If you love a good time, feeling of a sense of community, and great food, TaMara and Cydney Johnson are two special and exquisite individuals to get acquainted with. The two Southern California natives are sisters who launched their newest venture, a Los Angeles-based soul food supper club called NeverMeasure. NeverMeasure, a bi-monthly series, is a modern ode to the Black/African diasporic community and its cuisine.
The concept of NeverMeasure was inspired by their grandparents, Grandma Honey and Grandpa Gilbert, who were the chefs of the family. From a young age, the sisters, who are only a year apart, were always in the kitchen learning how to cook alongside them. They taught TaMara and Cydney the importance of community, healthy eating, and to do everything with soul and intention. According to the sisters, their grandparents “didn’t measure utilizing the metric system, they measured utilizing their energy,” hence the origin of the name NeverMeasure.
TaMara and Cydney took what they learned from their grandparents, added their own flavor, and have since created a safe space for their community, to not only indulge and enjoy soul food, but to do so with intention and through food education. They insist, “building sustainable traditions for our community and making sure our community is educated is important to us.”
The food is prepared and made by the sisters, who also share knowledge with the community in regards to what kinds of food are good for our blood type and ancestral genes (the black community in particular). For example, it’s common for Black women to experience anemia, so they encourage eating more red meat to make up for the lack of iron. The sisters emphasize the importance of intentional eating, and strongly promote that NeverMeasure is not a “vegan-friendly” zone as their ancestors ate meat. The sisters believe that one doesn’t have to be vegan to eat with intention, however, knowing where your food is sourced from, understanding your family’s blood lineage, and practicing a healthy balance is key.
I had the pleasure of attending Never Measure Vol. II on a beautiful and sunny Sunday afternoon, and it was an experience that was soul fulfilling. The latest supper club was a soul food brunch experience held on their Grandmother Honey’s birthday. Given that the collective was inspired by her, it was a full-circle moment in that they were able to curate such an event to honor their grandmother on her birthday. The event was sponsored by Fierce & Kind, Martha Stouman Wines, EJ Creations & Event Planning, and My House Events.
Vol. II was an experience that brought together friends, family, and new connections. Holding the crowd over during cocktail hour was Young&Co Libations as they took care of mixing and serving delicious drinks. The drink menu consisted of Cantaloupe Martinis, Kentucky Bucks, and White Sangrias.
The menu for Vol. II was inspired by their ancestors, elders & fav local eats. Guests started out with oysters as appetizers. The ladies then brought out the first course which was a refreshing cara cara salad consisting of manzanita olives, mint, blue cheese, and vinaigrette. Next up was the main course which consisted of juicy jerk chicken and sweet plantain waffles with mango thyme chutney, giving a sweet savory combo that our taste buds happily enjoyed. Lastly, for dessert, guests were treated to a mouth watering ginger blackberry poached plum with honey whip as well as a chocolate covered coconut lime sorbet bar to cool us down.
Every dish truly gave what needed to be given! But what made the event so intentional and intimate was that while each dish was brought out, the sisters would present the backstory as to what inspired each dish, as well as opening the floor up for the guests to ask any questions or share their thoughts. It was many of the guests’ first time meeting one another, however, everyone was so inviting and friendly. Holding the open discussion served as an opportunity for everyone to partake in conversation with one another.
TaMara and Cydney’s first event was another unforgettable experience. Held at the beginning of the summer, the sisters curated a space for their community to dance, drink, and of course eat good quality food. The menu was also filled with mouth-watering dishes that all stemmed from some sort of memory from the sister’s lives. The braised short ribs and grits were inspired by TaMara’s visit to New Orleans on her 23rd birthday where she’d first had the dish. The house shoe bread was their mother’s biscuit recipe growing up, and the blood orange cheesecake was inspired by their grandmother’s love of a citrusy dessert.
TaMara and Cydney also brought on board a collective of Black creatives for Vol. I to help bring their vision to life. Honorable mentions include Jonathan Anderson who provided the event planning and decor, Nandi George who captured the whole event on film, DJ Chinua on the 1’s & 2’s, and Young&Co Libations who provided the bartending experience. Their supportive mother also visited from Vegas to help the ladies prepare for the event. It was an all around family affair, and one that the sisters plan to continue providing the LA scene every other month. “We’re just really excited to highlight black excellence in the food and beverage industry.”
Through experiencing NeverMeasure, attendees leave the experience feeling inspired. Inspired to embark on their own food journey, reflect on what their food journey has been like, and where they’d like it to go. Through sharing their family’s dynamic and history with others, the sisters hope that people are left inspired to respect and honor their ancestors and community more.
With Cydney’s background in studying herbalism and nutrition, TaMara’s previous food experience, and the sisters overall always being responsible for hosting dinner parties for their loved ones, NeverMeasure is truly a rewarding full circle moment for the sisters. It serves as a testament of never giving up on their dreams, and ultimately benefiting from that.
TaMara and Cydney are the embodiment of what their ancestors represented. Through NeverMeasure, they’re keeping alive the importance of love, family, community, and tradition in the Black and African Diasporic community. Talk about “serving” Black Girl Magic!
