A Slice of Southern Hospitality Lands in Little Italy

Pamela’s Kitchen Table opens next month in Little Italy, bringing with it the flavors of Southern and Cajun cuisine. Chef-owner Pamela Jones was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and went to school in New Orleans; in her culinary career, she managed the Central Park South location of Sarabeth’s in New York City and worked as a private chef in Australia and Los Angeles. Along with partner Chris DiCristo, Jones plans to infuse the India Street restaurant with Southern hospitality and introduce local diners to the breadth of true Southern food, which is as much about fresh vegetable sides as it is decadent dishes.

The menu will feature blackened shrimp salad and a vegan version of gumbo as well as authentic recipes passed down from the matriarchs in her family, including red beans and rice, braised greens with smoked meat, fried chicken, and stuffed meatloaf. Jones will also cook up original creations, ranging from a chile pepper-spiked Cajun spaghetti to desserts such as banana pudding cheesecake and churro beignets with homemade ice cream.

The dinner-only eatery, which replaces Harbor Music Hall, will offer beer and wine and feature occasional live piano music. Reservations are encouraged for its opening weekend, launching Friday, April 6; the restaurant will start off by operating from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.