fried chicken and waffles

Photo: Aya Brackett

Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Cornmeal Waffles with Apple Cider Syrup
These waffles are adapted from legendary Californian Marion Cunningham's recipe.

Get the recipe for Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Get the recipe for Cornmeal Waffles with Apple Cider Syrup

creole shrimp with cheddar grits

Photo: Aya Brackett

Creole Shrimp with Cheddar Grits
This shrimp preparation was inspired by vacations in Louisiana, and the sauce is brightened with lemon juice.

Get the recipe for Creole Shrimp

Get the recipe for Cheddar Grits

black eyed peas salad

Photo: Aya Brackett

Black-Eyed-Peas Salad
This salad, brightened by red peppers, is a light, refreshing side for a big meal.

Get the recipe for Black-Eyed-Peas Salad

braised collard greens and chili-glazed salmon

Photo: Aya Brackett

Braised Collard Greens and Chili-Glazed Salmon
The chili glaze on this salmon dish is intense, which is exactly what chef Tanya Holland is after. "I wanted to be known as the flavor queen," she says.

Get the recipe for Braised Collard Greens

Get the recipe for Chili-Glazed Salmon

sweet potato pie

Photo: Aya Brackett

Sweet Potato Pie
Fresh sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and brown sugar make this pie a rich treat.

Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Pie

Next: Learn more about the restaurant that's changing the face of gritty West Oakland

From the June 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine