Down Home Cooking Sylvia's and South Carolina Cooking

if you want down home Southern comfort food then head to Manhattan. Yup, you've read right. new York City houses one of the most famous country cooking restaurants. the famed Sylvia's This Harlem and city landmark produces some of the best food that's reminiscent of Low Country cuisine. It's here where diners can become nostalgic for the tastes of their childhood.


it was started by Sylvia Woods who was originally from the South Carolina. The restaurant opened in the mid Sixties and has expanded to over the years. Celebrities from Bill Clinton to Nelson Mandela have enjoyed meals here and what meals!!!!I was lucky enough to have her chicken and ribs along with some collard greens and potato salad , These were cooked in traditional Southern style . The sassy rice a mix of rice and black beans was my favorite. I also love corn bread and there was plenty of fresh made slices . There was also platters of fried fish to. The meal was finished off with a scoop of banana pudding


Sylvia's has its' roots in South Carolina cooking. Outside of Louisiana, the Low Country was probably the most cuisine rich areas of the South. There are all sort s of recipes of different kinds of fish and seafood. Oysters abound here along with shrimp. Ham and ribs are also popular as is chicken. Sylvia's honors some of the recipes and creates down home goodness with them.

It's possible to eat in New York City and get a taste of Low Country cooking . Just head to Sylvia's in Harlem. You'll feel right at home and welcomed.


Sylvia's is at 328 Lenox Ave ,New York City.

The Real Foodie Pantry

I just read a disturbing article in today's New York Times. The article told about laid off middle class people are relying on food pantries to survive. This is a sad sign of the times. Hopefully , this will end within a year. For the meantime, we have to deal with it.

If you are laid off an d have children, don't; feel that there's shame in asking for assistance. You and your kids need sustenance along with nutrition to stay healthy. If anything go for the fresh vegetables and fruits. These provide you with minerals and vitamins. Also beans are another good stock up. With these, you can make a variety of long lasting chilis and ratatouilles for your family . Make extra amounts so that they can be frozen for later dates.Pasta is another stock up. It can be used as the base for both Italian and Chinese dishes. Food pantries also have juice and cereal, much needed staples for little ones. Pantries are great places to get much needed bread, milk, and eggs. There is also some pet food there so if your cat or dog isn't on a special diet, then pick up cans or bags.

For any store owner or manufacturer reading this, please contribute to the food banks. if you're just the average citizen , volunteer in any way possible. Sadly, these harsh economic times call for our help , whether on a grand level or just something small scale. Do what you can. Think of the families involved who need that next meal to keep going. If you want have a food drive yourself where you can collect cans and tins from neighbors. Get involved in your kid's schools fund drives . Even spend a few hours a week at your nearest pantry , helping out.

It's jolting to see most Americans looking for assistance. These are hard times foodwise. We have to help each other out. Swallow our pride and open our arms. We can make life easier for each other.u