Spicy and Cool: Ice Cream and Hot Creole



Midtown is experiencing a bit of a boom, and the Walmart moving into the building vacated by Sweetbay last year is only one sign.

"The Deuces" aka the 22nd Street South neighborhood, is the latest ‘Burg hotspot to catch fire. A historical district that was once the heart of the ‘Burg’s very happening African American community, it’s becoming the place to go for some upscale south-side dining options.

One such option, Chief’s Creole Cafe–brainchild of ‘Burg real estate entreprenuer and revitalizer Elihu Brayboy, and his wife Carolyn–will bring hot and cold together, with a plan that joins the cafe to a soon-to-open ice cream parlor through a tastefully appointed outdoor courtyard. 

Already open is Elihu LLC, a consignment shop offering upscale clothing with the motto "dress like a player for less," catering primarily, Elihu says, to those who are seeking higher-end attire to dress for employment, church and other formal activities.

The ice cream parlor, set to open this weekend pending final permitting,  will serve Working Cow Ice Cream, another ‘Burg institution. Working Cow is a homegrown company that manufactures its homemade treats right here in St. Pete. The Floridian cows "working" to produce the milk are hormone-free. No high-fructose corn syrup is used in the product.

Elihu LLC Ice Cream will be offering eight Working Cow flavors, intially, including a sugar-free cherry and "Heavenly Hash," Elihu’s new favorite.

Chief’s Creole Cafe will feature an open air kitchen, on the north side of the building, and a formal dining room, shown below, on the south side.

The Brayboys are using the buildings’ historical touches to their fullest effect, from the tin ceiling to the horse plaque left by original owner George Washington (not to be confused with the first president). They’ve also designed their own granite tables, using salvaged pieces, which they’re detailing to keep the original charm of the stone.

As a member of "the Deuces Live" business group–their name is a reference to the historic 22nd Street South district–Elihu is working to revitalize the area. He plans to raise additional funding through crowd sourcing via indiegogo.

Sylvia’s Queen of the Burg


The Midtown boom is perhaps epitomized by the opening of Syliva’s, "Queen of Soul Food" in the first floor of the historical Manhattan Casino.

A Harlem institution, Syliva’s combines an elegant ambiance with the comfort of home cooking, where Time Honored Southern Style Chitterlings share the menu with Salmon Croquettes. Southern favorites like oxtails, and grilled catfish are also served.

The first Syliva’s was opened by chef Syliva Woods, in 1962, in Harlem, New York. While its operations have expanded to include food and memorabilia products, Sylvia’s is still owned and operated by the Woods family. Sylvia’s of the ‘Burg, the first Florida affiliate of the famous restaurant, is owned and operated by ‘Burg family Larry and Bettye Newsome.

The new restaurant’s location, in the beautiful Manhattan Casino, has its own stories to tell.

Once the hub of a thriving dance hall that featured atists the likes of James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Sarah Vaughn, the Manhattan Casino’s historical significance was not lost on Syliva’s CEO Kenneth Woods. 

"What better way to build upon the legacy of Syliva’s brand than to open in the historic Manhattan Casino," Woods said.  

Sylivia’s offers takeout as well as catering, and a large assortment of products; from cookbooks to canned goods, to souvenir memorabilia, such as aprons and oven mitts. At present they serve lunch and dinner, but weekend breakfasts will be added to the menu soon. 

Syliva’s Queen of Soul Food is located at 642 22nd Street South. 

If you like this story, Like Us on Facebook to stay in the know!