Writing as someone who was once 6-foot, 5¼ inches tall (I’m 6’4 flat today after four spinal surgeries) and weighed as much as 275 pounds (the old Midnight Pizza and chicken wings at Phish Heads in Lake City, Fla., ruined me, but I settled at many pounds less), I have always been a fan of eating. Whether hungry or not, as a young man there was never a plate of food I wasn’t ready to put away, and fast.
Nowadays, I don’t eat nearly as much, and when I do I prefer quality over quantity. And, due to economic conditions, I don’t go out for lunch nearly as much as I used to. But when I do, there are certain things at certain places that continue to draw me back for another round. Or two or three.
Here are just some of the things I’m come to enjoy at local eateries, in no particular order, and I’m already getting nervous I’m going to leave someone out.
- Kobe Grill: The Japanese grill in downtown Murphy has captured my attention, if only because I can walk there in three minutes. When I do, pretty much everyone there knows what I’m going to order as soon as I open the door – sweet tea with lemon (as with every meal, naturally), clear soup and teriyaki steak, cooked medium well, with no broccoli and extra carrots. That’s right, I said “no broccoli,” and I’m not taking it back; plus, I’ve even talked with wife into making those sweet carrots at home.
- Legend’s Steakhouse: There are lots of good things on the menu Where Legends Meet (shout-out to the other DB), but more often than not my desire for both protein and to satisfy my sweet tooth leads me to order chicken and waffles. Now, I’ve had both Roscoe’s and Gladys Knight’s Chicken & Waffles, so I have a sophisticated palette when it comes to this combination, but Legend’s always manages to impress. The topper of sweet potato straws is a nice touch.
- Burger Boy: There are times when nothing but a fresh, hand-patted hamburger will do. When the mood strikes, I usually find my way to the small but mighty restaurant on Andrews Road and order a bacon cheeseburger, all the way except tomato, with tater tots on the side. The tots are essential, as they bring me back to the days of eating lunch in school cafeterias, where tots and pizza were about the only items that got the boys excited (other than girls, of course).
- ShoeBooties Cafe: This is what my wife calls my elitist meal, and maybe she’s right, but I don’t care because at this point it has become comfort food. Perfect for winter, start with a nice warm bowl (not a cup) of lobster bisque, then segue into a turkey Rockefeller sandwich with chips on the side. This order has never left me not feeling good (and apparently using double negatives).
- Julie’s Place: Despite being located at an intersection in Peachtree where many restaurants had gone before and failed, Julie and her family have turned that building into something special. My personal favorite lunch is to start with those mouth-watering biscuits and apple butter, before filling up on country fried steak (and lots of gravy) with creamed corn, mashed potatoes and more gravy.
- Red Brick Deli: When you absolutely, positively need to cram your face full of protein, get the overstuffed corned beef and pastrami sandwich, on white bread with a little brown mustard, and watch those hunger pains fade away.
- Downtown Pizza: Honestly, the lunch buffet is the best pound-for-pound meal in town. Plus, Lizz & Co. are nice people who care about the community.
- Main Street Diner: Where else can get your choice of a meat and three vegetables, plus your favorite bread and a drink, for less than $9?
- Murphy’s Chophouse: The crispy fish and chips on Fridays is a great deal.
- Cups & Cones Cafe: I always enjoy spending time in Andrews, where I was baptized, got married and spent a honeymoon. (Obviously, my wife is a saint.) Even before the downtown eatery was sold last year, my favorite dish was on the special menu, and it still is – a club sandwich on sourdough bread, with potato salad on the side to complete the appearance of trying to look healthy.
David Brown is publisher of the Cherokee Scout. Call him at 828-837-5122 or email dbrown@cherokeescout.com.