On Colorado Boulevard just west of Pasadena sits a fetching little Arts & Crafts bungalow that’s home to a friendly, modern soul-food restaurant, Larkin’s, where the chicken is fried and you drink your wine out of Ball jars. Here’s a lovely piece on the LA Weekly’s food blog Squid Ink by our pal Jenn Garbee about how the folks at Larkin’s have been quietly helping a local family every holiday season for the last few years. That alone is reason to head over there for a meal… but the food and the welcoming front porch are reason enough as well.

Here’s the lowdown from our sister publication, EAT: Los Angeles 2012:

WHY Skillet-fried chicken and other Southern comfort dishes served in an atmospheric old home.

WHAT Everyone loves the charm of the restored Craftsman house, and though it took a year or so to settle in, now most everyone loves Larkin Mackey’s Southern cooking. Portions are small by soul-food standards, which is better for you anyway. The chicken is skillet-fried the right way, the mac ‘n cheese is exceptionally creamy, and the banana pudding is comfort in a crock. Weekend brunch is a hit.

WHO Tastefully tattooed parents with gorgeous multiethnic toddlers, and other modern-era Eagle Rockers.