Visiting numerous Black-owned establishments in Los Angeles in search of exceptional soul food proved to be a mixed experience. While some hidden gems were discovered, there were also significant disappointments. One of the most disheartening was Annie’s Soul Delicious, a Soul Food Restaurant located at 1066 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019, surprisingly rated #1 by Yelp.
As seasoned food critics with extensive experience in evaluating soul food restaurants across the country, our team was shocked by the subpar quality of the food at Annie’s. Soul food is a cornerstone of Black-owned businesses, serving as a gathering place for community and fellowship. While that communal aspect was present at Annie’s, the food itself fell drastically short of expectations.
The classic Red Beans and Rice, a staple of New Orleans cuisine, lacked flavor despite the presence of smoked turkey and beef sausage. The sausage, in particular, was reminiscent of low-quality processed meat. Authentic NOLA red beans and rice rely on high-quality smoked meats for their rich, distinctive flavor, which was sorely missing at Annie’s.
The Country Gravy and White Rice were equally disappointing. The overcooked rice resulted in a watery consistency, further diluted by a thin, tasteless gravy. Authentic soul food gravy should be thick and flavorful, derived from meat fat and broth, creating a savory depth that complements the rice.
While the mac and cheese offered a glimmer of hope with its well-cooked pasta and melted cheese, the candied yams were a disaster. The dish was an indistinguishable mush of flavors, lacking the distinct sweetness and spice expected of this soul food classic. The collard greens were equally problematic, with a salty, watery broth and lacking the smoky flavor imparted by properly cooked smoked meat.
The potato salad was perhaps the most egregious offense. Its loose consistency and separated mayonnaise resembled ceviche more than potato salad. The undercooked potatoes further contributed to the unappetizing texture and flavor. Among the proteins, the fried fish was excessively salty, while the oxtails were overcooked to the point of mush.
Even the banana pudding, a beloved soul food dessert, was a failure. The pudding was gelatinous, the cookies soggy, and the overall flavor profile lacked the essential vanilla custard taste. The “Rich AF Pasta,” priced at a staggering $43, was a final insult. The pasta was bland, the sauce flavorless, and the overall dish a profound disappointment for its exorbitant price.
The experience at Annie’s Soul Delicious demonstrated a lack of care and respect for soul food traditions. The high prices further exacerbated the disappointment, leaving diners feeling overcharged and underwhelmed. The restaurant’s #1 Yelp rating is baffling, especially considering the existence of other superior soul food establishments in Los Angeles. It is crucial for a soul food restaurant, especially one with such high acclaim, to uphold the culinary standards of this cherished cuisine.
