Review Archive/April 2012
Updated May 30, 2012


Big Mama's Restaurant; Winston-Salem, NC
Service With a Personality!

By Jay Whipple/Trend Magazine Online™

I learned about this eatery from a business associate that was born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC. The name alone was enough to entice me to make a speedy visit with thoughts of the movie Soul Food (1997), starring Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach, and Mekhi Phifer). My favorite scene of course was the preparation of the Sunday dinner which was more like a ritual deep in family tradition and pride that has been passed down via osmosis from generation to generation. I punched their address into my GPS (Global Positioning System) and away I went to their local. There was ample parking on the side of the restaurant which is why I could not figure out why this dude was parked smack dab in the middle both parking areas. I did eventually get to park after a spell and when that guy finally returned to his vehicle. It was night time so I could not see the outside of the building very well, however, the inside was just as I expected; small, simple, and quaint.

They also had a side room to the right that contained a few extra tables for over flow. The crowd was light when I arrived but quickly picked up shortly thereafter. The set up was cafeteria-style and the menu line was small and contained maybe eight or so dishes that included the meats, vegetables, starch, and breads. I had not met her before so my first inkling was to locate the legend herself; Big Mama. There was a server that could fit the bill but it was a false alarm. I selected the Catfish Dinner with potatoes and fried onions with a side of collard greens. My business associate also selected the same dinner but with mac (macaroni) and cheese instead of the potatoes and fried onions.

While awaiting my take out order to be produced this plump older lady appeared from the back just when it was time for me to pay. I could safely assume that she was indeed the proprietor Big Mama (Cynthia Bradger). I, of course, made sure by asking her. She was extremely cordial, friendly, and down-to-earth as she socialized with her regular guests. It was then time for me to inspect the men’s room and it was small but indeed clean. Their posted sanitation code was 92.5 which is 2.5 points above my minimum acceptable level of 90. They had to prepare some addition potatoes and fried onions so it took about 10 minutes for my orders to be ready. The total was just $13.99 with tax which is quite reasonable for dinner for two.

My take on what I consumed is that the catfish and greens were okay, the mac and cheese (I sampled) was a bit bland, and the potatoes and fried onions – something I have never tried – were as Tony the Tiger would say Grrrrrrrreat! I went back for lunch during the National Black Theater Festival in August of 2011 and was disappointed that they were a bit slow. I suggested that she (Big Mama) have someone drop some flyers off at the Downtown Marriott which was the host hotel.


Big Mama’s Restarant is located at 200 W. Acadia Ave. (corner of Broad and Acadia), Winston-Salem, NC, 27127, and their phone number is 336-725-9600.








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