There are certain things that when you hear them, see them, or smell them, transport you to a different time or place. For me, the smell of freshly baked bread takes me back to my childhood.
There was a bakery on the corner near us and every morning when I would walk outside, I could smell that delicious aroma of freshly baked bread. The same goes for certain dishes that my mom makes. They reminded us of when we were all kids and asked her to make our favorite meals. Food is powerful like that. Get a group of friends around the table with some good food and watch the storytelling unfold.
Here in Texas and throughout the southern states, our food identifies us. Our dishes bring back memories of growing up, Sunday lunches, and dinners with family. Weekend barbecues, where everyone would bring a dish to share. It’s part of our Southern Hospitality. Because nothing brings people together like food.
Southern cuisine is quite diverse. The food in this part of the country is a blend of different cultures and traditions. From the Native Americans to Spanish, French, and other European countries, there is a wide variety of dishes that help make up Southern cuisine. So, let’s explore the different Southern food options we have here in Addison and the Corridor.
Let’s start with some delicious seafood right from our neighboring state of Louisiana.
When it comes to amazing Cajun food, nobody does it better than Nate’s Seafood and Steakhouse. They have been serving up amazing food for over 35 years! From their delicious seafood Gumbo to the dirty rice, their shrimp and crawfish boils and so much more. Nate’s is serving up amazing food that represents Louisiana and its Cajun cuisine well. When you visit Nate’s, you experience that warm Southern hospitality from the moment you step foot inside the restaurant. You will feel right at home. www.natesseafood.com
“A Culinary Adventure, South of Ordinary…” – Ida Claire. Ida Claire serves up delicious southern-style cuisine. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming and the food is absolutely amazing. Southern food should make you feel good. It’s served in plentiful portions and full of flavor. Ida Claire’s menu represents this very well. From their “Share Menu,” the Ida’s Biscuits are a must. They come with bacon gravy, house jam, and honey butter (all delicious and homey breakfast things.) How about a Southern charcuterie board? Try the Southern Tasting which comes with a variety of Ida’s favorite meats, cheeses, and house pickled vegetables. Of course, no true Southern cuisine restaurant would be complete without fried chicken. At Ida Claire try their Ida’s Fried Chicken. It’s made with a Tabasco-citrus brine, and lightly crisped batter, and served with arugula, pickled fruit salad, with a lemon vinaigrette. There’s so much more! Visit their website for the full menu, www.ida-claire.com
If you are on the run or simply want to enjoy some delicious southern food for your soul, try Soulful Street Bites on Addison Rd. Their menu takes on southern home cooking and smokehouse barbecue to bring their guests a delicious food experience like no other. We are talking deep-fried baby back ribs, macaroni and cheese, fried pork chops, pot roast, fried catfish, and hushpuppies just to give you an idea of their menu. They also offer a daily special menu which you can check out on their website. Remember, it’s takeout only so make plans to pick up some Soulful Street Bites on the way home from work! www.soulfulstreetbites.com
When it comes to diners, nobody beats Norma’s Café. They have been serving delicious Southern comfort food since the 1950s and they do it very well. From big country breakfast plates to southern-fried catfish, home-style chicken, meatloaf, and more! If you are ever feeling a bit down, head to Norma’s and I guarantee you will feel a whole lot better after one of their delicious dishes! Now, because I have been here more times than I can remember, I feel like I’m a bit of an expert on their menu. If it’s your first time visiting, let me recommend the Ol’ Number 7. This thing comes with 3 scrambled eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns smothered in sausage gravy and topped with melted cheddar cheese, jalapeños, tomatoes, and then another biscuit. It’s massive and full of everything that is good and pure for your soul. If you need something more dinner-like, my go-to is their chicken fried steak. It just doesn’t get much better than this for dinner. You get a giant chicken fried steak with delicious gravy and sides that will fill you up and leave you feeling like a new person. www.normascafe.com
Okay, you’ve read about some of our favorite southern cuisine places, but do you have some of your own? Share them with us in the comments section below, we love trying new places!
