Spoonbread Catering, New York

Norma Jean Darden, owner of Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too, proudly claims that people from all walks of life visit her quaint and cozy soul-food eatery, and her assertions are far from lip service. From Columbia University students to VIPs—including former president Bill Clinton—it truly does seem that everyone ventures into this 110th Street eatery for a generous plate of Southern-style comfort food. Norma Jean, who named the spot after her mother, showcases recipes from her cookbook, Spoonbread & Strawberry Wine, which she wrote with her sister before opening Miss Mamie’s. Feasts of southern-fried chicken and other hearty entrees cozy up to selections from a list of nearly a dozen sides, such as cornbread stuffing, hand-cut french fries, or collard greens. Glasses of fresh-squeezed lemonade and iced tea wash down a variety of classic Southern desserts. The chef serves up generous slices of coconut layer cake, sweet-potato pie, and peach cobbler, and a Motown soundtrack provides tunes that are nearly as sweet.