Stephani M.
Yelp
OMG...5 STARS for Cracker Barrel!
Sooooo, I am thinking, "Where shall I dine tonight?" We, as a family, have had sushi, Italian, fancy schmancy dining, I think I am in the mood for down home southern cooking--and my mommy doesn't cook, so what to do, what to do? Yep, Cracker Barrel.
We jumped in the family car and headed to the Cracker Barrel nearest to where we were at the time. We parked pretty easily, and then walked to the entrance. There were rocking chairs all over the patio area with plenty of people chilaxxin--even a few nasty smokers--okay, it's not Cali, I get it.
We walked into the entrance and there is a HUGE "General Store" type thing going on in there. My mommy said, "Let's eat Stephani Lea and then we can come back and shop." Okay ;(
We are greeted in typical southern manner--"Hey y'all, how many?"
My family and I entered the restaurant and were led to a comfortable table near a warm and cozy fire place. There were little games on the tables with tiny pegs--I played until the food came. The waitress, Haylee, was incredible! She probably is not more than 18 years old, but really understands "hospitality" to the core. LOVED HER!!!
Haylee made sure we had everything we wanted, from sweet tea refills, to more butter, to more cornbread muffins, to extra gravy for the dumplings...ON POINT!
I ordered the fried catfish, with fried okra and mac n cheese and also added some dumplings...yep, call me FATTIE! I also had plenty of sweet tea to wash down the southern food. I guess you truly do only live once, so why not fill your temple with cholesterol, fat, complex carbs, etc...I never do this, so it kinda feels good ;)
I really love Cracker Barrel. I wish we had these in the Bay Area, but people are too healthy for a concept like this to actually "make it" there. We even visited the "Country Store" after the meal. I bought a little gift for my friend at home and some Xmas stuff that was cheap by now.
The service we received from Haylee was comparable to fine dining as far as her constant check backs, pre-bussing, hospitality, up-selling, concern for the guests, etc.
Cracker Barrel--if you don't know what you have in this super star employee you are missing the mark--we LOVED Haylee. She made my Dirty South visit ultra "Dirty South," if you know what that means...
Still catching up on my Thanksgiving reviews....thank you for being patient. This was before that awful foot surgery...I am just happy I could visit my fam and teach them about yelp.
Stephani Smiles for Cracker Barrel ;)