Byron T.
Yelp
Tupelo Honey: A Tale of Funky Flavor and Southern Heft
Stepping into Tupelo Honey on a Saturday was like entering a vibrant, slightly eccentric cousin's living room. Funky decor, friendly staff, and prompt service set the stage for a Southern feast - one that ultimately proved to be a delicious, if somewhat calorific, adventure.
The starters, warmed pimento cheese dip and fried green tomatoes with goat cheese grits, were delightful. The cheese dip, while a tad grainy, offered a comforting start. The chips, dusted with a surprising sweet-savory cinnamon powder, added an intriguing twist. The fried green tomatoes, while perhaps a bit undercooked for my preference, still delivered that satisfying crunch and tangy flavor, perfectly complemented by the creamy, tangy goat cheese grits.
The main event, however, was a rollercoaster of heavy, delicious delights. The Asheville hot chicken with mac and cheese waffles felt like a culinary dare - and while the boneless chicken was convenient, the soggy waffle with mac and cheese on top was a disappointment. The buttermilk fried chicken eggs benedict, a calorie-laden behemoth (1800 calories!!), was an interesting concept, but the dry biscuit and lack of hollandaise left it feeling unbalanced. The hot and sweet fried chicken sandwich, though tasty, fell into the "been there, done that" category.
And here's the thing: everything was dense, incredibly dense. Portions are generous, bordering on excessive, with each entree clocking in at over 1300 calories. My party and I found ourselves battling delicious fatigue, eventually succumbing to a post-meal coma that wouldn't be mistaken for productivity.
So, here's the verdict: 4 stars for the undeniable flavor bomb and friendly service. This is some true Southern hospitality, complete with the "nap-inducing" kind of food. But unless you're a champion of dense eats and have a cardiologist on speed dial, you might want to approach Tupelo Honey with caution. It's an experience, for sure, but one that might leave you needing a long walk (and maybe visit to your cardiologist) afterwards.
In short, a delicious, heavy-handed ode to Southern cuisine. Just be prepared for the culinary equivalent of a full-body workout!