On Chicago's South Side, Chef Quentin Love and Tiffany Abram are redefining what soul food can be. Their Beverly restaurant, SoulFood Lounge 2, fuses Italian, Mexican, American, and Asian influences with traditional soul food—all while celebrating the Black diaspora through live jazz performances.
The black and gold dining room strikes the perfect balance: upscale enough for a date night, comfortable enough for a family gathering. But it's the innovative menu that truly surprises.
Take the New Orleans gumbo yakamein. Love fuses two distinct traditions—Louisiana gumbo and Chinese Creole yakamein soup—into a spicy, savory concoction. Seafood gravy provides the perfect dipping sauce for the crispy Cajun fried perch on top, while sturdy noodles anchor the bowl.
"This is comfort food that tells a story," Love explains. "The story of how cultures blend and influence each other."
The Hong Kong honey shrimp has become a cult favorite. Three jumbo pieces arrive hot in a light batter, served on puffy rice topped with broccoli, candied pecans, and crunchy chile oil. "I could have eaten another order," one reviewer confessed.
The Caribbean BBQ catfish pairs perfectly seasoned fish with buttered rice, beans, and a citrus-infused vegetable mix. Sweet plantains provide the perfect counterpoint.
For value-conscious diners, the $69 Grand Tasting offers three sample-sized entrees and wine—though "sample-sized" understates the generous portions.
Weekend jazz performances transform dinner into an experience. Musicians fill the space with sounds that complement the food's cultural journey.
A second location on the West Side offers an entirely different menu, including Cajun fried catfish etouffee, South African peri peri chicken, and Louisiana blackened salmon. Both locations are dine-in only, and reservations are strongly recommended.
"We're not just serving food," Abram says. "We're creating a space where community gathers, where stories are told, and where culture is celebrated."