Solo Dining in the ole' South
Had the pleasure of dining at Sweet Potatoes on North Trade Street in downtown Winston Salem, NC on Tuesday eve. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I dined alone that eve. Business trip to the city for a buy event had me looking for some foodie relief. Their website advertised the place as contemporary Southern fare and it lived up to its name. I walked in and let the hostess know I was alone. It's housed in a restored, shotgun style building, with brick walls and black lacquer furniture. Art meets Atlanta feel.
The restaurant was less than half-full and being a bit shy, I asked to sit at the bar, rather than at a table. The bartender and a waiter were attentive and warmed up to me quickly as I asked about the specials and menu items. He recommended the drunken pork chops. I was sold. He accommodated my request for a taste-size order of the fried green tomatoes and they were awesome served with the house aioli.
I asked if the owners were in the kitchen and was told they were at their newly opened second spot called The Cotton Mill. Later, I noticed two swank, cosmopolitan looking African American women commanding some serious respect and it turned out it was the two of them. They were so gracious and Vivian told me she was glad I was there before heading off to the kitchen.
The restaurant menu is forward thinking geared toward today's consumers smaller palates and natural, earth friendly, home style tastes. (OK, maybe my Middle Age is showing here. Hee hee)
Several entrees are offered in half as well as whole orders. The half order of center cut drunken pork was moist, slathered in brandy gravy and served up with a heaping pile of heaven called Southern style cornbread stuffing. YUM ME!
Thanks to the bartending lady who opened up, the hostess who gave directions, the long-time waiter who knew his stuff.
By the way, I had cheesecake waiting at my hotel or I would've ordered dessert. However, he did mention they were out of the sweet potato pie...
Highly recommend, especially for solo business travelers looking for a knock-out dinner experience at the bar.
Wholesome sophisticated recipes with strong heritage and unbeatable prices.
K
