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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Julia’s: Best of both worlds

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People like what they like for a reason. Some people only use certain brands, drive the same route to work, school or church and eat at the same restaurants. It’s something about the familiar that puts us at ease.

But instead of dumping ice water over your heads, I’m going to challenge you to try Julia’s Homestyle American and Caribbean Food.

When trying to find something to eat, one of my co-workers strongly suggested Julia’s and immediately another colleague chimed in saying, “Jess! I hear it’s SO good!” I thought, “Caribbean food? I just don’t do ‘ethnic’ cuisine, but they’re raving about this place, so I’ll check it out.”

I took a short drive from the Recorder to Julia’s, which is nestled right next to the Indiana State Fairgrounds on 38th Street. I entered and discovered Julia’s is the best of both worlds: classic soul food and Caribbean favorites.

Julia’s offers items such as curry chicken, curry goat, lamb and oxtails. You can even order a Caribbean staple to wash it all down – Ting.

I considered the jerk chicken, but saw fried perch on the menu and was sold.

The polite server took my order and asked me to choose two sides. Collard greens were at the top of the sides menu and any chance I get to eat collards, I’m going for it. I perused the menu for my next choice and settled on yams.

As I waited for my lunch, I noticed Julia’s offers other soul food classics such as fried or roasted chicken, fried pork chops, beans and ham, and meatloaf. Same with sides. They offered items like black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and fried corn.

Now before you conclude “their food options are similar to other soul food restaurants in the city” and close your newspaper (I hope not because there’s more good news in here), you have yet to taste what Julia’s cookin’.

On my way back to work, I went a little over the speed limit because my food smelled so good and I wanted to dig in. Once at my desk, a co-worker literally walked by and said, “so the good-smelling food is at your desk, huh?” I smiled and hoped he didn’t have anything important to tell me so I could stop relying on my sense of smell and use my sense of taste.

I tried the collards first. Out of this world. Next I sampled the yams – probably some of the best yams I’ve ever had, no kidding. They had the right amount of sweetness and had a velvety texture. I took a few bites to figure out the other ingredients but gave up and continued to just enjoy the yams. Next was the perch. OMG! So good!

I washed it down with “dirty tea” which reminded me of an Arnold Palmer, but had something else in it that added to the delicious and refreshing taste. I paid about $11.50.

There are several “soul food” restaurants in the city, however I’m confident in saying Julia’s Homestyle American and Caribbean Food dishes can go up against any one of them and possibly come out on top. Plus there aren’t a plethora of Caribbean food restaurants in the city so here is another option. I think the biggest reason you should visit Julia’s is that it’s Black owned and serves up Mama-slapping food.

Julia’s Homestyle American and Caribbean Food

1002 E. 38th St.

Indianapolis, Ind. 46205

(317) 924-5990

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday

7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

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