Melba Wilson: Queen of Soul Food

The Banter

The Guys discuss the most sought-after restaurant in France which is probably not what you think.

The Conversation

The Restaurant Guys are thrilled to meet soul food royalty Melba Wilson.  Melba recounts her childhood centered around food and frugality which is what led her to where she is today. She brought gospel brunch to Windows on the World and helped revitalize a Harlem neighborhood by bringing folks together over home cooking at her restaurant Melba’s. There may be a Melba’s coming closer to you. Find out where!

The Inside Track

The Guys knew Melba was a go-getter, but they were not expecting such a powerhouse! They were so taken with her they decided to attend her gospel brunch shortly after this conversation. 

“Well, I look at my story truly as the American dream. That's my life story. I'm someone who was born, bred and buttered, right here in the village of Harlem that had a dream,” Melba Wilson 2024 on The Restaurant Guys Podcast

Bio

After some experience at her aunt Sylvia’s restaurant, the iconic Sylvia’s, she struck out on her own in Harlem serving soul food to big wigs and regular folks. She created gospel brunch on Sundays first at Windows on the World then at her own place, Melba’s, which she opened in 2005. 

She appeared on the Food Network shows Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, and Throwdown! with Bobby Flay

Her book is Melba's American Comfort: 100 Recipes From My Heart to Your Kitchen 

Info

Melba’s Restaurant
https://www.melbasrestaurant.com/

Le Grande Buffet in Narbonne, France
https://www.lesgrandsbuffets.com/en

Boulom (Paris Buffet Restaurant)
https://www.boulom.net/

The NJ Wine & Food Festival @ Crystal Springs May 1-3

The Restaurant Guys will be podcasting from there May 2. Come see us!

https://shop.crystalgolfresort.com/collections/14th-annual-new-jersey-wine-food-festival

Our Places

Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/

Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/

Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/

Reach Out to The Guys!
TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com