My 2 Cents LA — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Quite confused about these five star reviews if I’m being honest. I ordered a significant amount of the menu and most of it was lack luster. Let me go in no particular order…

The gries (grit fries): unique, one of a kind and tasty 8.5/10

Macaroni & Cheese: disgusting; cheese tasted curdled 3/10

Catfish: for a SINGLE piece of catfish and ONE side for $19? Not worth it at all. The fry on it was done well but the seasoning???? Literally none. Also, it was said to come with cornbread but I did not receive it in my order. For taste & preparation, I’d give it 7.5/10. For price worthiness? 5/10

Oxtail Tacos: WHAT A JOKE. Oxtail when made correctly is supposed to be juicy and packed with flavor, but whatever this pulled beef was? A waste of oxtail. It was dry dry dry, which is also confusing because it is cooked in a broth reduction (according to the description). A side of the broth might have helped. Overall, 4.5/10

Fried chicken: please don’t eat this. It was literally the DRYEST chicken I’ve had to date. I had high hopes because it was fried, but I should’ve known when I saw it was a chicken breast and not a thigh. Come on restaurant; you gotta know chicken thighs are going to be juicier than breasts. Unless you REALLY know how to keep a breast juicy, just stop. Seasoning like everything else is giving nonexistent. The tastiest part was the bbq sauce sprinkled on top. It almost looked like a mistake that the bbq sauce was on there because it was literally a dribble on the middle of the chicken and nowhere else. 2/10

Fried Green Tomatoes: I personally didn’t enjoy how sour the tomatoes were but my friend loved them. I think that’s an honest preference of tomato similarly to how some people prefer sweet pickles over sour. So her vote is 8.7/10

Red Dirty Rice: the smell was scary lol we definitely weren’t jumping to try it but we were pleasantly surprised. 8/10

Cheese Grits: Yet again, lacking seasoning. The cheese sprinkled on top was a good combination but once you’re past the top? They’re underwhelming 6/10

Aside from the food, I was also slightly frustrated with the restaurant because one of the sides I ordered was no longer in stock, so they changed my side without giving me a call and asking what I wanted in replacement or if I even wanted to replace the out of stock item at all. I would’ve canceled that item all together. Why would you make a decision for a customer when it comes to food unless they told you to do that.

Lastly, and this is what makes me sad to write this review…. I have a feeling that this establishment is black owned. As a black woman, I jump at the opportunity to support when and how I can. My expectations were also set high from the menu and reviews. I can tell you confidently that black people cannot be in the kitchen preparing this food. It’s like they do not believe Iim seasoning at all.

I also feel like they’re offering an incentive to leave positive reviews because ain’t NO way this many people, especially BLACK people, are leaving this many five start reviews over food that...

One of the BEST MEALS of my life. I had so many foodgasms here that I felt inappropriate eating this food in public. The food is so good that my friend and I ordered a second dinner. And three desserts.

I feel like we just walked out of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. The vibe in here is lively, fun, and so warm and welcoming. It's like a neighborhood block party that's been waiting for you.

Grit Fries. If the Burger King French Toast Sticks has a love child with Mozzarella Sticks on top of cornbread, it'd be these grit fries. A touch sweet. And so delicious it made me angry because I can't understand how someone could make something this different and stupid good.

Sweet Potato Crumble. This little side with pecans and I don't know what (wizard magic??) took me back to my childhood. But even the food then wasn't this good.

Kobe Burger. This was our second dinner. WORTH IT. It's a special. So if it's not here when you come, I'm jealous of what's there that I'm missing out on. Everything is great here.

BBQ Fried Chicken. Crispy. Meaty. Savory. The first bite emptied out all the thoughts in my brain. I felt dumb.

Seafood Gumbo. A bowl of Soul food that warmed my soul. So much fresh crab, scallops, crab legs. It's wonderful.

Sweet Potato Pound Cake. If you're vegan, you can eat this. If you're not vegan, you wouldn't know it is. Not-too-sweet. Moist. Incredible.

Chocolate Bread Pudding. After I took my first bite, my buddy and I Iocked eyes. I'm not gay but my heart was so filled with joy and love that if I had a ring in my pocket, I would've proposed to him. #loveislove #eatdessertwithyourlover

Peach Cobbler. Again, not too sweet. So delicious. I'm running out of words because the foodgasms have left me speechless and dumb.

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So many choices on where to eat, right?!? It's like trying to pick what to watch on Netflix. I GET IT. Let it go, Indiana. Let it go. Come here. Have fun. Move on with your...

The Goods: Well put in a perfectly busy and safe environment. My 2 Cents LA has a vision that most soul food urban experiences generally hope to have. To do soul food in a delicious, organic, healthy experience. If you saw the movie B.AP.S this would be the main characters dream. With some classic familiar dishes from Mac and Cheese, to fried catfish and chicken the owner knows what black people enjoy the most. Especially th Mac and cheee. The staff play the part, with a youthful crew that deliver smiles and plates, it gives you an experience to add to your plate. Having general searing outside and inside is a big plus for me. Could someone say Advertisement!

The Ugly: While the menu has some essentials, like fried chicken, Mac and Cheese and Catfish, you have yo build your meal of favorites together because side dishes aren't exactly what you expect them to be and you have yo do A LA Carte for the traditional sides.. Portion size was another issue, If "Just enough" was the format, unlike competing soul food places, unless you order another plate on the suxe very rarely will you bring something home. For seating to be available outside and inside..and the pure aesthetic of the place I was thrown off by ordering at Counter vs having a waiter/waitress serve you..especially when they have to bring you your food anyway. Do not expect your regular soul food menu options from this place, the menu is quite small with unique features..like Fried Baked Chicken Breast with dirty black rice and a scoop of veggies. Parking is too limited as well.

This spot has soo much potential and that's why I gave it an extra star but if your gonna give us an alternate experience atleast give me more...