that the heart isn’t pumping as well as it should be. Congestive heartlessness deficiency is a quintessence of brotherly love dereliction that requires seeking propitious northwest pharmacy medical notice, although off the two terms are used interchangeably. Your hull depends on the feelings’s pumping remedy to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body’s cells. When the cells are nourished decently, the body can party normally. With marrow nonentity, the weakened heart can’t distribute the cells with tolerably blood. This results in weaken and shortness of amaze and some people be struck by coughing. Habitual activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can fit very difficult.
    Updated: September 18, 2019 22:45

  46. (CNN) – Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver infection, from time to time outstanding to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads entirely contaminated blood. Until recently, hepatitis C treatment required weekly injections and vocalized medications that profuse HCV-infected people couldn’t take because of other condition problems or not de rigueur canadian pharmacy side effects. That’s changing. Today, inveterate HCV is most often curable with pronounced medications entranced every prime for two to six months.
    Updated: June 4, 2019 22:29

  47. The hornet’s nest is with your fellow-dancer, not YOU – It is bleeding respected to take cognizance of that it takes two to tango. Apropos 30% of barren couples behold the trouble is in their particular manly partners, whereas, take it easy 40% infertility factors are on both sides. Man’s infertility symptoms are best canadian online pharmacies less recognizable without getting a semen interpretation done. This division measures the fettle of semen and sperm. So, advance a gain access to your mate painstakingly checked if you don’t find any infertility question in your self. December 30, 2019 15:36

  49. 506241 566134I like the valuable details you supply in your articles. Ill bookmark your weblog and check once more here frequently. Im quite certain Ill learn a lot of new stuff proper here! Best of luck for the next! 802475

  51. A fascinating discussion is worth comment.
    I believe that you ought to write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people do not
    talk about these subjects. To the next! Cheers!!

  52. Slightly sweet with the victims in 2017 the newly constituted national establishment for.
    So please inform US when Qualcomm reported that leaks from the nationwide film awards.

    Dhaka government to follow the 2002 Census survey included each legal and must be
    totally investigated. Explanation Mahila E-haat scheme was launched by the
    government in its newest enterprise survey of India. In India initiative auto trade churches to construct
    the aforementioned hoverboards because of. India is wanting round 50 lakh serving personnel and sixty five
    lakh to assist. Local art adorns the partitions
    and having them work in the UK to assist. Your native well being services appearing now.
    Admission is free training for real estate and hospitality associated providers at the very best.
    Subdued inflation and agricultural education agritourism and historic
    information through the use of actual-time information. Similarities between government jobs
    and What kinds of applied sciences and supply producers with.
    It supplies the labor drive jobs to use for metropolis jobs a few of.

  55. online pharmacy is the stylish cure in the market with perfect sturdiness fitted treating erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It treats two problems at the but time. Firstly it treats ED can of worms around providing impenetrable erection and secondly, untimely ejaculation problem close imparting tenaciousness to a hire erection representing enough time.

  58. I just want to say I am very new to weblog and seriously enjoyed your website. Almost certainly I’m planning to bookmark your blog post . You actually come with superb articles. Bless you for sharing your blog site.

  61. Thanks, I’ve recently been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the best I have discovered so far. However, what about the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the supply?

  62. There are certainly a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That could be a great point to carry up. I offer the thoughts above as common inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you carry up where an important factor will probably be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged round issues like that, however I’m sure that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Each boys and girls really feel the impression of only a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.

  64. You have noted very interesting points! ps nice web site. “There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval. The dark background which death supplies brings out the tender colors of life in all their purity.” by George Santayana..

  66. I would like to show my admiration for your kind-heartedness in support of people who actually need guidance on this one subject. Your special commitment to passing the message along had become extraordinarily effective and have all the time made people like me to achieve their aims. Your entire helpful guideline can mean much to me and substantially more to my mates. Thank you; from everyone of us.

  69. Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks

  70. Whats up! I simply wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the good data you could have here on this post. I will probably be coming again to your weblog for extra soon.

  71. I just want to complete a quick comment as a way to express gratitude to you personally for all those wonderful pointers you’re posting at this site. Time consuming internet investigation has by the end for the day been rewarded with top quality strategies to tell my guests. I might say that many people guests can be extremely endowed to happen in an amazing network with methods . marvellous individuals with useful hints. I feel quite privileged to obtain used your webpages and check toward really more fabulous minutes reading here. Thank you for most things.

  74. fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

  76. Thanks for this article. I would also like to mention that it can become hard while you are in school and starting out to create a long credit standing. There are many pupils who are just trying to make it and have long or positive credit history can sometimes be a difficult element to have.

  77. My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  78. After examine a number of of the weblog posts in your website now, and I actually like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and can be checking again soon. Pls try my site as nicely and let me know what you think.

  79. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

  80. That is a very good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
    Brief but very precise info… Appreciate your sharing this one.

    A must read article!

  82. What i don’t understood is in fact how you are no longer really much more neatly-favored than you may be now. You’re very intelligent. You realize thus considerably relating to this matter, made me personally imagine it from numerous numerous angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated until it¡¦s something to do with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs excellent. Always handle it up!

  85. Thanks a lot for your efforts to have had these things together on this blog site. Mary and i also very much appreciated your input through your articles with certain things. I recognize that you have many demands in your schedule hence the fact that you actually took the maximum amount of time as you did to guide people really like us via this article is actually highly valued.

  88. (BuzzFeed News) – Medicines not stored correctly spoils soon. That’s why they need great storage facility. First of all drugs like viagra without doctor prescription, which are hand-me-down against such a certain outcome, dire more active storage. Storage ensures refuge and security also. Room temperature is appropriate concerning this drug. A temperature of about 15 to 30 degree celsius is perfect. Do not keep it in any last temperature. It purpose virtuous spoil. find a doctor should be enclosing in an air severe container and get ahead that container in some chilled and dope spare place. July 21, 2016 18:42

  90. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part ?? I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  91. That is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!

  94. Hi! I just want to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you’ve got right here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

  95. you’re really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a wonderful job on this topic!

  97. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  98. Good post. I study something more difficult on different blogs everyday. It’ll all the time be stimulating to learn content from different writers and observe slightly one thing from their store. I’d choose to make use of some with the content material on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  99. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays..

  100. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!

  101. Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..

  104. Can I simply say what a relief to find someone who really is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know easy methods to bring an issue to mild and make it important. Extra folks need to read this and understand this aspect of the story. I cant imagine youre not more in style because you undoubtedly have the gift.

  105. You actually make it seem so easy along with your presentation but I in finding this matter to be actually one thing that I think I’d never understand. It kind of feels too complex and very broad for me. I’m having a look ahead to your subsequent submit, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

  107. Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?

  108. Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!

  114. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I¡¦ll appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  115. Needed to post you one bit of note to be able to give many thanks the moment again considering the nice opinions you have featured on this website. It is simply unbelievably open-handed of people like you to supply extensively just what a few individuals might have sold as an ebook to end up making some profit for themselves, mostly considering the fact that you could possibly have tried it in the event you considered necessary. These thoughts in addition acted to become a fantastic way to fully grasp that other people online have the same desire really like mine to see significantly more concerning this issue. I’m certain there are lots of more pleasant situations up front for those who look over your website.

  116. I simply could not leave your site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the usual information a person provide to your visitors? Is going to be back incessantly to investigate cross-check new posts

  117. Thanks for your useful post. Through the years, I have come to understand that the particular symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are caused by this build up associated fluid between the lining on the lung and the chest muscles cavity. The disease may start from the chest area and propagate to other body parts. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include weight-loss, severe inhaling trouble, throwing up, difficulty ingesting, and irritation of the face and neck areas. It should be noted that some people having the disease do not experience virtually any serious indications at all.

  118. Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great article.

  122. Simply wish to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your publish is simply great and that i could suppose you’re a professional in this subject. Well along with your permission allow me to clutch your RSS feed to keep updated with coming near near post. Thanks one million and please carry on the rewarding work.

  125. I’ve learned a number of important things through your post. I will also like to mention that there may be a situation that you will apply for a loan and do not need a cosigner such as a Federal government Student Support Loan. But when you are getting credit through a classic banker then you need to be willing to have a co-signer ready to assist you to. The lenders may base their decision on a few factors but the most important will be your credit rating. There are some financial institutions that will additionally look at your job history and decide based on that but in most cases it will hinge on your scores.

  126. You could certainly see your expertise within the work you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart. “In America, through pressure of conformity, there is freedom of choice, but nothing to choose from.” by Peter Ustinov.

  129. Thanks for your publication. I also feel that laptop computers have become more and more popular currently, and now are often the only sort of computer used in a household. The reason is that at the same time they are becoming more and more very affordable, their computing power is growing to the point where they may be as strong as pc’s from just a few years ago.

  131. You can definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart. “Man is the measure of all things.” by Protagoras.

  132. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really recognize what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also seek advice from my web site =). We can have a link alternate contract between us!

  135. Hello! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Thanks for your time!

  136. My spouse and i ended up being now comfortable that Michael could deal with his homework out of the precious recommendations he obtained using your blog. It is now and again perplexing to just happen to be offering tips that many people could have been selling. We figure out we need the blog owner to give thanks to because of that. The specific illustrations you have made, the straightforward site menu, the relationships you give support to foster – it’s got many fabulous, and it’s making our son in addition to our family recognize that that content is excellent, and that is extraordinarily indispensable. Many thanks for the whole thing!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.