A new Wollongong restaurant is bringing some southern-style comfort and cuisine to the city.
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SoCo Kitchen, opposite Downtown Motel and Ron De Vu, is influenced by the vibrant cultures of Southern American states such as Louisiana and Texas and countries in the Gulf of Mexico including Cuba.
Head chef and owner Sean Jones decided to bring something new to the Illawarra after meeting Amy Bennett, of Wollongong, and relocating to the city after 15 years' experience as a chef in Sydney.
Mr Jones said the name SoCo Kitchen is inspired by the comfortable lifestyle found in the southern parts of the United Sates and North America and pays homage to our idyllic location on the South Coast.
"I felt like people in this area would like this style of food and atmosphere," he said.
"I have always enjoyed cooking and eating this style of food and wanted to share this passion with others.
"It's more than the food though. It is the whole experience.
"I wanted to replicate the atmosphere of the restaurants and bars that I enjoyed visiting New Orleans and Austin where people can come together and enjoy the food, music and southern hospitality".
Mr Jones said the location in lower Crown Street was perfect with SoCo Kitchen nestled in an area that includes so many good small bars, cafes and restaurants.
After opening its doors at 11am on Monday the new eatery is open from 11am to 9pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11am to 5pm on Tuesday and Sunday. and 11am to 9.30pm Friday and Saturday.
Some of the SoCo specialties include a chicken and sausage Gumbo which also comes with a vegetarian option, Po'Boy and Tacos.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
