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Chicken Fried Chicken and more…

Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken

The humble beginnings of Sweet T Southern Kitchen are much like many other small, homemade food restaurants…a couple of people who are uprooted from their hometowns and just want a place where they can get some familiar grub…so is the story for this small southern restaurant. Right from the entrance, you can tell that it was teeming with southern hospitality by the warm welcome that the owners/chefs gave us.

The interior of the restaurant emanated a feeling of love and warm and of the bare necessities. On the wall were dispensers for plastic forks, spoons and knives, napkins and on the counter there was a scattered assortment of BBQ sauces, hot sauces, and other condiments that were foreign to me. When it came to ordering my meal, I felt compelled to try a little bit of everything. As I placed my order, it seemed to get bigger and bigger as I saw things that I wanted to try. I settled on chicken fried chicken, pulled pork, baked mac and cheese, and jambalaya. As we sat down to wait for our meals, we enjoyed our personal drinks of choice, thanks to their BYOB policy and talked, with anxious anticipation of our meals.

When I received my meal, I could not wait to dive in mouth first. My chicken fried chicken was covered in white gravy that put something that was already delicious over the top! The chicken was huge, yet cooked perfectly all the way though and moist. Pulled pork to me is a southern BBQ staple, so I was happy to find that the pulled pork was juicy and tender on its own. I added a small amount of BBQ sauce to it just to kick it up a notch. My side of mac and cheese could have been a bit cheesier and seasoned a bit more, but considering how bold all of the other flavors were in my food, it could have just been my taste buds expecting something that popped a little more. Lastly, the jambalaya was made with chunks of chicken, okra, white rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions and many other spices. The taste was so inviting and delicious that you wanted to keep eating it, however when you put your spoon down, the spices and heat caught up to you. It was not overpowering and made for a very delightful side dish. Overall, I would highly recommend Sweet T Southern Kitchen for anyone who is homesick and needs some quality comfort food. Surround yourself with good people, laughter, and some of Sweet T Southern Kitchen‘s chicken fried chicken and your night will be complete! -ED

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Southern Catfish Filet

Sweet T Southern Kitchen is located at 35 Blackstone River Road in Worcester, but finding it is not as easy as it should be. Google Maps on my iPhone got me to within a half a mile then left me searching. I finally found the restaurant on what I have always called Greenwood Street in Quinsigamond Village between Whipple Street and Falmouth Street. This area is part of the city’s new business assistance program called “Quinsigamond Village: Restoring the Past—An Integrated Program for Economic Revitalization.” The title says it all and in my opinion this area is well worth restoring. It has a great history and by the looks of it, a promising future.

If you are looking for no frills inexpensive yet outstanding southern cooking, Sweet T Southern Kitchen is the place for you. I thoroughly enjoyed the informal atmosphere. There is something to be said about hearing people laughing and talking and really enjoying themselves. Maybe it was the group I was with … maybe it was the very friendly and helpful owners … or it was the BYOB policy … but something (maybe everything about the place) made me feel comfortable and very welcomed.

Even the ordering was fun. You get up, go to the counter, order and pay, then return and wait for your number to be called. My fellow diners had a variety of refreshments from beer and wine to the hard stuff. I poured Knob Creek into one of their plastic cups full of ice, sat back, enjoyed the lively conversation and watched as one person at a time got up to get their order. My number is finally called. The food looks too good … and this is no place for formalities, so like everyone else when you get your food you dig in.

The thick catfish filet extended from one side of the plate to the other. It was perfectly fried to a crispy golden brown in a mildly spiced batter and was neatly accompanied by the two sides. Despite the fact that it was on a plastic plate it seemed to be screaming, “eat me, eat me!” So I did and when I was done there was nothing left to bring home. The portions were very generous, delicious, and almost too inexpensive. Including tax, my entire meal cost under $20.

In conclusion, all I can say is, GO. Bring the kids, bring your friends, bring something to drink, and bring your appetite. This is pure and simple, good southern cooking, in a very friendly atmosphere. -RS