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Get Your Southern Comfort Food Fix at Soul 2 Soul

Get Your Southern Comfort Fix at Soul 2 Soul

By Marsha Wilson Rappaport

Soul Food is a southern tradition that has only recently gotten its “props” when the Food Channel started highlighting “regional cuisine”. For those of us who grew up with Grandmas from the south, soul food was a necessary part of life. Ouida Cook, knows the experience and brings those tasty memories back each and every time you drop into her “Soul 2 Soul Café” in Galveston.

“My Grandma taught me how to cook, when I would go “home” to see the family in Mississippi during the summer”, said Cook. Moreover, her father takes cooking so seriously that he built a professional kitchen in his garage!

That lineage shines in each bite of any meal you purchase at her restaurant on 31st and Market Street on the Island.

Fried Ribs?

Cook’s Fried Ribs stand-out the minute you look at the menu. I am a true Texas sparerib aficionado and I literally had never heard of “fried ribs”. To be honest, I was a bit frightened – the description seemed to indicate the kind of food decadence that would lead to addiction.

Despite my fears, I immediately bought a plate and sat down to eat. What can I say? They were moist, tender and covered with a mild, richly seasoned sauce.

“This is my father’s secret sauce”, said Cook.

Apparently, her father shared the recipe for this unique interpretation of traditional spare ribs and the results were as I feared “addictive”. I did take comfort in the fact that I wasn’t alone. May, a regular customer stated the Fried Ribs were “so good you could bite your finger”. Her friend Clara and half of the folks within earshot all nodded their heads.

Other customers like Angela raved about the Smothered Pork Chops. Quincy explained that he came in regularly for the “fall off the bone” Oxtails.

“The food here is soulful – it keeps you grounded”, said Quincy.

Customer Shedrick said: “I found soul food heaven – it remains me of Grandma”.

High on the list favorites list for customers Owen and Shirley included the Fried Fish and Meatloaf.

The Fried Fish at Soul 2 Soul is flawlessly prepared. The corn meal battered surfaces have that perfect crunch we all crave. The centers are moist and the pieces generous.

Flash-Back Side Dishes

The side dishes at Soul 2 Soul are just as evocative as the entrees. The cabbage and Mac and Cheese with my Fried Ribs were a trip back to my BOI Grandma’s kitchen. I am very peculiar about Potato Salad, but Ms. Cook’s lush, lightly seasoned version had me at first bite. The Corn Muffins are fluffy, flavorful and large. I tried the Peach Cobbler for dessert. The Peach Cobbler was filled with large peaches – not “faked” with dough. Moreover, she seasoned the dish generously so you could really taste the cinnamon and other spices.

Come On Down

The menu at Soul 2 Soul includes a host of other southern favorites included Gumbo, Chicken Wings, Yams, Corn, Collard Greens, Banana Pudding and More. There are daily specials and most prices are under $10. Soul 2 Soul is open until 8 p.m.; the will cater your event and they have a delivery service.

Drop in – your new southern comfort food connection awaits at Soul 2 Soul Café.

Soul 2 Soul Café
3104 Market Street
Galveston, Texas 77550
(409) 539-4351

Link:
www.Soul2Soul-Galveston.com
On Facebook: Soul2Soul
Hours: Monday – Friday
11: OO AM – 8 PM
Call for Delivery: Chef 2 U Delivery:

(409) 273-4009
CATERING AVAILABLE

Special Thanks to Charles McCullough

/CMC Communications for sponsoring this story:
http://www.cmcbroadcasting.com/

Our First "Encourage" Movie on You Tube. Special Thanks to Charles McCullough of CMC Communications for sponsoring Ms. Ouida Cook, Owner/Chef of "Soul 2 Soul Cafe".

Island ETC: Season 15

2017-2018

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By Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick

Concept Created by Seth Rudetsky & Drew Geraci

Additional Material by Drew Geraci

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Sunday Matinees on July 30 and August 6

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By Laura Eason

September 15-October 2, 2017

Sunday Matinee on September 24