TravelWorld International Magazine Winter 2023

New York City’s Soul Food
Can Warm the Heart
During the Holidays
Carlos, the head chef, has been working
there for two and a half years. He speaks
purely from the heart as he expresses
his love for the city, knowing that soul
food’s mission and making people feel
good is a multifaceted job. His ultimate
goal is to make everyone feel at home.
He says, “food for me is the essential
thing… [because] we satisfy the
hunger and needs of other people”. He
adds, “My best moment I’ve ever had
is when a family asked for a very large
order and we knew it was a surprise
for grandpa. All the grandchildren
came [and] “I’m happy to do it” he adds
because it is “my mission”. Bed Stuy Fish
Fry is a restaurant that warms your heart.
Luckily, in the winter there are multiple
hearts and kitchens open that are ready to
connect as a community.
Story and Photos by Nisani Walser
Sylvia’s
New York City’s Soul Food for the Soul
Soul is defined by Merriam Webster
as the “spiritual principle embodied in
human beings or the universe.” ‘Soul’
is abundant in New York City with a
population of 8 million all with unique
tastes, experiences and cultures; it
makes New York City an exciting place
to grab a meal in restaurants where
owners are telling hearty stories over
one dish at a time. As fall transitions
to winter and the days become shorter,
the weather gets colder and it is not
uncommon for one to feel lonely as
more time is spent indoors.
The perfect cure for a cold winter day
in New York City is Soul Food! Here
are 3 of NYC’s Greatest Soul Food Spots
worth your while to visit on a trip to the
‘Big Apple’!
Bed Stuy Fish Fry
Sylvia’s interior with local customers dining
Bruno Mars and the Sylvia’s crew
The beloved Sylvia Woods
The
Restaurant
Entrance for
Downtown
Brooklyn
While Bed Stuy Fish Fry has a grab and go
vibe, Sylvia’s is well known for its eat in option.
It’s located in the heart of Harlem, the black
capital of New York City.
Bed Stuy Fish Fry is one of
New York City’s soul food
staples being dubbed the
Soul Food of Brooklyn. With
multiple locations, it is a fast,
easy and convenient spot to
grab a bite that warms the soul
with extensive options that
cater to a multitude of tastes.
A Bed
Stuy Fish
Fry lunch
special box
Walking in, you see cases filled
to the brim with a variety of
meats, sides and decadent
desserts. For lunch or dinner,
you can choose between a
platter or a lunch special box,
with protein and two sides
perfect for mixing and matching
exactly what suits your soul.
At Bed Stuy Fish Fry “everything sells”, says server
Khalilah. The most popular items include the whiting
fish, mac and cheese and yams. I selected my personal
favorites of BBQ chicken with sweet yams and mac and
cheese with a small lemonade. The chicken tenderly fell
off the bone and was flavorfully sweet complimenting the
mac and cheese and yams. The mac and cheese is very
sharp and zesty. The yams are earthy and the cornbread is
toasty with a nice bite. This box reminded me of home.
Sylvia’s is on the map as a world staple for
all kinds of delicious creations from the late
Sylvia Woods, the restaurant's founder. She’s
been feeding her community ever since its
founding in the 60s and attracts guests from
all over the city and world. Upon entering you
are escorted into an intimate dining room
playing R&B such as Maxwell, Mary J. Blige
and The Temptations. The room is surrounded
by photos of the beloved Sylvia Woods'
famous guests who have dined there such as
Bruno Mars and Barack Obama. And most
importantly, they outline the journeys of her
family and friends that tell a story about her
passion for food.
Former president Barack Obama and Al Sharpton at Sylvia's
38 39