Many years ago, there was this bakery called Lelolai that stood on the site where SOHO Kitchen & Bar is today. They served great Creme de caramel flan and empanadas at a steal and I mourned the day they closed their doors. I avoided whatever took its place in some form of protest. However, I regret it now. SOHO Kitchen & Bar is good eats and represents southern cuisine best via Creole with a twist.
I've had the biegnets at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans and have been jonesin' for them addictive bites for years since I last visited. If you are in the same boat, score! they serve it here! The only difference is that the original is drowned in confectioners sugar while this one has more restraint in that department (which I wish was not the case).
Shrimp on the shrimp and grits was large, plump and perfectly cooked. The grits were cheesy but not too cheesy. The addition of Andouille sausage provided good contrast. Tasty.
I'm so glad we have something other than Popeye's chicken to represent southern cooking in Cleveland.