Soul food.

Look how far I've come! I'm not even taking antibiotics anymore. For the first time in over a month, I am not taking antibiotics. How do I feel about this? Very, very good.

But really, this blog post is about much more than my facial improvements:

As is customary for end-of-semester times, I have been broadening my horizons when it comes to restaurants. Somehow, at times like this, there is an excuse to spend a little more money on food. My recent exploits have been very exciting.

First, Pizzeria 712. Excellent, excellent. I would recommend going for lunch, because it's pretty expensive. It's a super-trendy and small pizzeria in Orem, and it's delicious.

I'm pretty sure the waiter thought I was weird taking pictures and all. But oh well. With your meal, they serve hummus with pita bread. Yummmmmmmmmmmmm.

Next, Mama's Southern Plantation Restaurant.

I received a lot of black lovin' here. And it was pretty incredible. It took me back to my Mississippi roots. We walked in and were greeted by a lot of pink, and a black lady sayin', "Make yourselves at home." We ate fried chicken, collard greens, black eyed peas, cornbread, and wow. Then another ample-bosomed (black) lady sitting at a table nearby said, "What'd y'all get?"

My brother replied, "My name is Jon, and this is Amanda."

And then she repeated her question.

Basically, it was a culturally rich experience.

Mama is sort of like a god in these parts, as far as I could gather. According to the back of the menu, entitled "Southern Hospitality in SLC," she is not only the founder of the restaurant, but also the overseer and founder of the Faith Temple Pentecostal Church. "Preaching and cooking go hand in hand for Mrs. Cosby," it says. I felt comforted by the benevolent smile of Mrs. Cosby looking kindly down on me as I devoured my fried chicken and cornbread, hoping that I thought her cookin' was pleasin'. That good old Southern hospitality--straight from the good Lord.