More than Food: Nita’s Kitchen
posted by Karizma Howard | February 21, 2022 | In Arts and CultureWhen you first step into Nita’s Kitchen, the aroma brings back the memories of family meeting after church for Sunday dinner, where everyone gathers around the dinner table and laughter fills the atmosphere, the sound of cards slapping the surface or grandaddy telling you about “the good ole’ days.” When walking into Nita’s Kitchen for the first time, that is what came to mind.
The subtle “mms” and “ahhs” emanating from each customer’s vocal cords as they took a bite is what grasped my attention, and Caroline, the cashier, greeting me with the most gentle and warm smile, is what kept me staying.
Located off Cliffdale Road, the soul food ‘mom and pop’ dine-in of five years has made its mark.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Anita Tucker made her way to Fayetteville over twenty years ago. At the time of relocation, she was a manager for Sam’s Club for 18 years. After working and gaining experience, Tucker knew a change was near.
When the opportunity came for her to open a restaurant, she stated that she “ran with it and never came back [to Sam’s Club].”
I am one of many who is glad that she never turned back as well.
What sets Nita’s Kitchen apart from other soul food restaurants is that it is not just about the food, but the feeling that you are amongst family. From particular menu items named after her grandchildren, or having your order memorized because they pay attention to you. They know you.
The baked macaroni and the yams are two flavors that coalesce into a perfect harmony. One bite into Nita’s porkchop felt like I was taking a bite into that of my mother’s. One taste of Nita’s greens is like walking into your ‘Big Mama’s’ kitchen on the third Thursday of November.
Of course, what better way to end the night than with a sweet delight? To top off the course, I completed the meal with a waffle cone filled with Oreo pudding that tasted so preciously like ice cream.
To the students at Fayetteville State University and to the residents of Fayetteville, come experience a home away from home and allow your taste buds to be blessed with perfection.
Address: 8200 Cliffdale Rd #102 | Website: nitas-kitchen.com
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