Jared Leaf
Director · Host · Producer
Read biography →Taste Black Portland · A feature documentary
In post-production · Community screenings 2027
FOOD.
PORTLAND.
HOME.
Portland is one of America’s great food cities. But there’s another side of its food story waiting to be explored.
Step inside the kitchens, farms, and late-night spots of Black Portland with filmmaker Jared Leaf. Meet the chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs creating incredible food, building businesses, and bringing people together.
Big flavors. Unforgettable personalities. Plenty of surprises.
Come hungry. Leave connected.
Food is the vehicle. Portland is the world. Home is the destination.
Hosted + Directed by
Jared Leaf
Produced by Black Bald Films + Ninety Third Story
The Film
BLACK PORTLAND. ALIVE WITH FLAVOR.
Black chefs, farmers, and entrepreneurs are shaping Portland’s food culture right now. Taste Black Portland gives their creativity, businesses, and personalities the spotlight.
Jared Leaf takes us inside this world: sharing meals, hearing stories, and sometimes stepping into work he has never done before. The people he meets set the pace. The encounters bring humor, surprises, and a connection that grows more personal along the way.
This is Black life being documented while it’s happening—and an invitation to come experience it.
People & Places
THE COMMUNITY
IS THE STORY.
Meet the people growing, cooking, and creating across Black Portland. Follow their stories through the film, then find a place to visit on the map.
01
ROOTS.
What do we carry with us? Land, migration, memory and the food that connects generations.
02
BUILDING BLACK PORTLAND.
Meet the entrepreneurs putting their ideas to work through food. These stories bring together skill, innovation, humor, and the communities they serve.
Portland roots · Chinatown · After hours
Lola's Bussdown
Read the story →
Comedy · Hustle · Humility
Stoopid Burger
Read the story →
Craft · Elegance · Ownership
Olive or Twist
Read the story →
Civic life · Community · Black Portland
KISS Coffee / Lakayana
Read the story →
Vegan soul food · Innovation · The future
CoKiea’s Kitchen
Read the story →
Food as dignity · Care · Community
Meals 4 Heels
Read the story →03 · Beyond the Plate
SOME CONNECTIONS STAY WITH YOU.
Some encounters stay with you long after the meal. As Jared’s journey continues, the flavors and conversations begin to connect with his own life.
Get screening updates →Inside the film
A CLOSER LOOK.
A few moments from the film. Explore each story for more photos.
The city beyond the screen
TAKE THE STORY
INTO PORTLAND.
To Black travelers across the country and around the world: there is a community here, incredible food to try, and entrepreneurs creating something of their own. Come meet them. Explore the restaurants and neighborhood guides, and plan your own visit.
The filmmakers
BEHIND THE CAMERA.
Dru Holley
Executive Producer · Producer
Read biography & producer’s statement →
Maria Moreno
Producer
Read biography →
Nuk Suwanchote
Director of Photography
Read biography →
Desert Island Studios
Post-production
Read biography →
Iana Amauba
Animation & Motion Design
Read biography →
Omari Jazz
Composer · Original Music
Read biography →Our sponsors & supporters
WITH SUPPORT FROM.
The organizations and donors helping bring this film to the screen.
1803 Fund
MESO
Travel Oregon
Travel Portland
Prosper PortlandAmplify Portland · Events & Film Office
Oregon FilmImpact Grant · Pathways · Production incentives
Multnomah County
Meyer Memorial TrustStaff giving & matching gifts through Lion SpeaksThe Oliva FamilyFilm sponsors
MenuMingleOfficial Interactive Menu Partner
Fiscal sponsor
Lion SpeaksWith thanks to our individual donors and matching-gift contributors.
Stay at the table
BE PART OF WHAT’S NEXT.
Get email updates about Taste Black Portland screenings and the film’s release.
More food, people and moments from the film.
Follow @tasteblackportland ↗Help bring the story to the screen
Support the film
Contribute through Lion Speaks, our fiscal sponsor.
Donate through Lion Speaks ↗Donations are handled on Lion Speaks’ website.
