Yeaaaaaaaa buddy, we have a guest post today from Jonathan and Grace. With the weather already taking a turn for the Fall, it's fun reading about rib sticking meals like this. Of course, the pictures from Jon are stunning as usual. Read up for more about Morrison's Authentic Southern Cooking Restaurant in Chicago!

It was already late on Sunday, and I was hungry. As we drove through the Southside, it seemed like every few blocks there were signs for "soul food." The signs were everywhere. And tempting signs too. Sign for the sort of places that truly infatuate the foodie imagination. They are:

1. In a relatively untouched-by-the-foodie area of the city
2. Have the requisite rundown look. That classic Mugatu style "derelicte." and a promisingly matching décor within.
3. A promise of comforting homey food so pronounced you can just feel the flaming haired Guy Fieri or the Road Food duo Jane and Michael Stern making their way through trying to find a hidden gem (I supposed they might too, if they weren't all so white).

I was tempted to just pull over and eat, but we were on a mission, not exploring. We pulled up to Morrison's, and the line was out the door; I sensed I had made the right decision in waiting. The subdued black awning covered the fronts of the entire block including the Morrison's pizzeria next door. The bright yellow signs out front promising not "soul food" but rather simply "authentic Southern cuisine." Grace and I walked up and got into the queue. The line was full of people just out from church. And when we got in line, people immediately started to stare. The woman at the end of the line quickly asked us, "How did you find this place?" I guess two Asians still stick out on the Southside.

Almost a year ago, I was at work, when a saw one of the clerks chowing down on a huge portion food. She had laid out what seemed like a buffet of southern treats – a rich macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and greens. I asked where she had gotten the food and without missing a bite she said, "Morrison's."

Morrison's serves food cafeteria style and it seemed that most people take their food to go. Inside the restaurant are a few tables and booths with a littering of people who stay to eat. Grace and I spoke with a few people in line and asked what they were getting as we waited. Soon it was our turn to order.

"Fried chicken with mac n' cheese and okra, a side order of short ribs, ham hock and the oxtail with potatoes please," we said.
"You sure are hungry," said the women in line behind us.
"Ox tail? Ham hock?" These two don't joke around. They're serious," added a man up ahead.

"No, we don't," straight-faced as I paid. The food literally piled onto our tray. For about $20 we had gotten enough food to feed a family of four, or may be six. The food was predictably hearty, but we persevered. The oxtail was soft but unexpectedly subtle and nuanced. The ham hock was gelatinous and made a nice addition to any other bite. The mac n' cheese was creamy and nice. But ham-y mac n' cheese? Better.

People kept smiling and walking past as we ate; each with either a few words on food or a simple greeting. And when it did come time for us to leave, it felt like the restaurant swelled up in a collective good-bye. I couldn't tell if they were happy we came or relieved to see us leave. I like to think we made an impression.

Morrison's Authentic Southern Cooking Restaurant
8127 S Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60620
773-892-1078

Posted by Danny on September 15, 2009 at 10:49 am

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• @Ang

  that is how i live my life. represent?

  @melissa

  i want more.

  @Danny

  why do you think that is?

  Jonathan
  September 25, 2009 10:21 am

• I work at the restaurant and remember when you guys came in taking the pictures and talking to my boss. Yes you did stick out but not to us. all walks of life come in to our restaurant and most of them enjoy it. thanks for posting us on the web and welcome back.

  Kris Jaxun
  November 5, 2009 5:35 am

• @ Kris.

  I had a great time at the restaurant. And everyone there was super nice. I thought it was great how other customers were friendly and comfortably talking us in the restaurant. I just wish the restaurant was closer to me.

  Jonathan
  November 5, 2009 10:39 am

• man... we don't have anything like this here. Soul food restaurants are dying in NY :(

  Danny
  September 17, 2009 10:59 am

• I need some soul food...

  MELISSA
  September 15, 2009 4:14 pm

• way to represent Asian foodies.

  Ang
  September 15, 2009 1:09 pm