Back-to-back biscuits and gravy without an afternoon nap

SOUTHERN COMFORT

Morning Thunder

First Glance:

We immediately appreciated the newer looking soft colors of grey paint and how they transformed the cafe into the most modern way of travelling back in time. The kitchen crew, busy behind the line, satisfied a full house as the conversations poured from each arch of the ovular dining room. Old friends reunited and business gatherings were had over some of the most sought after comfort food in town. We quickly found our way to the ever-healthy biscuits and gravy, taking a moment to decide on the best way to wash them down.

The Experience:

The 75-cent split-plate charge was well worth it, as the generous portions served would have led to an early nap at our desks. The biscuit was large and crumbly, not dense, and cut easily. The half sausage patty was broken into varied sizes, so each bite was unlike the last. The gravy, well, it somehow tasted healthy. It didn’t leave a film in your mouth and tasted like it was made with quality milk and butter. Everything we expected to be salty was certainly not, allowing us to spice and season as needed.

The Extra:

The potatoes were cut large enough to enjoy and not too large that they were unevenly cooked. Also, they were not salty. This is a meal that keeps you out of trouble if you’re sensitive to sodium. We added an egg that would complement the potatoes and eventually married them with Tapatio. It’s not hard to tell why folks have their regular seats claimed or why there’s a row of customers’ coffee cups decorating the back bar. This establishment isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a routine.

SOUTHERN COMFORT

THE ROOST

First Glance:

This restaurant has split personalities— half horseshoe countertop and half 1970’s living room. The settings of these outings could not be more of a stark contrast. We sat in the living room, complete with wood-slat wall coverings and quirky namesake decor of roosters that ran the length of the back wall. Again, we found ourselves seeking a smaller order of the famed sausage with biscuits and gravy. With a sign in the diner portion reading “I love you like biscuits and gravy,” the expectations were high.

The Experience:

We inspected our plate to make sure we were fairly accessing the various elements this comparison needed to be even. The biscuit was dense but flavorful, and it was not soggy from the gravy. The sausage was spread evenly throughout the gravy, giving the pork sausage flavor throughout. A dash of paprika and some black pepper danced through each bite. I was delighted that this, too, did not have the pasty texture that makes your mouth full before your stomach.

The Extra:

Besides these cute icons dictating a winner, I can tell you with a great deal of certainty that cardiologists are the real winner of this contest. That being said, when you dine at the Roost, you're getting true down home cooking. Sitting at the horseshoe, if you meet one person you can meet everyone, and in the other dining room, more private conversations can be had— even business meetings disguised as breakfast.