I’m not a huge fan of breakfast or brunch, so I’m all for restaurants offering anything besides eggs, especially during weekends. We were recently invited to Georgia’s, a soul food restaurant located at Anaheim Packing House, for a sneak peek at its weekend brunch items.
I remember it was around four years ago that I first encountered Nika Shoemaker, who runs Georgia’s with her Brazilian husband Marlon Machado and mother Gretchen. I fell in love immediately with the heart and soul behind Georgia’s, and the passion behind each and every dish on the menu. I also remember Nika sitting down with me, as we discussed how some of the dishes also feature heavily in my own life — my son is a quarter Creole — and how if I wanted some decent greens, I end up having to make it myself.
(food photos courtesy of Georgia’s Restaurant, except where noted)
At Georgia’s it’s like sitting down at a friend’s dining room table, and allowing them to feed you like they would family. For starters, Georgia’s brunch with satiate anyone with a sweet tooth, like Grilled French Toast ($9.95) a rich and luscious offering without being cloyingly sweet.
Cinnamon Apple Waffle ($10.95) is another sweet treat, although slightly sweeter than the French Toast, but totally appropriate for anyone who is looking for that utter indulgence.
For me, it’s all about the Chicken + Waffles ($11.95), and the fried chicken here is pretty addicting. The most interesting part of the chicken is that it is seasoned with a Brazilian brine, courtesy of Marlon. The fried chicken here is a labor of love which infuses Marlon’s Brazilian background, with Nika and Gretchen’s southern roots. The result is a tasty chicken that is not only crispy on the outside, but also, with tons of flavor inside. Only dark meat is used — rightly so — so you’ll get the optimum moistness from the chicken.
Shrimp + Grits ($13.95) is always a favorite, and here, you’ll find hearty grits topped with plump shrimp sauteed with holy trinity and southern seasonings. This is the epitome of what soul food is all about.
If you’re more of a sandwich person, then you might prefer Fried Egg Sandwich ($9.95) which comprises all of your breakfast favorites served between two slices of bread.
A southern meal isn’t complete without Fried Green Tomatoes ($9.95) and the one here is legit! The tomatoes aren’t super tart, but enough to create that delicious tang one associates with green tomatoes. The cornmeal crust is crispy, flavorful, and stays intact when you cut into it.
Needless to say, Cornbread ($10.95/a dozen) is the epitome of a good southern meal. Don’t fill up on it, but do take some home for the next day! It is comfort food at its best.
You definitely taste the heart and soul of southern homestyle cooking at Georgia’s. The best part? No reservations required! Where will YOU be brunching this weekend?
Georgia’s
at Anaheim Packing District
440 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: 714-533-7225
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