We recently bought a new vacuum that had a problem with the motor overheating and kicking out. Our choices were to box it up and return it or take it to the nearest warranty repair shop, 60 miles away, in Morristown. Since we like day trips we opted for the drive and the guy at the repair shop recommended a local-hole-in-the-wall type restaurant (our favorite) just down the road for lunch – we got there 3 minutes too late and settled for the Krystal next door.
All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.
When the vacuum was ready, we made sure we got there in time to have lunch at Hillbilly’s Cabin Restaurant, which is open until 2:30pm and serves breakfast all day and lunch starting at 10:30. But first about the vacuum – Bev had somehow stuck the hose wand down in the vacuum tubing and it was restricting the air flow. I thought it was an odd design when I looked at it and was embarrassed to see the problem, but when the repairman said it took him several minutes to figure it out, I felt better.
We got to the restaurant about 12:30 on a Saturday and it was about ¼ full, so we didn’t have to wait. Upon questioning, the waitress recommended their 10 ounce hamburgers which come several ways, and since a good burger is about Bev’s favorite meal, she jumped all over a bacon cheese burger with onion rings and a drink for $7.99
I wanted breakfast food and when I began ordering, the waitress suggested I might prefer home fries and when I finished, she said that is just what she would have ordered, Sunrise Special – two over very easy eggs, home fries, sausage, biscuits and gravy - $5.99.
I’ve been practicing using the camera on manual so I set the ISO to 800 (now that I’ve learned it’s the same as the old film speed) since we were in low light. Then I went to the shutter-speed-priority setting and kept reducing it until I got a decent picture – first of the wall, then the restaurant, and a finally a practice shot of my utensils.
My meal came on two plates with the biscuits and gravy alone.
Bev’s burger was a work of art – 10 ounces of hand pattied meat, topped with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and mayo – plus the mustard she requested.
I didn’t think she could do it, but she managed to get a bite of it.
The conclusion – I wish it were just down the road and we’ll be looking for an excuse to go back, such as taking friends Dave and Laurie on a road trip. Mine was basic breakfast food, but the eggs were perfectly cooked and the potatoes were fried up crispy and they were delicious. I cut the eggs, potatoes and sausage all up together and wolfed it down like it was my last meal. The gravy was good, but just a brown version of the typical cream gravy served in these parts vs. the meaty sausage gravy I like to make, and the biscuits seemed fine but hard to tell much under the gravy. I would order this meal again, but will likely opt for the burger next time. Great suggestion by the waitress to go with the home fries so I could eat it my way.
Bev’s burger was awesome and as good as I’ve ever had (I had to try a bite you know) and, while not homemade, the onion rings were pretty darned good. I wish the place were just down the road – did I say that already.
They have a huge menu of both breakfast and lunch food including lots of sammy's and a daily blue plate special and a location on each end of town, and they cater – I think our area needs one. And to top it off, the servers were as good as I've seen - very friendly, helpful, and effecient and I think all four of them stopped by our table and ask if things were okay - they got a 35% tip. Many restaurants think they are in the food delivery business, but I'm convinced these owners know what business they are in - customer satisfaction.
All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
Two years ago: Good Friday Breakfast
Larry
I love finding little gems like that... never fun when you find them 60 miles away, but just think, it will give you an excuse to go on another day trip soon!!
ReplyDeleteI could eat plates of biscuits and gravy too! Yum it all looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how really good customer service can take your meal from great to excellent!
ReplyDeleteI would have eaten my breakfast just like you - all cut up and mashed together. Bev's burger & onion rings look AMAZING.
Larry, Our two favorite meals! Breakfast and Burgers... That burger does look terrific! Plus this is a joint too! Our kind of place... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dave, Breakfast and Burgers are the best. Your photos look great Larry, I can really tell the difference.
ReplyDeleteMust have mustard on my hamburger as well. That one was huge!
ReplyDeletewhat fun! good for you!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, so fresh and vibrant. Love the flavors, definitely making this delicious
ReplyDeleteI've been to Morristown once or twice. Isn't that just across the time zone line, or is it just before...O get confused. I'd have gone for the burger, like Bev!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing better than a delicious burger now and then. Great find!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you're getting in there and starting to really figure out your camera! Your shots look nice. As does that burger. Wow! Take care down there, and I'll see you soon!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
I'll have to make a side trip the next time I'm going to our office in Greeneville. If you are ever there, make sure to try out Stan's BBQ on the main drag.
ReplyDelete