Sassy and Southern Bites Sure to Satisfy
Chicken and Waffles from Chez Soul.
Bring on Fat Tuesday with some finger-licking, hometown, mouth-watering, delicious southern specialties.
Chez Soul
FAIRFIELD – This is the holy grail of southern comfort food in the county. The hidden Louisiana-style downtown eatery is quaint and sparkling clean, with a welcoming knowledgable staff that’s located just a few blocks from the Fairfield courthouse.
The menu is large and in charge with all the sweet and savory southern favorites from catfish to shrimp creole, oxtail to smothered pork chops or baby back ribs to chicken and waffles. Many dishes are served with one or two choices from 12 specialty sides. Make sure to leave room for one of the gorgeous desserts proudly displayed as you enter.
We gazed over some menu specialties, then took our wait staff’s advice and started with a fabulous warm cup of traditional gumbo made with chicken, sausage, shrimp and crab. The flavor was homemade and delicious, and the plentiful chunks of seafood were just a tease for what was to come. Next, we dove into the pork spare ribs with sides of greens, sweet potatoes and cornbread … oh my! The barbecue was to die for, the greens were tender and cooked to perfection, and the sweet potatoes will remind you of grandma’s cooking! Chicken and waffles were next in our queue and let me tell you, the chicken was perfectly crispy outside and moist and flavorful inside with no hint of grease. The waffle was slightly sweet and crispy, with a soft and delicious center.
Owner Cheryl’s Chez Soul Restaurant is a gem to be enjoyed! Patrons of all ages are welcome with Senior Wednesdays, Military Fridays, Family Specials and a kids’ menu. Lunch is priced from $5.95-10.95 and dinners from $11.95-32.95. The full menu is downloadable online at ChezSoulSouthernCuisine.com. Open Tues-Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 12-9pm and Sun 12-7pm. Closed Mondays.
Chez Soul is located at 711 Madison St. in Fairfield
707-427-3338 | ChezSoulSouthernCuisine.com.
Fried Catfish & Brisket Po’Boy from The Workshop.
The Workshop
BENICIA – The southern soul party in your mouth continues in Benicia! This sweet little hole in the wall offers big Cajun bites.
You’ll arrive to swinging sounds playing streetside and the ONLY outside sidewalk dining in the city. This small, “one step in” ordering window/restaurant is only open for limited hours and food — while it lasts.
All dishes on the ever-changing menu are delicious — with daily hot chef specials that you’ll definitely want to come back for!
The savory fried catfish, po’boy, spinach salad w/caramelized roasted veggies and a fabulous vinaigrette dressing, beignets and sweet corn hushpuppies are just a small sampling on the menu! Lunch items range from $7-13. The Workshop is open Tues-Fri 11am-2:30pm, Sat 8am-2:30pm.
Located at 511 Claverie Way in Benicia
707-747-6028 | The Workshop/Facebook
The 6 Pork Rib Plate with mashed potatoes, bread and creamed spinach from Dickey’s. Photo: Corine C. / Yelp
Dickey’s BBQ Pit
VACAVILLE & FAIRFIELD – Vacaville and Fairfield’s go to slow-smoked BBQ is fast and friendly. Individual orders, family packs or full catering experiences are just one of the many reasons to try Dickey’s!
That delicious “BBQ roasting over a hot fire” aroma will engulf you as you step up to the counter and place your order.
We chose the 1 Meat Plate (with moist and delicious chicken). Also offered are 2 or 3 Meat Plates with your choice of pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken breast, Polish kielbasa, jalapeño cheddar kielbasa, turkey or pork rib. All come with a choice of 2 sides (with many to choose from)! Our favorites were the baked potato casserole and the cabbage slaw. Sandwiches, stacks and tacos are also available with choice meats. Menu items range from $2.25-15.75. Open 10am-9pm daily.
Located at 150 Nut Tree Pkwy in Vacaville (707-450-1810) and 1586 Gateway Blvd. in Fairfield (707-400-5040) | Dickeys.com
Brandy Hart writes “Tastes of Your Town,” a monthly feature in the print edition of Your Town Monthly. This article was originally published in the March 2019 Solano and Yolo County print editions.
