Malcolm D.
Yelp
On my first visit to St. Louis, Gourmet Soul was a stop I have to say was one of the best soul food culinary experiences I have ever had. From Los Angeles to Louisiana I've had soul food all over the country but I cannot begin to describe the food in the manner in which my taste buds and senses experienced it. Nevertheless I will make a go at it!
Food:
I order the fried fish with a side of Greens, yams and shared a Mac n' cheese bowl with my fiancé.
The fish, fried and seasoned to perfection. I mean perfection! The swai fillets were perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful upon each bite!
The greens, immediately scored points for being flavorful not overly salted and with a nice non-overbearing kick at the end of each bite. One disappointment, they had no cornbread! The reason given was that the cook said she didn't make any that day. not acceptable for a new establishment. Cornbread is an essential compliment to greens. Please make sure to always have a box of jiffy on standby for emergency situations.
The YAMS! I rarely move into this category with my reviews but these are hands down the best yams I have ever tasted! Yes better than my grandma Helen and great-grandma Bulah ( oh Lord am I saying this?!) The perfect balance of brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg (possibly some all spice?) I ate them so slowly I wanted to savor every bite. I didn't want it to end. I could literally have this for breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner and dessert,it really is slap yo mama good!
The Mac, while delicious for me it was the only dish that didn't wow me. But don't get me wrong I devoured it just didn't leave the impression of mind blowing. I have a cousin who makes Mac N' Cheese for family picnics and her version is my preferred go to. Besides, Mac N' Cheese is so insanely subjective, it would have to be perfection in every way to please every person you serve it to. Even then someone would say Auntie Linda's is better.
Another dish sampled from other's plates included Smothered pork chops, flavorful, tender and old school grandma like gravy!
Last and certainly not least my favorite part of the meal Dessert! Today all they had was bread pudding and I'm grateful they did! OMG TO INFINITY, the texture of the crispy top to the silky moist middle was ridiculous but then of course there is the flavor the bourbon/caramel married into a symphony masterpiece in my mouth! We had ours a la mode and the kitchen added canned whipped cream which is a NO NO! Unless you're adding a fresh whipped cream lightly sweetened on the side you DO NOT need the whipped cream anywhere on the bread pudding. It is literally perfect by itself.
Perfect location and outstanding cuisine. I can't wait to get back to the Lou to enjoy again!