Comfort food provides a memory from either Momma’s, Auntie’s or Granny’s cookin’. The smells and sounds of this kitchen stimulated my families memory of group cooking. The sweet smell of baked sweet potato, to the peppery scent of braised cabbage to the crackling sound of catfish in the cast iron skillet. Arkansas is known for comfort food, one being Southern cuisine. Southern food is traditionally influenced by African Americans along with the Irish, the French, and Native Americans etc.
Owner Eric, brought the memory of his Granny’s cookin’ from Arkansas to Los Angeles, California. She taught him how to cook comfort food for the family, which then lead to him cooking for the community. My inquisitive mom, longtime friend Emmanuel and his mother joined me on this food adventure! The business sign on the outside of the restaurant pays homage to Eric’s Granny, she spirit continues to live within the soul of the restaurant. Walking into the restaurant, my eyes were fascinated by the walls covered in artistic messages from the community. People from all walks of life have passed through their doors and their names will last for years to come.
Platter 1
I ordered Platter 1, the baked wing platter, which comes with 4 pieces of chicken, two sides and a cornbread. This platter should have included a side a sweet potato yams because the sweetness from the yams would have definitely balanced well with the black eyed peas and cabbage. (Side note: their black eyed peas, cabbage and greens are not cooked with any meat (if you are vegan, this is your new spot!).
Platter 2
Platter 3
Platter 4
For Platter 2, Chef Eric cooked the catfish with just a sprinkle of seasoning and black pepper for my mom. He took the time to accommodate all 4 of us, we definitely appreciated his patience. Emmanuel’s first bit of the sweet potato yams was an experience, he tilted his head back, closed his eyes went to dreamland and said, “these yams are fire!”
Our food was hot, didn’t miss a beat. About 30 mins into our meal, the patrons started coming, one after another. It was great to see the community support his restaurant. Eric provided a comfortable environment plus great tasting comfort food for the Soul, what more can you ask for?! He even sat down with us for a conversation and we had the chance to understand his vision for the current restaurant, plus he will be opening up a new Granny’s Kitchen in Riverside, California!
For more information on this restaurant call at (323) 231-2141.
Check out Granny’s Kitchen Southern Style Soul Food instagram page! Location 5440 S. Central Ave, Los Angeles, Ca 90011. Find Parking on the street.
When you have the chance to check out this restaurant, let them know that its’s a HippieSrirachaGirl invitation!
If you are a Food Explorer leave a comment below on the dish you have tried.
Cheers,
HSG