When you think of soul food, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s a spread of perfectly seasoned fried chicken, collard greens, and all the fixings. Or maybe it’s the overwhelming sense of satisfaction and comfort that soul food brings. Personally, I can’t get enough of the nirvana that washes over me when mac and cheese and yams touch my plate. Hulu and Onyx Collective’s new docuseries, “Searching for Soul Food,” captures these same feelings of joy, community, and gluttony while making meaningful connections between our beloved cuisine, its Black historical origins, and its resiliency.
At the heart of the show is its host, Chef Alisa Reynolds, owner of the Los Angeles eatery My 2 Cents. Like Stanley Tucci in CNN’s now-defunct “Searching for Italy,” Reynolds is a shining light who travels from city to city, using her sense of humor, love of food, and connection to the ancestors as her guide.
What sets “Searching for Soul Food” apart is Reynolds’ perspective that soul food transcends borders, both geographic and cultural. It’s not just about the African American experience; it also encompasses the spirit of the Black diaspora, including South Africa, Peru, and Jamaica. But it doesn’t stop there. Reynolds also explores soul food within other communities, such as the Choctaw tribe in Oklahoma, white folks in Appalachia, and Italians in Naples, Italy. Through her lens, she shows us that soul food is a culinary thread that unites us all, regardless of our background.
In creating “Searching for Soul Food,” Reynolds was inspired by the potential loss of her restaurant. The show became a way for her to inspire others and embrace the possibility of a new path. She wanted to tell the history of soul food, but without the gloom and doom that often accompanies discussions of the past. Reynolds aimed to create a series that allows viewers to learn about the origins of soul food while still feeling uplifted and hopeful.
One notable aspect of “Searching for Soul Food” is its celebration of the cuisine instead of shaming it. Reynolds has observed people criticizing soul food, making broad statements about its unhealthiness and how it will harm us. She finds this approach misguided, as it fails to acknowledge the rich history and traditions behind soul food. Reynolds points out that our ancestors had an abundance of gardens and consumed more vegetables and greens due to the scarcity of meat. She believes in keeping these traditions alive and demonstrating how they can still be healthy and enjoyable.
Despite being rooted in African American tradition, soul food extends beyond those boundaries in the show. Reynolds discovers cultural similarities in various communities she visits. One common thread she notices is the ability to create something from nothing, a skill developed by these cultures in the face of colonization. She also witnesses the dedication of people to preserve their culinary traditions, knowing that these meals were born out of challenging circumstances and hold profound significance. Food becomes a medium for spreading love and building a sense of community.
“Searching for Soul Food” reminds us of the resilience of our ancestors and challenges the notion that they were passive in the face of oppression. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring our ancestors, acknowledging that their choices and experiences have influenced who we are today. Our food reflects their resiliency and connection to history. Even in difficult times, they found ways to create joy through their culinary creations, which we continue to savor today. It’s up to us to carry on their legacy and show gratitude for the contributions they made.
In the episode exploring Appalachia, Reynolds uncovers a surprising connection to soul food in this region. She wanted to venture to a place where people didn’t look like her, so she chose Appalachia as her destination. Despite initial challenges and a feeling of being out of place, Reynolds encountered beautiful people who were keen on preserving their unique recipes and passing them down through generations. She also discovered that Appalachia had its own struggles, but the resilient spirit of its people inspired her.
Now that Reynolds is back home in Los Angeles, she can’t wait to recreate some of the recipes she learned on her journey. She has her sights set on trying out dishes like chocolate gravy from the Appalachia episode, which she describes as chocolate on a biscuit. She also wants to experiment with Peruvian pot recipes using guinea pig, a meat similar in texture to squirrel. Each dish holds a story and represents the interconnectedness of culinary traditions worldwide.
“Searching for Soul Food” is a series that goes beyond a mere exploration of food. It delves into the cultural significance, historical context, and resilience embedded in soul food. Reynolds invites us on a journey that inspires, educates, and ultimately celebrates the power of food to connect people and transcend boundaries.
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