RHODYLIFE

Sensational soul food at Kin Southern Table & Bar

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Restaurant Review by

Don Fowler

You no longer need to go to New Orleans or the deep south to find genuine soul food.

A short trip to downtown Providence satisfied our craving for the real thing, served up with style and genuine southern hospitality by owner Julia Broome and her staff.

The inviting space is located at 71 Washington St. at the corner of Union St., under the Biltmore garage.

The front room consists of a bar with very comfortable seats and high-top tables along the outer wall.

We chose the large back room where we could smell the aromas emanating from the kitchen.

Exotic rum drinks for around $12 are Kin’s specialties. We both chose the Ju Ju Juice, a tasty combination of Bacardi Black and Coconut rum, reminding us of a similar drink we enjoyed in St. Thomas.

Having checked the menu online, we knew exactly what we wanted.

Joyce chose her favorite: The Shrimp Po Boy sandwich -- four large shrimp with lettuce and tomato and a to-die-for sauce, accompanied by French fries ($17). She loved it.

I ordered the best catfish I have ever eaten. Anywhere! ($19).

It was twice the size of any order I have ever had and served piping hot with a thin crust that didn’t overpower the soft, sweet meat.

With a choice of sides, I went for a generous portion of candied sweet potatoes, served moist in their own juices, plus a side of deliciously flavored collard greens.

Kin offers a variety of appetizers than can be shared by your party, including wings, biscuits and fried green tomatoes.

Also on the menu are chicken and waffles, mac and cheese pulled pork sliders and salads.

Having been completely satisfied with our meals, we skipped the beignets ($8), but plan to get them next time. And there will be a next time.

Kin has a brunch on Sunday, with such soulful items as biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, and, of course, mimosas.

Hours are Tuesday through Thursday 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday through Saturday noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (brunch). Closed Mondays.

We chatted with Julia, her proud mother, friends and relatives after our meal, excited about their new venture, as Kin became one of only a few Black women-owned businesses in Rhode Island.

We are aware that many suburbanites are wary about going into the city at night.

We suggest that early evening (5-6 p.m.) is a good time, as hundreds of city workers are leaving for the suburbs and many parking spaces open up. We found a handicapped space directly across the street and overhead is a parking garage.

Kin’s phone number is 537-7470. Their website is gmkinpvd@gmail.com.

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