The Chicago Soul-Food Restaurant Aretha Franklin Loved
NEWS
By LAUREN DOZIER
The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin became a Chicago mainstay throughout her illustrious career, and she reportedly couldn't resist a meal from Josephine's when in town.
Opened by Josephine Wade in 1986, Josephine's Southern Cooking has been an essential establishment in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood for over three decades.
Franklin's go-to order at the establishment was a bowl of the restaurant's classic gumbo. Josephine's version features Creole seasoning, andouille sausage, and Carolina gold rice.
Wade reported that she would often deliver the stew to Franklin's hotel. She even made the famous stew for Franklin's backstage reception at the Ravinia Music Festival in 2015.