Mimi Mowery and Chris Newton, both veterans of the hospitality industry, have opened an eclectic new eatery, Soul Flavor Kitchen & Bar in Carolina Beach.

Mowery and Newton have worked to launch several successful area restaurants, such as Niche Kitchen & Bar and Cape Fear Seafood Company, and said they are excited to bring their soulful cuisine to Pleasure Island.
 
Newton, a chef, describes Soul Flavor’s menu as a collection of creatively prepared classics with a lean toward Southern comfort food.

Newton said the dishes are mindful of the public’s concern for fresh, healthy food however, and take that into consideration in ingredients and preparation.
 
“We keep things as local as possible and our goal is to provide perfectly cooked soul food,” Newton said. “You won’t find a single can or prepared food in the restaurant and we break down all of our fish, meat, fruits and vegetables in house.”
 
Newton stops at nearby Blackburn Brothers Seafood on his way into the restaurant to pick up what’s needed each day for dishes such as the Pleasure Island flounder, which is steam-braised in collard leaves and a vinegar sauce and served with black-eyed peas, rice and crispy bacon crumbles, and the N.C. fish & chips featuring North Carolina catfish. One of the bestsellers so far is Nana Maria’s paella, a recipe honoring Newton’s Portuguese grandmother that includes scallops, shrimp, flounder, crab and clams in a rich vegetable and saffron tomato broth.
 
The menu also includes appetizers and salads, as well as sandwiches, homemade soups and a brisket and black bean chili. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.
 
Bartender John Dean makes his own syrups and bitters and prepares specialty cocktails with fresh-squeezed juices. The beer list is make up primarily of craft beer from the Carolinas, and the team has put together a carefully selected wine list that will evolve based upon customer feedback.
 
“We take a lot of pride in our food and understand the value of repeat business,” Newton said. “It’s our goal to be the best neighborhood restaurant in terms of quality, service and affordability.”
 
Soul Flavor Kitchen & Bar is located in Unit 3, at 716 N. Lake Park Blvd., and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
 
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