My only regret about Sandra's Soul Food Place, located on Congress Ave, is that it took me three years to find it. Finding this unassuming eatery recharged my love of New Haven and reminded me of the rewards awaiting the adventurous eater willing to leave the confines of the Elm City's nine squares. All it took was one taste of the heady offerings dished out at Sandra's six days a week from noon to 9 p.m. to renew an appreciation of New Haven's diversity. The restaurant's space is decorated to be a lesson in African-American history, complete with a Jackson Corner dedicated to the African-American leader. Eaters can dine at tables that have been graced by Jesse Jackson and singing group TLC.
Combination platters are the best way to navigate through the wonders of Sandra's food. Ranging in size to fit any appetite, up to a $10 Church Platter, the platters allow you to build your own adventure. Tender, golden corn bread, succulent candied yams, aromatic black-eyed peas, and delectable collard greens surround great hanks of fried fish, monstrous pieces of crunchy fried chicken, a smothered pork chop, or meaty BBQ ribs.
For dessert, some traditional southern sweets like coconut cake, pineapple cake, or sweet potato pie will more than adequately transport you to warmer climes, and give you a mean sugar high.
Have a hankering for some goat? Not enough jerk chicken in your life? A solution is at hand--Caribbean Family Pot.
A sunny, yellow exterior and reggae music welcome you to this restaurant, located down the block from Sandra's on Congress Avenue, another source for eye-popping, mouth-watering food. Caribbean Family Pot only provides take-out service, and one must use restraint to keep from immediately tearing into the greasy styrofoam containers. Some advice: wait until you're out the door and sit down first.
Family Pot is pure eating enjoyment, with an entree selection featuring a winning curry goat, cow foot, pepper steak, oxtail stew, and addictive jerk chicken. A combination lunch includes thoughtful touches like side dishes to sop up the delicious juices from your meat of preference. These offerings include a strangely chewy roll called Coco-bread, beans and rice, and patty, a spicy, meat-stuffed fried dumpling in a bright yellow pastry.
The tiny restaurant also offers an array of intriguing beverage options with names like Double Trouble, Front-end Lifter, Roots Drink, and Irish Moss. Meeker souls, however, may prefer to stick with the soda selections.
When you long for a taste of the exotic, try Sandra's or Caribbean Family Pot. Walk down College Street toward the Medical School until the Street turns to Congress Avenue, keep walking until you get to Arch Street. Both restaurants are perfect for a late lunch or early dinner. If you do nothing else in New Haven this semester, go for the goat.