There's a whole lot of soul at Mamma Nem's. It's in the solicitous attitude of the servers, in the taste of Southern favorites like catfish, greens and mac and cheese, and in the music that's the spirit of the scene at this Stone Mountain restaurant and event space.
COMFY CLUB
Mamma Nem's, located on busy Memorial Drive in a nondescript building that looks like it was once home to a fast-food franchise, has had its interior refurbished to create something resembling a comfy supper club. There's a semicircular bar area near the entrance, and the main dining room features several funky, semicircular banquettes around the perimeter, with rows of tables in the middle. Low lighting augmented by candles, a grand piano in the corner, and music-related art set the mood.
SEAFOOD/SOUL FOOD
If the atmosphere is intended to be sort of sophisticated, the food is strictly down-home, with a few fine dining flourishes. Creamy turnip green dip, served with crispy flour tortilla chips, is a tasty twist on the spinach classic. Fried green tomatoes, hoe cakes with collard greens, and hot wings are among the appetizers. Entrees focus on seafood and soul food plates with a choice of two sides. Fried catfish fillets are well seasoned, lightly dusted with corn meal and fried to a golden, toothsome crunch. Other popular entrees range from fried or barbecued chicken and smothered pork chops to turkey wings and meatloaf.
CHURCH SIDES
Because Mamma Nem's has garnered strong support from local church folk, it's fitting that side items are named for some of Dekalb County's houses of worship. New Birth baked macaroni and cheese has a buttery bready crust and tastes like grandma made it for a potluck. Total Grace collard greens are made without pork but kicked up with a blend of spices. Other choices: Beulah Baptist fresh broccoli; Ray of Hope dirty rice; Salem Baptist cole slaw; Word of Faith dressing; Anointed Word French fries.
JAZZ AND GOSPEL
On Fridays and Saturdays, jazz is the featured music at Mamma Nem's. Sundays, gospel is what's going on after church. Other nights, performances or events, including karaoke, are often on the schedule. The liquor license is pending, but a full bar is planned. In the meantime, a mix of sweet tea and lemonade, called the Uptown, and a fruit punch, called the Downtown, are the favored drinks.
• Signature dish: Seafood and meat-and-two specials
• Entree prices: $9.95-$14.95
• Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Saturdays (later on some event nights).
• Reservations: Yes
• Credit cards: Yes
• Online: www.www.mammanems.com
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