Winston-Salem, NC – The Carolinas are deservedly at the core of any conversation regarding the history of African American cuisine. We had an opportunity to indulge at a restaurant keeping the spirit of our people’s rich culinary deliciousness alive and well. Sweet Potatoes located at 607 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 earned the top spot for our first North Carolina Black Owned Foodie Tour.
From the conversation we had with the super friendly hostess, to meeting both owners (Vivián Joiner and Stephanie Tyson are an amazing combo of your grandmother and auntie), to our server who could have a side career as a standup comedian, to the bartender who could have literally hopped out of the 90’s show Cheers, to what we came there for AMAZING FOOD – we were in for an unforgettable experience.
We started out with two appetizers, first up was the Sweet Potato Cornbread served with honey ginger butter, a beautiful hybrid between classic southern baked cornbread and a sweet potato muffin. Low key, it gave dessert vibes. The cinnamon and nutmeg transformed the ubiquitous cornbread to an aromatic masterpiece embracing holiday spices, while dabbling with hints of savory notes. This was an incredible pregame selection.
Our other appetizer was the 3-Cheese Macaroni and Country Ham Soufflé served with sharp yellow and white cheddar, blue cheese, and country ham. What an unexpected combination of nostalgia meets sophistication! The mac and cheese were transformed into an elegant, rich, creamy and light as air macaroni and cheese souffle. If you like Blue Cheese, you’ll love this dish because it has a piercing and dominant presence.
Our first entrée was the Smothered Yard Bird. Grilled chicken breast, country ham, spicy greens and melted brie smothered with chicken gravy over rice and every component understood the assignment. The luxurious and silky chef inspired gravy over a tender chicken breast further enveloped with the collards and savory ham.
Next up we had the Lunch Box, which is a half of fried chicken served with a sweet potato biscuit and a side of bland potato salad with way too much mayo and no evolving flavors. The fried chicken on the other hand, is ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION! With its unmatched brine, this is easily in the top 10 of thousands of fried chicken entrees I’ve experienced across the nation. The sweet potato biscuit was a no go because it was super dry with underwhelming flavor and texture.
Next up was the Fried Chicken and Waffles, but this was not your typical chicken and waffles. It was more of a deconstructed chicken and waffle with plating for feeding a 3-year-old, but it was peculiarly delicious. I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but I did. The “waffle” is deep-fried sweet potato fries drizzled with a honey sauce that packs a nice amount of heat with oddly shaped deep fried chicken tenders. For maximum flavor power, eat the chicken, fries and sauce together.
Our sides were all delicious, especially the candied sweet potatoes. They were a super balanced flavor dancing between cinnamon, butter, and salt.
The final dish was the one of the BEST THINGS I’VE HAD IN MY CAREER! The Savannah Red Rice was a traditional low-country red rice dish with smoked sausage and seared shrimp that will blow your socks off! The super intense flavor had a brown rice-like texture, but tastes nothing like it. The deep and smoky tomato flavor with tenderly cooked seafood reminiscent of a soulful pilaf also included a noticeable chicken broth-like taste with red bell peppers, garlic cloves and onion aromatics.
DO NOT MISS Sweet Potatoes if you happen to be in the state of North Carolina. It’s worth the drive from wherever you are. If you’re planning to visit the state, add this restaurant to your list. Make sure you call them in advance for reservations because it gets packed. You can call them at (336) 727-4844.
