Kiss the Cook

Beef Short Rib with Broccollini

They say you should never judge a book by its cover. I’d argue the same goes for restaurants. Some of the best meals of my life have come from places I almost overlooked—the kind of spots where the parking lot is quiet, the signage is modest, and the building whispers ordinary. But oh, once you step inside, it’s a different story.

Recently, I stumbled into just such a gem. The Soul Food Lounge, Chicago. From the outside, it was unassuming. From the inside, unpretentious. But the food? Let’s just say it was nothing short of magical.

We started with an herbal mango lemonade that danced across the taste buds like summer in a glass. Sweet but not cloying, bright with fresh herbs, it begged for a second round. Then came the main event. A plate of pot roast so tender it practically surrendered at the touch of a fork. Beef short ribs, slow-braised to perfection, packed with deep, rich flavor that lingered long after each bite. A bubbling dish of lobster mac and cheese followed—creamy, decadent, and loaded with enough cheesy goodness to make you close your eyes and sigh. And because balance is important, the brussel sprouts showed up caramelized and crispy, the perfect earthy contrast to all that indulgence.

Caramel Peach Poundcake

Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly fit in another bite, dessert arrived: a slice of peach pound cake with a caramel drizzle that was pure heaven. Moist, buttery, kissed with the sweetness of ripe peaches—it was the kind of dessert that makes you forget every resolution you’ve ever made about eating lighter.

By the end of the meal, I was convinced: this wasn’t just good food, this was kiss-the-cook food. The kind that makes you want to grab the chef by the apron, look them in the eye, and say, “Thank you for this blessing.”

So here’s my advice: next time you’re driving by that little hole-in-the-wall restaurant you’ve never paid much attention to, stop in. Because you never know when you’ll discover a plate of food that feels like a miracle.

That's just my CreativLEEway!