A Taste of the South: Sally Brumbaugh Dishes About Her Fave 5 Spots.
Let’s face it — it’s too dang hot to be in a Texas kitchen right now. If you’re like us and looking for an excuse to get out on the town for a delicious meal you don’t have to cook, try any of these five Southern restaurants that Sally Brumbaugh has on her shortlist. The South is known for fantastic food and the variety of cuisine you could sample at any given moment across the region is dazzling. From good old-fashioned Southern fried to fine Creole and even Italian, the Brumbaugh family has you covered with some tried and true culinary gems. So rustle up your appetite and read on for the spots you’ll want to savor over and over again.
1. Caterina’s — Fort Worth, Texas
Experience the newest culinary brilliance of acclaimed chef and restaurateur, Tim Love, who pretty much rules the Fort Worth dining scene with his innovative experiences. No stranger to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, we’ve lost count of the number of restaurants Love has brought into the area. Caterina’s Ristorante is his latest Italian venture located in Mule Alley. Designed to be intimate, slower-paced dining, you’ll need to forget about things like schedules and well — texting — when dining here. Once you cross the threshold, you’ll be transported into a hidden space reminiscent of a New York City ristorante, where delectable Italian cuisine takes center stage, and a unique no-cell phone policy enhances the dining experience for all. Intrigued? Visit Caterina’s to see what the fuss is all about yourself.
WHAT TO ORDER:
Yellowfin Tuna Crudo & Linguine with Garlic and Lemon
“My new favorite restaurant in Fort Worth … amazing! Hats off to Tim Love for creating his magic throughout this menu. This is not a restaurant to hurry your dining experience; plan for at least a couple of hours.”
2. Rise Souffle — Fort Worth, Dallas and The Woodlands, Texas
As the first of its kind, Rise Souffle, brings the exquisite flavors of the French classic to discerning diners in a comfortable and casual environment. Savor its welcoming space and indulge in the delicate, fluffy textures and harmonious flavors that define its famous soufflés. If soufflés aren’t your thing, there are a variety of other delightful French entrees to choose from. Of course, no stop to Rise wouldn’t be complete without shopping a few of their interesting and eclectic items for sale such as unique tea towels, Rise’s own breadboards with built-in slicers, and local gift fare.
WHAT TO ORDER:
Any of the savory souffles or The Rise Salad
“The Rise Salad is my go-to choice. It never fails to deliver on flavor. Light and so very enjoyable. The savory souffle selection is equally delightful. Yet, save room for a decadent dessert souffle.”
3. Mary’s — Strawn, Texas
In a small Texas town that holds a notorious long-standing tradition of six-man football is an even more legendary restaurant — Mary’s. You come to Mary’s for the chicken fried steak, and you’ll have to adjust your belt buckle afterward. You’ll sit near local ranchers, football coaches, the regular joes, and anyone from hundreds of miles away who know a great chicken-fried when they’ve tasted it. This small-town gem reportedly serves over 50,000 pounds of chicken fried steak every year and over 200,000 pounds of potatoes to hungry patrons ready to get their carnivore fix on. We challenge you to indulge in this Southern-style feast. You won’t be sorry!
WHAT TO ORDER:
Chicken Fried Steak with all the sides!
“Outstanding and worth the drive no matter where you are driving from!!! Just count the number of pick-up trucks in the parking lot … men usually won’t eat at a bad restaurant! Plus, if it’s around any hunting season, everyone showing up will be dressed in camo!”
4. Artisanal — Banner Elk, North Carolina
Imagine an upscale barn — yes, that is a thing — by a lovely country stream, and you’ll understand the ambiance of Artisanal. Truly rustic elegance. Visiting Artisanal is like preparing yourself for an extraordinary culinary journey. Nestled in Banner Elk, North Carolina, Artisanal offers a fully farm-to-table menu, all made with locally grown ingredients. Its menu changes frequently to treat guests to an array of fresh flavors that are nothing short of explosive, teasing your taste buds with every bite. Although located in a barn, the sophisticated surroundings and impeccable service ensures that your every need is met.
WHAT TO ORDER:
Everything! From the wine list to start to the dessert menu to finish.
“We went here on the suggestion of a friend not knowing that the wait list for that weekend was well over 100 people. This was when “knowing” the right person got us in. This restaurant is only open from late spring to early fall. Breathtaking venue with impeccable architecture and service. This could be a memory that could last a lifetime. It is that amazing. I will always treasure this very special restaurant.”
5. Juban’s — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Whether you’re celebrating a special event or need a new go-to lunch or dinner spot in the Baton Rouge area, Jubans is the perfect destination to enjoy upscale Creole cuisine. If you’re into brunching, their Jazz Brunch is arguably the best in town with a variety of savory and sweet dishes to try. Truth be told, they’re the chef’s kiss when it comes to their seafood creations, but please save room for dessert — the bread pudding is that fabulous.
WHAT TO ORDER:
Lobster Risotto — excellent.
“This restaurant closed for a year to do an extensive remodel. It is fabulous! When you step inside you feel like you stepped into Old Hollywood. As a designer, it impressed me beyond measure. From the moment you step in, prepare to be captivated.”
