Food for my Soul

I'm in Arlington these days; a great little part of town, not too far from DC. The only problem is getting anywhere worth going means getting in the car, so I've had to be very intentional about pursuing little adventures all week (otherwise I'm prone to stay in bed and watch episode after episode of 'How I Met your Mother' yes, a new addiction).

Well on Friday I decided to just get in my car and drive a little ways. As I grew hungry I decided to stop (I'm not really sure where I was...but I knew I had passed Howard University just a few miles back). So I parked and got out to look for a good lunch spot. As I was walked around I stopped to chat with (what a assumed to be) a homeless man. I was really cravin a warm, home-style meal so I asked him for the best place to eat around those parts. Without hesitation, "Oohs and Ahhs." He proceeded to tell me where it was, and hollered as I was walking away..."Get the fried chicken." I was sold. I headed over to "U" street and walked into the tiny, tucked away shop. It was long but not very wide...you kinda had to scoot in sideways (stuff like that always adds to the appeal for me though!)

As I was waiting in line the guys behind the counter welcomed me and asked what they could get me. I explained that the man down  the road told me that this place had the worlds best chicken and so I was feeling convicted about trying anything else. Before I could even finish my sentence the man behind the counter handed me a plate with 2 wings on it. "Go'head see if he's right."

SOOO good (almost as good as E&L's in Jackson...almost!) So I ordered some wings and a side of Mac n' cheese (maybe more properly named 'hot cheese with a few noodles'...so yummy!) I sat down right there and started to dig in. Just then two older black women walked in and sat down next to me (listenin to them order and comment on the food was the highlight of my whole lunch!) I introduced myself and asked a little about them...within minutes me and Ola (the other was Annette) were laughing about our shared joy in taking off our bra's at the end of the day (somehow our conversation had gotten there...I'm not sure how, but I kid you not!) And right before they left they invited me to Church in the morning. (I had EVERY intention of going but literally slept through my alarm this morning and they only have one service:( but maybe next Sunday!)

Anyways, I stayed awhile after they left and chatted with two guys  behind the counter. One in particular, Wade, was so sweet in asking question after question and listening to my theories on travel and adventure et cetera. I randomly asked if he would hire me so that I could learn to make fried chicken and they said I could come in any time to learn. So guess who might put on a hair net next week and learn to make herself some fried chicken?!? That's right...me! I'll keep ya'all posted on my soul food expertise.