(Gerry Furth-Sides, Photos courtesy Georgia’s Restaurant) Authentic soul food is all too rare these days, especially brunch fare. That’s why Southern Soul Food dishes are all the more welcome at Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange.
The Georgia’s Restaurant menu is inspired by family dishes in Gretchen Shoemaker‘s successful catering business. Today the second of her three daughters, Nika Shoemaker-Machado and her husband Marlon Machado, operate the enormously popular at lunch and dinner. Week-end brunch is their newest update.
Co-Owner Nika Shoemaker-Machado’s personal favorite, the hearty Steak and Eggs, features top sirloin steak and a side of blackened country potatoes.
Grilled French Toast is made the old-fashioned way, topped with powdered sugar and strawberries. Cinnamon Apple Waffle topped with warm sautéed apples in a luxurious cinnamon syrup, adds a dollop of whipped cream.
Fried chicken is served in a variety of ways. Chicken and Waffles stars Georgia’s signature fried chicken, a process that begins with Co-Owner Marlon Machado’s Brazilian buttermilk brine and ends with a seasoned crispy cornmeal crust courtesy of Nana Gretchen’s very own grandmother, served on a Belgian waffle with creamy honey butter and maple syrup.
The vegetarian friendly Mardi Gras Omelet, featuring green and red bell peppers, onions, and cheese is joined by Georgia’s brand new Eggs Benedict.
Southern staples also include the Fish & Grits featuring Creole seasoned cornmeal crusted fried catfish, or the classic Shrimp & Grits made with Creole seasoned shrimp over a bed of savory grits.
Brunch beverages include a Bottomless Mimosas, hearty Bloody Mary plus Signature Peach and Seasonal Sangria. Red Wine and White Wine by the glass or the bottle, and craft bottled Beer round out the list. Georgia’s Restaurant also has a variety of just as colorful non-alcoholic offerings, including Coffee, Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Soda, Milk, and Iced Tea.
The first time I ate “soul food” was when I was a lifeguard in Detroit, working my way through college. I was one of only two (white) females on a staff of professional male (Black) athletes, and a couple of the them brought me as a joke. While they were joking around with each other during dinner, I had finished a fried chicken dinner plate! They could not stop laughing. I’ve felt the same about soul food ever since although it is rare to find these days.
Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange is open for Brunch e from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, please visit www.Georgias-Restaurant.com or call Georgia’s Restaurant directly at 562.420.5637.