By Pamela Holz, local chef and cooking show host
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – There has been a bit of a buzz on my Facebook page about New South Café, and I was eager to see what it was all about. A welcome restaurant addition to the food dearth along 101st, New South Café offers a hearty alternative to fast food.
An open space with cheery red walls greeted us as we entered the café. Our waiter was friendly and courteous, taking our drink orders. He returned not too quickly, giving us the right length of time to peruse the menu, making our decisions. My friend decided to try the Buffalo Chicken Club ($7.95) on a pretzel roll, with a side of smoky macaroni and cheese. I ordered the shrimp and cheese grits ($10.95), with a side of cabbage and the sautéed vegetables. As we waited for our food, we observed the gentlemen at the next table receiving their order of fried Twinkies ($3.50).
Noticing our admiration, the kind gentleman offered me a taste. I declined, assuring him that we would be ordering some to complete our lunch. He and his son finished off both Twinkies, stopping just short of licking the plate.
Our food arrived, and I was initially surprised at the small portion size on my plate. Assuming that it was due to the fact that this was lunch, I set about enjoying my meal. The cabbage was quite tender and had a smoky bacon aroma mingled in, with the right balance of bacon, but not greasy.
The sautéed vegetables were a colorful medley of orange and yellow carrots and green beans with a light seasoning. They were freshly sautéed, very hot, and delicious. Then I scooped up a bite of the shrimp and grits. A whole lot of seasoned shrimp nestled atop a warm bed of cheesy grits with red and green pepper bits and kernels of corn… Yum! The meal was filling, and I ended up not being able to finish all of it, so I applaud their restraint with portion size.
My friends on these adventures know that I will want to try what they order. The smoky mac and cheese was very smooth and very cheesy, and had just a subtle hint of smokiness. I was curious as to the cheese sauce, and our waiter inquired of the chef. “He wanted you to know that it is Velveeta, and he is proud of it!” The mac and cheese, once prepared, is set in the in-house smoker. I recognize that mac and cheese is a very personal dish to many. I am not saying that this will be everyone’s preference, but it was hot, cheesy, and smoky… and there was none left in the dish at the end of the meal. The pretzel bun was tender and flavorful, and paired well with the slightly spicy Boar’s Head chicken, tomato, lettuce and plenty of Ranch dressing.
Only one thing stood out as a negative for me. The restaurant is a very open big room. As it was fairly busy, we were seated at a table by the door. Every time someone walked in or out, the icy draft made for an unwelcome guest at our table. Not only did that make me cold, but it rapidly diminished the temperature of my hot entrée. Next time I will ask to be seated away from the door.
The manager was delightful, pleasantly making her way to each table, efficiently assisting her wait staff, and courteously dealing with a disgruntled customer. It was evident that she enjoys her job and is proud to be at New South Café. Her cheerfulness, and that of the waiters, says a lot about a restaurant. When one takes pride in their work, it comes through in the flavor of the whole experience.
P.S. Having admired the fried Twinkies, we did decide to give them a try. Chocolate or raspberry sauce? I asked for one of each. Decadently wrong in a whole lot of ways, those Twinkies were just fun. How often can you say, “I had fried Twinkies for dessert?”
New South Café
2243 Lowes Drive
Clarksville TN
931.919.1188
newsouthcafe.com
