Aunt Kizzy's Back Porch

This past Saturday we were invited to a birthday celebration at Aunt Kizzy's Back Porch in Marina del Rey. There were about a dozen people in our party. The place was filled with diners and very lively, even on a rainy L.A. night. The wait staff is very attentive at Aunt Kizzy's. The food is the usual selection of southern soul food, including fried chicken, catfish, hush puppies, meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, pork chops, mac n' cheese, collard greens, and more. They make really delicious lemonade and have good desserts like sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, sock-it-to-me cake and more.

Carla, Michelle, Natalie Crowded on a Rainy Night Clive's Catfish, Hush Puppies, etc.

Mac 'n Cheese, Cabbage
Larry's Meatloaf, Vegies, Red Beans and Cornbread Dressing

Ellen's Spicy Chicken and Dumplings

We had such a large party, so we were able to sample a variety of entrees. Everything was prepared and served beautifully. It's difficult serving large parties all at the same time, but Aunt Kizzy managed to get our order together in a timely fashion.

Singing Happy Birthday

Peach Cobbler AND Sweet Potato Pie

Aunt Kizzy's Back Porch has been around for a long time...at least 20 years in this location. Although the food is good, I have to say that there are better examples of this type of cooking to be found in the Los Angeles area, like M & M's Soul Food on MLK Blvd., Dulan's Catering on Crenshaw near 48th and even Pann's Coffeeshop has great down-home cuisine. However, you just can't beat Aunt Kizzy's for atmosphere and service.

Larry and Alem

Since it was Natalie's birthday, there was much merriment, singing, presents, etc. Kizzy's staff sang along with a recording of Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" a 1980 single written, produced, and performed by Stevie Wonder for the Motown label. Wonder, a social activist, was one of the main figures in the campaign to have the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. become a national holiday, and created this single to make the cause known. Thanks to Natalie's husband, Joe for hosting this joyous birthday celebration!