While talking to the press pool after winning a Golden Globe for her television performance in The Bear, actress Ayo Edebiri declared her love for the South Side restaurant Oooh Wee It Is.
Edebiri gaped at the soul food spot’s “insane” name and gushed over the food, saying it was some of the best she’s ever had in her life. In the Chicago-based FX/Hulu series The Bear, Edebiri portrays ambitious chef Sydney Adamu.
Mark Walker owns Oooh Wee It Is and had no idea Edebiri visited.
“I didn’t know anything about the series. I was definitely fascinated and just thrilled to even be considered,” Walker said.
I met up with him at his restaurant at the 83rd Street location in the Chatham neighborhood. Once inside, you’re immediately hit with brightly painted walls and pop art. Toys and statues are placed around the restaurant, and a wall of cereal boxes looms over the dining room.
Despite the modern design choices, the sit-down restaurant is known for its classic soul food favorites. A few unexpected items pop up on the menu, such as the pot roast cupcake appetizer. It consists of a cornbread muffin topped with creamy mashed potatoes cheese, scallion, bacon and tender pot roast finished with velvety gravy.
The pot roast was very tender indeed and reminded me of braised short ribs. The dish is large for an appetizer and should most definitely be shared.
For my next course, I ordered the catfish with macaroni and cheese and mixed greens. Plus, I ordered the oxtail and grits. Again, the meat was lovely and tender, served with flavorful gravy over well-seasoned creamy (not runny) grits.
The catfish entree comes with two filets — either grilled or fried. I opted for fried. The batter was light and crispy. My sides of greens and mac and cheese did not disappoint either. The flavors were warm and familiar like a Sunday dinner at your favorite auntie’s house.
And remember that wall of cereal boxes I mentioned earlier? Well, they’re all available to order. Oooh Wee It Is has dozens of cold cereal options. There are fan favorites like Fruity Pebbles and Cap’n’ Crunch and some lesser-known varieties like Little Debbie Swiss Rolls cereal.
I assumed the cereal was geared toward pint-sized customers, but Walker said more adults partake in the cereal than kids.
“I always believed that cereal was soul food to African Americans because when we didn’t have anything else to eat in the house, we had cereal,” Walker said.
Walker, who was raised in Chatham, exudes the kind of charm and sincerity I associate with the neighborhood of perfectly manicured lawns and brick bungalows.
While I love all the unique touches that make Oooh Wee It Is what it is, the cuisine stands out from other soul food restaurants. The earnest cooking and familiar flavors will keep me coming back.
If you go: Oooh Wee It Is has two locations: 33 E. 83rd St. in Chicago and 2208 E. State St. in Burnham.
Cianna Greaves is a producer at WBEZ.
