Eats - Southern/Creole

Cities covered: San Jose, San Mateo

Kingfish Restaurant
201 S. B St. (corner of 2nd Ave.)
San Mateo, CA 94401
650/343-1226
Rating: *** | website
This is housed in what has to be the most interesting building in downtown San Mateo, an old brick building with a fabulous tile and brick facade. The food is good, and the service is professional. I've gone here twice, once with a friend for lunch and once with my team from work. The restaurant graciously accomodated the larger party in the fantastic space where the brewery tank used to be (the former occupant was a microbrewery) and we had a great time. You'll probably note that I'm not saying much about the food itself. I like the jambalaya, wouldn't order the etoufee again, and haven't had much else. The fusion-y appetizers are fine, but not noteworthy. Overall, an excellent place to take a date where the conversation needs to surpass the food. 03/02

Ma Pinkie's BBW & Soul Food Restaurant
207 N. Amphlett Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94401
650/342-1394
Closed Mondays
Tues-Sun: 11:30 a.m.—3 p.m., 5 p.m.—8 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 5 p.m.—9 p.m.
Rating: ***
I went here with a group of people from Siebel, which is how I recommend you visit so you can taste a bit of this and that. We ordered a whole fried chicken (simply seasoned and non-greasy), fried catfish, and a slab and a half of pork ribs (a huge portion). On the side we had a only slightly cheesy macaroni and cheese, sliced fried okra coated with corn meal (the sliminess is balanced), yummy greens (ask for vinegar), and some disappointing hush puppies. This place sits on the frontage road on the west side of 101. If you aren't familiar with the area, LOOK ON A MAP or you'll never find it. It's in the front of a rundown minimall or sorts, across from a laundromat. The entire place seats 12, so plan on ordering takeout or taking your chances to get one of the four tables. 03/02

A Taste of New Orleans
655 N. Sixth St. (in Japantown)
San Jose, CA
Rating: **
I seek out these types of homestyle family-run restaurants, and this one certainly has the trappings: idiosyncratic but fascintating decoration, florescent lighting, plastic tablecloths. They've only been open for a couple of months, so there are some kinks to work out. People were getting up from their tables to leave without eating when we got there—but, hey, this is not fast food. We ordered gumbo and a sampler to start, and fried chicken with jambalaya and mustardy potato salad (the potato salad is bright yellow, vinegary, eggy, and utterly delicious; I devoured it) Small corn muffins come with dinner. While everything was good, I'm hoping that they've smoothed out some of the rough spots when I make my next visit. The cooks and waitstaff are the friendliest, down-to-earth people you could meet. 05/02