The hungry strikers who frequent Cal Bowl have long claimed one of the more enviable positions at local lanes: easy access to M&M Soul Food. Absent are the stale nachos and skunked beers that plague bowling alleys far and wide; instead, there are short ribs, fried chicken and collard greens. Recently, however, the Lakewood M&M (one of the few remaining branches of a once-dominant brand) was transformed into Eva’s Soul Food. Although there’s been a change in name, Eva’s admirably carries on the location’s hearty Southern traditions. Present are perfectly fried pork chops (not unlike the iterations you might find in a Filipino restaurant), artery-hardening cornbread stuffing smothered in gravy and candied yams sweet enough to make do for dessert. As expected, Eva’s doesn’t hold back on the size of its portions: with most entrees, you’ll be tasked with picking three sides to accompany an already enormous meal. There’s no way around this gluttony—it’s not only expected, it’s necessary—which perhaps renders Eva’s a better choice after Thanksgiving, when your appetite regenerates and body recovers from the holiday’s destined caloric onslaught.

EVA’S SOUL FOOD 2450 CARSON ST • LAKEWOOD 90712 • 562.496.2077 • EVASSOULFOOD.COM

Tags: cal bowl, eva's soul food, Food, lakewood, m&m soul food, Restaurants