Chef Michele

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am Michele Wilson, I’m originally from Philadelphia, but moved here in the early 90s to Petersburg, VA. I worked in Corporate America, but always had a fondness for cooking and culinary, so I eventually found my way to opening my own restaurant, Ma Michele’s Cafe.

Describe Richmond. 
Rich, Complex, Historic.

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From sun up to sun down, what’s your ideal day in RVA?
Being a business owner, I spend a lot of time in my restaurant. I love Ma Michele’s, but everyone needs a break. What I love about [the Richmond region] is that any part of town can transcend you into a different place and time. Going downtown reminds me so much of Philadelphia, especially the Jackson Ward neighborhood. I love spending time down there, especially when I could dine at the original Croaker’s Spot that was down there. I love the Black History Museum and Cultural Center. As far as entertainment, I’m a big fan of radio and TV, particularly the Black radio stations. I love the 3 Guys Talking Smack radio show. They’re three lifelong friends who enjoy music. They get together, play music, and entertain listeners by entertaining each other. 

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What would you say is Richmond’s best kept secret? 
Other than Ma Michele's? Southside and Chesterfield County don’t get enough credit. South of the James River, we have a lot going on and Black owned businesses that are thriving and surviving. The Arts Community Center is a Black-Owned community center. It’s incredible what they’re doing over there. I set up roots in Chesterfield because of the people here. I’m sitting at LBJ’s Traditionz Smokehouse off Jefferson Davis Highway, and the cheesesteaks here are phenomenal. I’m from Philadelphia, and they really knock it out the park here. 

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BLK RVA is all about supporting the thriving Black businesses and culture in the Richmond region and encouraging tourists to do the same. What’s one thing every visitor MUST do/see when they come to our region?
Every visitor must participate in the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience if they can. I haven’t been to many other restaurants because I’m working so hard here at Ma Michele’s, but because of Richmond Black Restaurant Experience, I’ve been introduced to lots of great places around town.

Visitors also need to learn about our history. My grandmother was born in Petersburg, so I’ve been able to learn about all the history we have here. The Richmond region is so rich in history, and we’ve got so many ways to enjoy the music, culture, and food.

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You live in Chesterfield. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re staying close to home? 
I love the parks out here. I love outdoors and being in nature, so I take my two little dogs and we go jumping around in the park. I also love dining in the local cafes here. If you go a little further out, we have the Metro Richmond Zoo here and the Chesterfield Berry Farm. There are just so many things to do here in Chesterfield; we don’t get enough credit.

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When we say the name BLK RVA, what does that mean to you?
It means being a part of something bigger. Through BLK RVA, Black business is enhanced and encouraged. This movement is wanted, and it’s needed. I know it’ll continue to bring our culture and our people together. A part of being a transplant here and falling in love with Richmond is recognizing that within our culture, there’s a need to unify and extend the olive branch to bridge our businesses. This way, we can really work together to get things done.