The Partridge (Rome, GA)

Score: (4) "Make ya slap your momma"

Three meats, five sides, a drink and dessert is a Southern tradition and exactly what you'll get on a Sunday afternoon at the Partridge restaurant in downtown Rome, GA.  The Partridge was established in 1933 and has long been a staple of the downtown dining scene.  (Their sign says it all.)  Upon arrival we were greeted by a lovely hostess and immediately escorted to our table just prior to the Sunday after church crowd. The Andrews Sisters, "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" was piping in and instantly warmed my heart putting me in a great mood for a nice homey meal.

Our waitress was an attentive young lady named, Cassidy.  She was, simply put, a gem. 

I learned a new phrase from her today as I was handing her my glass for a re-fill, she told me she caught me, "mid-ham". (I was about to eat a piece of ham). That my friends, is absolutely precious in my book and quintessentially Southern. 

I overheard her telling another table that she won "friendliest waitress".  I don't doubt that for a second. When you first sit down they bring you a little skillet of sweet hot cornbread and a side of cold creamy cole slaw. If they'd stopped right there I'd still be a happy camper. 

 'Family Style' is what's for lunch on Sunday at The Partridge,  which means they bring you several different meats and vegetables for you to share.  On this occasion, the menu consisted of, crispy and very juicy  fried chicken, (they go the extra step and brine theirs), sweet and salty spiral cut ham, plump turkey with gravy and dressing with the perfect hint of sage, corn (off the cob), pinto beans (pretty much a Southern staple), velvety mac and cheese, slow cooked green beans.  Our favorite was the squash and onions with a slight touch of garlic.  Although not offered on todays menu, their broccoli casserole is a must try.

Yes, you read that right, they literally serve you all this food for Sunday lunch.  When you're about to go into a food coma, you hear, "what would you like for dessert?"  On top of the delicious meal you just had they also include a dessert. The choices today were banana pudding, yellow cake with buttercream icing and peach cobbler.  Drinks are also included in the price of your meal. I'm a water drinker, but my tea expert said their tea was perfect  (fwiw: he's a half/half guy). If you in the mood for the Southern comfort food we grew up on with the added bonus that you don't have to cook it or clean up after (clean, ugh!!!) The Partridge is the place to go.  As always you can read my reviews every Monday and Tuesday at www.coosavalleynews.com

CHEERS!

Here's my scoring terminology:

1-5 "(5 being the highest)"

1: "Bless your heart"

2: "Don't stop Green Beanin' (For my Journey friends)"

3: "Medi'okra"

4: "Make ya slap your momma"

5: "MAKE A PUPPY PULL A FREIGHT TRAIN"