It took a while, but Jason Fullilove finally got his restaurant

Chef Jason Fullilove built a following through a series of pop-ups and residencies. Now he has a place of his own. He calls it Barbara Jean, after his mother. The fare, he says, is “soul food” — vaguely Southern comfort food made with fine-dining technique.

Chef Jason Fullilove built a following through a series of pop-ups and residencies. Now he has a place of his own. He calls it Barbara Jean, after his mother. The fare, he says, is “soul food” — vaguely Southern comfort food made with fine-dining technique.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 1, 2017 8 AM PT

Hush puppies with truffle honey at Barbara Jean restaurant.

Hush puppies with truffle honey at Barbara Jean.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Deviled crab

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Heirloom tomato with fig

Heirloom tomato with fig

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The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Mary’s farm chicken

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The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Sampler with ribs

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The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Chicken liver butter with smoked apple sauce and sourdough bread

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Black-eyed peas

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The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Barbecue pork agnolotti

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The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Fried okra

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The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Buttermilk biscuits

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Curry fried chicken

Curry fried chicken

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The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Bacon braised greens

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The story of Barbara Jean, the little restaurant that could

Chef Jason Fullilove stands just outside the walled patio dining area of his restaurant Barbara Jean. The graffiti wall, facing the alley, is made to look on its other side like a quilt.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

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