When I heard about The King’s Kitchen, a nonprofit restaurant in uptown Charlotte, I was excited: I could stuff my face and benefit something other than my stomach.

Founded by chef Jim Noble, a non-denominational minister who also owns two SouthPark restaurants -- Roosters Wood Fire-Grill and Noble’s -- The King’s Kitchen employs the needy, including the formerly homeless, and donates proceeds to hunger-relief programs.

My partner and our friend went for dinner on a rainy Saturday evening. The restaurant’s décor is simply Southern -- cream colored walls, art made from distressed wooden doors and chalkboards with inspirational sayings throughout.

Charles, our waiter, was pleasant and well versed on the menu. We were happy to learn that most of the vegetables and meats were produced locally.

For starters, we ordered Hoppin’ John, made with Sea Island red peas, Carolina gold rice and salsa. The portion was plenty for three to share, and it was tasty. I was surprised by the hint of pepper that gave it a little kick.

When Charles brought out the biscuits and announced that they were homemade, I smirked. After all, who makes better biscuits than my grandmother?

One bite, however, changed my thinking. They were melt-in-your-mouth good, though a tad salty. I imagined them with a heap of grape preserves. Yum.

Our entrees arrived quickly, and we sat there tasting one another’s food while the jazz classic “Satin Doll” tickled our ears.

My partner ordered the pot roast, creamed corn, collard greens flavored with pork and macaroni and cheese. I ordered the shrimp po’ boy with French fries, and my friend ordered a flounder po’ boy, butter beans and a house salad.

Here’s what we loved: The pot roast, I’m told, was succulent (I’m a vegetarian, so I didn’t sample that); the collard greens were well seasoned but unfortunately arrived cold. The cream corn, which was actually pan-fried corn, was fresh off the cob and delish.

Both the shrimp and flounder were fried to a golden crisp. Hats off to the chef. The restaurant apparently doesn’t serve bottled cocktail sauce, so he whipped up a spicy mixture to go with my po’ boy.

Our favorite side was the butter beans, which I don’t normally eat, but these were nothing like the dreadful beans I grew up eating. They were so appetizing. I can’t wait to go back and order them again.

Our least favorite was the mac ‘n cheese -- too soupy and lacked flavor. We also weren’t impressed with the banana pudding -- not enough bananas and the cookies were hard.

Overall, The King’s Kitchen is worth the trip uptown. The service was excellent and the food was satisfying. It’s also the perfect opportunity give back.

The King’s Kitchen is located 129 W. Trade St., (704) 375-1990. www.kingskitchen.org
 

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