CC’s on Central in Phoenix is one of those special restaurants where the food feeds both the stomach and the soul. This family owned and operated small business does so with a menu of delicious Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Visitors jump at the opportunity to indulge in one of their classic menu items such as the jambalaya or the Po’boy. Depending on the day, one might find themselves lucky enough to order some of their famous Dankenstein wings.
The first time I heard about Chef Devan and his family was through friends and industry professionals who often share their visit to CC’s. After hearing nothing but rave reviews about Chef Devan and the food, the hype was starting to build.
Upon entry visitors are likely to be greeted by a soul as sweet as CC’s french toast. That would be the co-owner and Devan’s mom, Sharon. During our visit she recommended nearly everything on offer, including the Tasty 3 which includes a cup of jambalaya, red beans, and shrimp étouffée, with a side of rice and corn bread. The first bite of jambalaya will tell you everything you need to know about CC’s on Central. Each bowl is loaded with flavorful, made from scratch ingredients. CC’s serves food that will make you reminisce whenever the words “soul food” or “the south” is brought up in a conversation.
After doing some serious damage to the Tasty 3, we recommend exploring the rest of the menu. If breakfast catches your eye, opt for brunch items like buttermilk pancakes and praline french toast. Or, try the Calas, classic Creole rice fritters where each ooey gooey bite will bring a smile to your face. The people and food at CC’s will fill your heart with joy, but be careful not to fall into a food coma.
Sharon shared that another fan favorite at CC’s on Central are their Danks or Dankenstein Wings. Curious? Well the Danks are some of the best dry-rub chicken wings ever! One thing about these wings that is immediately apparent is that each wing is enormous. Upon your first bite you will receive an explosion of flavor! Each taste includes a little spice, citrus, sweetness, and zest, complimented by a solid crispy outside.
Few restaurants will please your taste buds like CC’s. It scratches a unique itch in a food scene not known for southern cuisine. For us it was almost emotional. The experience nearly made tears well up! If you’re hoping to uncover the secret to what makes these wings so special, Chef Devan may not be much help. When we inquired we were met with an evil laugh.
Chef Devan is a culinary genius and is carving his own lane in the local food scene. It’s clear why he’s heavily respected by some of the other city legends. That respect and appreciation has continued to make its way through the community, with local foodies frequently sharing the CC’s on Central story online. This mother & son duo are doing magical things over at their Midtown Phoenix hotspot. They take pride in what they serve and treat every person who walks in like family. Their menu is a wonderful way to dig into the flavor of the south, with plenty more items we can’t wait to enjoy again, including the hot link po’boy, the collard green salad, and multiple desserts like the bread pudding with bourbon sauce. Looking to wow a larger group or business gathering? Visit CC’s website for info on their catering services.
written by: bryan soto | photographed by: luke irvin