Restaurant Review by Pamela Holz
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – There is just one restaurant located on the bypass between Sango and downtown. Perhaps the realization is that people are not looking to stop on the bypass, but rather to use it for its intended purpose and skirt around all the businesses that line Madison Street. Whatever the case, there is Relish, located just past Appleton Harley-Davidson.
I have been to this restaurant several times over the last few years, and every time I go in, it feels like a different restaurant. The set up is always changing. The word “unique” is in the name, however; perhaps that allows for the different experience each time. Relish is a location for lunch or an early dinner –they close at 6 p.m. They also offer a variety of desserts, and provide catering as well.
The main focus seems to be Italian. Relish was voted the March of Dimes Best of Clarksville’s “Best Italian Restaurant” for 2013. The interior of the restaurant is painted a faded Tuscan yellow, and has a simple but pleasant feel. We were greeted warmly, and our waitress was very sweet and attentive.
As Italian is the specialty, my friend and I both ordered pasta. I love variety, so I ordered the Sampler plate, which promised me a taste of Fettuccine Alfredo, Not Your Mom’s Spaghetti, and Three Cheese Mac ‘n Cheese ($10.95). My friend ordered the Spinach Garlic Ravioli, with both the Alfredo sauce and the homemade red sauce ($10.95).
Our meals started with salads: lovely fresh spring mix with chopped tomatoes and delicious dressings. The pasta arrived just as we were finished with our salads. The fettuccine Alfredo sauce was very thick and creamy, with a sprinkling of dried herbs. Not Your Mom’s Spaghetti had a thick red sauce on angel hair pasta. The Three Cheese Mac ‘n Cheese was also very thick and creamy. The servings were more than adequate for a lunch portion, which allowed plenty for my friend to taste as well.
As we began to eat our meal, we realized something was missing. Obviously, salt is a personal choice, but I do prefer my food to have a little to help accentuate the flavors. Some garlic and fresh herbs would also have really added to the flavors of the sauces, which were all very bland.
With so few Italian restaurants to choose from in Clarksville, Relish does have the opportunity to shine. With a few more seasonings and a more liberal application of salt, it is possible that they could. It would be great for Clarksville if they were able to rise to the challenge.
Relish: A Unique Eatery
www.relisheatery.com
149 Kender Rhea Ct. (on the bypass in Sango)
Clarksville, TN 37043
931.542.6482
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: CLOSED