Get Comfy at Comfort LA
So I first heard about this place via my cousin Joe. Every other time I'd see his social media post, he was heading here for some kinda of function. I did my own research and knew that I had to visit on my next trip home to LA. I did in fact have the pleasure of eating some of their delicious food via my bestie and her friend one night in June but I didn't realize that's what it was until I woke up the next day (long story, another post).
Anyway, I headed to the comfy spot in the heart of downtown LA for a late lunch. Truth be told, it's located in a part of town that I never go (scary after dark) but the tide is turning in this area so I was happy to see a booming black business sowing seeds there.
Comfort LA serves up a cleaner approach of your momma's/granny's/auntie's soul food. They boast that they serve "conscious comfort food". What started as a late-night, pop-up restaurant has now turned into a staple in the DTLA arts district. They use "locally sourced, fresh and organic ingredients and healthier cooking methods to create top-notch, Southern cuisine including." They cater to vegetarians and vegans as well with "Maw Maw's Vegetarian Candied Yams" and "Vegan and Organic Mean Greens" respectively.
The atmosphere is "for a good time, come". The seating is bench style so it's similar to how you'd eat at a park or a cookout with family and friends. They've got cards, dominoes and other board games that you can play while you dine also. My favorite silent character in the space is the art. They've got all of the Simpson's characters you love (who many have said for years are a black family) painted brown (*looking eyes*). In addition, they've got an entire wall of classic vinyl album with a space for a DJ. They do an open mic night once a week AND it's BYOB (all the ingredients for a good time!)!
Now to the food. I ordered the six organic fried chicken wings with "that sauce" which is a sweet and tangy sauce that they smother the chicken in and then add a few green onions to the top to set it off. Pretty tasty. I also ordered the greens which were also sweet. I'm used to eating mine with smoked turkey and hot peppers so I missed that flavor but these weren't too bad. I also opted for a side of macaroni and cheese which was flavorful as well but I would've loved to add a little hot sauce to it (old habits die hard) and they don't have the old school condiment.
My meal came with cornbread but I couldn't resist getting "Granny's Banana Pudding" which was pretty delicious and must be kept cold until you're ready to eat (she didn't even serve it to me while I ate). It's Creamy, banana-y and a good ratio of cookies to cream. To wash it all down I ordered the Gingerade which is a twist of ginger ale and lemonade. I'm not a huge ginger ale drinker (unless were talking about a chaser) but the way he explained the drink, it sounded so refreshing I had to try it. So glad I did because I was pleasantly surprised by the tingly tartness.
I had to pleasure of meeting the chef and co-owner Jeremy McBryde. He had an infectious smile, warm spirit and genuinely thanked me for my business. I will definitely come back specifically for the chicken (maybe I can get them to fry them un poquito harder/crispier?) and "that sauce" as well as that banana pudding and Gingerade. Hopefully, they'll add some standard hot sauce (Louisiana, Crystal, Texas Pete) to the restaurant for those of us who need that extra kick on our soul food. Aside from this comfort food, they also serve a Chicken Wings and Waffles brunch on Sundays, Cornbread Cake with Strawberries and good ole Mexican Coke and Sprite (yay for no high fructose corn syrup!) and did I mention it's BYOB?! I recommend this spot if you're in the mood for trying a different version of your classic soul food dishes and supporting a progressive, health-conscious black business and getting comfy in LA.
Have you been to Comfort LA? What'd you order? How are the yams and the rice & beans?
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