Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Get delicious, unfussy soul food at this Smyrna spot


There's a special counter service restaurant hiding in an unexpected spot in Smyrna. Hang a right when you walk into the Nam Dae Mun Farmers Market on South Cobb Drive, and you'll find yourself at the counter of 2 Sistas Soul Food. Whether you're starving, and need a full chicken dinner, or feeling peckish after grocery shopping, the friendly women working there will fix you right up.

You can't go wrong with the tostones rellenos, adorable little cups made from fried plantains that are filled with your choice of beef, pork or chicken. I went with beef, and, while I'm sure the other options are good, I can't imagine getting something different next time. The ground beef filling has a complex flavor from sharing time in the pot with olives, raisins and traditional Puerto Rican spices.

The sweet and savory combination is certainly tasty, but it's taken to a different planet by a simple cilantro garlic sauce that's bright green and hums with freshness. The classic vinegar-based hot sauce served at 2 Sistas is a good addition, too. Adding one or both of those acidic sauces will kick the tostones rellenos into a higher gear.

Plus, they're a great value, like everything on the 2 Sistas menu: three tostones for $5. You also could choose two empanadas with the same filling options for the same price. You might as well tack on a three-piece fried chicken meal. Those start at $6.99 for dark meat.

If you live in Smyrna, and you're not eating at 2 Sistas Soul Food, you're not only missing out on their fantastic Creole and Puerto Rican cooking, you're basically losing money.