Nothing is better than entering an atmosphere filled with the comforting joy of a hot, home-cooked meal.
On Saturday, September 7, in South Holland, the “Taste of Black Excellence” was hosted by Chef Ora, the founder of Café 322 Urban Bistro.
This annual dinner has grown into a much-anticipated celebration of culture, cuisine, and creativity, with every dish telling its own story.
The evening was stunning, with a diverse array of flavors in each cuisine, accompanied by a sense of laughter, entertainment, faith, and heartfelt reflections on Chef Ora, alongside her esteemed chefs and vendors. It was a culinary showcase, a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and community.
“God is so good,” Chef Ora shared with deep emotion. “Seriously, this is such a season of overflow.”
The event also carried the spirit of sisterhood in the kitchen, as three dynamic Black female chefs joined Chef Ora. Chef Nicole Henry, CEO and Head Chef of Chicky’s Kitchen Creations in Evanston, brought her bold flavors and passion for hospitality. Chef Judith Coakley, Owner and Head Chef of Jamerica Catering in Aurora, shared her unique cultural influences through her cooking. And Chef Lady Turner, who also serves as Pastor of Truth and Faith Missionary Baptist Church, prepared dishes infused with inspiration and love.
Altogether, they brought not only unforgettable meals to the table but also powerful stories of perseverance and purpose.
Chef Ora’s journey didn’t begin with culinary school. Her passion was developed in her grandmother’s kitchen, where her soul was refined by the elegance of fine dining she experienced as a child. “I would always watch my grandmother cook, and I just fell in love with her dishes,” she recalls. “I didn’t realize how deeply that was shaping me.”
Life tested Ora in countless ways. She faced challenges early on and carried the weight of many roles, often putting herself last. In time, she found her way back, stronger, wiser, and more grounded than ever. “I lost myself trying to keep everything together,” she reflects. “I wasn’t giving anything back to me.”
Her reawakening began in 2016 when she launched her first brand, Culinary Aspects. A layoff in 2018 pushed her further toward cooking, though fear caused her to step back. But when another layoff came in 2022, she knew it was time to leap into her calling.
“That year, I went on a complete fast. It was all God. He said: Now is the time I knew there was more in me; I just had to stop playing it safe.”
From that leap of faith came Café 322 Urban Bistro, a full-service catering, personal chef, and meal prep company in the Chicago suburbs.
Ora’s vision stretches beyond feeding people. “I thought I wanted a restaurant, but what I really want is a space where chefs can grow. A place where we all shine.”
That vision excels through Taste of Black Excellence, with mentorship and collaborations with other culinary creatives and entrepreneurs.
“This event is about more than food; it’s about culture, family, and community. It’s about gathering around the table, breaking bread, and lifting each other, even if just for a few hours.”
She takes every detail seriously, especially food safety and etiquette.
“You can’t play with food safety. One mistake can cost someone their life. I make sure my team takes cleanliness and allergen awareness seriously. Flavor matters, but so does responsibility.”
Her family stands as her strongest support system, with her children and grandchildren lending a hand at events. “That kind of support is priceless,” she says.
The dishes themselves tell stories. Among her most memorable creations are the jackfruit sliders she once prepared live on WGN. “Listen, she laughs, those jackfruit sliders? Life-changing. They’re vegan, but full of flavor.”
For guests who prefer non-vegan options, her signature egg rolls never fail to impress.
Looking ahead, Chef Ora is prepared for features while also being honored at the 2026 OutCast Awards as this year’s Boundary Breaker recognition. “It means everything to be recognized for something that started from pain and turned into purpose. I had no idea I was even nominated. But it confirms I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Through Café 322 Urban Bistro and Taste of Black Excellence, Ora and her network of vendors and food collaborators are nourishing both body and soul.
“This isn’t just my moment,” she says. “It’s a moment for all of us.”
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