jessica Care moore: A Few of Her Favorite Places

Core memories shape who we will become, and our chosen homes define who we are. In her spoken word series, artist jessica Care moore reveals the essence of Pure Michigan that’s in her soul and invites travelers to come experience these places – and the people – for themselves. 

A bowl of coconut rice topped with grilled chicken
Baobab Fare| Photo Courtesy of Amy Eckert

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Detroit Dining

Baobab Fare – As refugees from Burundi, owners Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere wanted to bring the flavors of East Africa to their new home in Detroit. Since early 2021, the restaurant has earned accolades and a devoted following for its authentic fare like traditional nyumbani beef and mbuzi goat shank.

YumVillage serves up Afro-Caribbean cuisine in the historic North End neighborhood. Tempt your taste buds with everything from classic jerk chicken to West African–style maafe peanut stew, plus bottled juices made fresh in house.  

The Kitchen by Cooking with Que is a collaborative space known for its vegan soul food. Quiana “Que” Broden is dedicated to introducing plant-based food to vegans and meat eaters alike, and The Kitchen offers cooking classes, meal preps and complete meals.

Culture and Community

The Congregation has been an institution in the Boston Edison neighborhood for over 100 years. Housed in a former church, this red brick landmark was a Civil Rights hub and continues to be a spot for the local community to gather over coffee and cocktails.

Awake Café focuses on ethically sourced coffees and teas, with a menu of local bites including everyone’s favorite: handmade cinnamon buns.

Spot Lite provides a welcoming space for creativity and collaboration. By day it’s a local art gallery and coffee shop, and after dark it transforms into a club and music venue.

Detroit Institute of Arts is a celebrated artistic space as well as a perfect spot to grab a coffee and enjoy a quiet corner.   

Michigan Getaways 

Idlewild is an oasis on the Upper Peninsula that has historically been an enclave for Black communities. Since 1912, this relaxed retreat has offered a quiet respite where community and culture come together.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore stretches over 35 miles of freshwater coastline. Scramble up the soaring sand dunes that tower over Lake Michigan and visit lighthouses that watch over the waters.   

Petoskey State Park is a prime spot to gather up its namesake stones – an elusive rock made from fossilized coral that is unique to Michigan.  

Learn more about jessica Care moore in our exclusive Q&A about the artist’s inspirations and influences from her formative years in Detroit to her career that has spanned the globe.