Sandy J.
Yelp
Hidden gem that is tucked off the highway exit that we happened to stumble upon when we found out how our original food destination was too far inland from the road. I word buffet and buffet caught my eye and it happened to be Sunday. What better way to do a Southern buffet than to be with the church crowd? I've been a little underwhelmed by major chain country buffets including Ryan's, recently converted Golden Corral, and Ole Times, so finding something that was not a chain, made me hopeful that I was going to stumble on some real good southern food.
this place did not disappoint. 13.99$ brunch buffet that could easily compete w/ one of those Paula Deen fancy places. I walked in, it was small and cozy that felt like someone had converted their home to a big entertainment parlor. Smaller selection but everything was high quality. Pics below. As soon as I saw how the mashed potatoes was done, I knew this was going to be good. I judge my Southern food on the following criteria: Mashed Potatoes, Shrimp n' grits, corn casserole, collard greens, mac and cheese and most importantly just the quality of the side dishes which define so much of good Southern cooking. Main entrees aren't as important to be, because skimping on quality of the side dishes, is just a no no, and yet nothing was doused in butter and greasy feeling. Nothing was too salty and everything was that delicate balance of heartiness, butteriness, but not leaving one feeling like they needed an immediate work out. Highly impressed with large spread of vegetarian options
Mashed potatoes were the red potatoes (the best mashing kind) that still left the right size chunks for texture but still had the fluffiness of a good Southern potato.
Corn Casserole. Very well done; creamed corn baked that was not saccharine and not too heavy.
Good collards and great ratatouielle options w/ a tomato sauce that made the flavor fresh in contrast with buttery everything else.
Shrimp n' grits. the fact that they had it was good 'nuff for me but I was impressed by the combination of flavors in the shrimp. Rich and luxurious; made up for check list of good grits for my southern visit (they ran out of grits and refused to refill at my hotel that morning, so I felt redeemed).
Desserts though, I wasn't too impressed with. I wished they had more pies and more variety; everything was cake and "floury". The pastries were a little underwhelming; not flaky or crisp on the outside and felt a little too moist to me. All I remembered was brownie, cake, and cookie- just flour heavy treats, that all had the same texture. I wished there was some variety in texture like a pudding.
Overall great find; seems like in past reviews, it's a hit or miss depending on day and time you go into. The Sunday brunch for me was an A plus. Consider stopping by that time if you have that option.