Do you work in a nondescript office park? Drive a beige Camry? Wear high-waisted jeans? If so, then you're like me--you need some soul in your life. If you're anywhere within a half hour drive of San Mateo, you absolutely must get to Ma's place immediately. There's been talk of this great local gem closing down, so get there soon.
Sure the food is great. Homemade fried chicken (call before you get there so they can get to work on it because it takes about a half hour to make real fried chicken), great BBQ, cornbread, and red beans & rice. But it's the people and overall experience that I find most compelling.
The place is usally a little cold, the BBQ cooker is from another era, and there's good old fashioned daytime TV playing (non of this new-fangled cable stuff either, we're talking Springer, Cops, and Cheaters). On paper, I'll admit it's not exactly picture perfect ambiance, but in practice the place has a real downhome charm.
Even better, the people are genuine and friendly and it's not uncommon for patrons to strike up conversations over bites of homecooked food.
Ma Pinkies has taught me that soul food is about more than just food.
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Ma Pinkies Bbq & Soul Food Restaurant
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