The Dish: Pay-What-You-Can lunch service at Honeysuckle

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- When you talk about Philadelphia's culinary scene, one name keeps making headlines and earning honors: Honeysuckle.

The chef-owners call it an Afro-centric experience, from what's on the plate to what fills the space. They just launched a pay-what-you-can lunch service so everyone can sit and soak in the joy of Black food traditions.

"We are tired, but excited," says chef and owner Omar Tate.

"It's a blessing, honestly," adds his wife and fellow chef-owner Cybille St. Aude-Tate. "It's like a dream come true."

At Honeysuckle on North Broad Street, it's clear that this couple isn't just serving food.

"We're telling stories and sharing culture and sharing histories," says Cybille. "To do it at this level, on this type of stage is really remarkable."

They opened this space last year, and the accolades started pouring in.

They were recommended by the Michelin Guide and made the list of Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurants in the country.

They also earned the title of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs, and received a prestigious James Beard Award Nomination, among other nods.

"It's exciting for us, it's exciting for Philly," says Omar. "I grew up here, and I didn't really seeing this kind of stuff going on."

"It feels like we have this responsibility to continue this work," says Cybille.

Food is at the heart of Omar and Cybille's love story.

"We actually met cooking at a food festival in Charleston, South Carolina," she recalls. "It was like love at first sight. It's always corny when we tell the story, but it's beautiful."

In 2022, they opened Honeysuckle Provisions, an Afrocentric grocery store and cafe in West Philadelphia.

When they moved to the spot on North Broad, they wanted to make sure their faithful felt supported.

"We just started this pay-what-you-can lunch program," says Cybille. "Folks can come in, and you have an option of paying $20, $35, or $55."

The menu features produce from the farm they share in Bucks County.

"The team gets to go to the farm and kind of help plant and harvest," Cybille explains. "We also get to have fun and experiment, and be really curious about ancestral crops and seeds from war-torn countries."

All of this is steeped in their mission.

"Honeysuckle, we always say it's more than a restaurant," she says. "It is a literal cultural preservation space. When you walk in, you see an altar that has the faces of folks that have influenced us. We're bringing them into our space to hold reverence for them."

The space also serves as a sort of archive.

"We're collecting so many different aspects of Black culture, but specifically Black food culture," she adds.

And with each dish that comes out of their kitchen, Omar and Cybille say they finally see themselves on a plate.

"This is a place for art, a place for gathering, a place for learning and sharing, and just a place to have fun," says Omar.

For more information, visit: HoneysucklePHL.com.