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SoulFood Quest: Motor City Soul Food

Being a small town boy who grew up in the country, one thing I don’t think I’ll ever get used to about the inner city retail experience is bulletproof glass.

I first experienced this phenomenon as a pre-teen visiting my cousins in Chicago. I’m aware that it’s a normal part of life in the city, but the thick, cold windows create a discomforting atmosphere in any retail environment, especially in restaurants.

While the offerings at Motor City Soul Food, 12700 West 7 Mile Rd in Detroit, were pretty decent, the glass box that surrounds the cafeteria table and workers detract from the overall customer experience. At least for a country boy like me.

I went to Motor City on the recommendation of a fellow traveler who shared my quest for good chicken and collard greens. We had both been examining the menu at a newer restaurant a few blocks down 7 Mile, but decided to exit that establishment and go for something more familiar.

I was pleased to see my friend, Oya Amakisi of Detroit Women of Color International Film Festival, in the line when I arrived. Oya shares many of my dietary idiosyncrasies, so I felt even better about my decision.

“I’ve been eating here since I worked at Aisha Shule,” Oya informed me. She had already ordered and was waiting for her whiting to cook, so she stood in line with me for a moment to catch up. I explained my soul food quest and that I was tired of mediocre food and bad service.

“Well, the food here is good,” she said, “but the service is another story.” Continue reading

SoulFood Quest: Motor City Soul Food

Being a small town boy who grew up in the country, one thing I don’t think I’ll ever get used to about the inner city retail experience is bulletproof glass.

I first experienced this phenomenon as a pre-teen visiting my cousins in Chicago. I’m aware that it’s a normal part of life in the city, but the thick, cold windows create a discomforting atmosphere in any retail environment, especially in restaurants.

While the offerings at Motor City Soul Food, 12700 West 7 Mile Rd in Detroit, were pretty decent, the glass box that surrounds the cafeteria table and workers detract from the overall customer experience. At least for a country boy like me.

I went to Motor City on the recommendation of a fellow traveler who shared my quest for good chicken and collard greens. We had both been examining the menu at a newer restaurant a few blocks down 7 Mile, but decided to exit that establishment and go for something more familiar.

I was pleased to see my friend, Oya Amakisi of Detroit Women of Color International Film Festival, in the line when I arrived. Oya shares many of my dietary idiosyncrasies, so I felt even better about my decision.

“I’ve been eating here since I worked at Aisha Shule,” Oya informed me. She had already ordered and was waiting for her whiting to cook, so she stood in line with me for a moment to catch up. I explained my soul food quest and that I was tired of mediocre food and bad service.

“Well, the food here is good,” she said, “but the service is another story.” Continue reading

SoulFood Quest: Search for The Best Soul Food

After several years, I’m finally fed up with my favorite Detroit soul food restaurant.

My wife, Akanke, and I live in the often soulless Detroit suburb of Westland. The relatively quiet bedroom community is devoid of any real culture of its own beyond the Westland Mall and the city’s well maintained parks. (There is a lot to be said for tree-lined streets though.)

The best aspect of Westland, however, is that it lies halfway between Michigan’s two cultural meccas – Ann Arbor and Detroit. We always end up driving a half hour in either direction to get our culture on. Concerts, real shopping (in non-mall boutiques) and good (non-chain) restaurants.

Because of our southern upbringing, good southern cooking, aka soul food, is an important part of our lives. No, it isn’t the healthiest food in the world, but it is comfort food. You can’t eat stir fry and tofu every day. When it comes down to it, every once in a while, you’ve just got to have some cornbread, fish and collard greens. Continue reading

SoulFood Quest: Search for The Best Soul Food

After several years, I’m finally fed up with my favorite Detroit soul food restaurant.

My wife, Akanke, and I live in the often soulless Detroit suburb of Westland. The relatively quiet bedroom community is devoid of any real culture of its own beyond the Westland Mall and the city’s well maintained parks. (There is a lot to be said for tree-lined streets though.)

The best aspect of Westland, however, is that it lies halfway between Michigan’s two cultural meccas – Ann Arbor and Detroit. We always end up driving a half hour in either direction to get our culture on. Concerts, real shopping (in non-mall boutiques) and good (non-chain) restaurants.

Because of our southern upbringing, good southern cooking, aka soul food, is an important part of our lives. No, it isn’t the healthiest food in the world, but it is comfort food. You can’t eat stir fry and tofu every day. When it comes down to it, every once in a while, you’ve just got to have some cornbread, fish and collard greens. Continue reading

© Nadir Omowale