It was a hot South Florida day when I walked into a very famous local eatery. Although specializing in Greek food it also has many Southern small town favorites. I chose the open face Turkey sandwich with a Spinach artichoke dip with homemade tortilla chips and a slice of Banana cream Pie! My tastebuds were on high alert.
It was a little after lunch, so not so busy and I was greeted by a waiter almost immediately and shown to the lunch counter. I noticed the entire place was spotlessly clean (even the bathroom was immaculate and seemed freshly cleaned).
My waitress Kayla was keeping pretty busy but greeted me and took my drink order a minute later, gladly giving me all her attention while she explained my choices. She brought my drink immediately and asked if I needed time to look at the menu, which I did (hoping she would disappear like happens so often at some restaurants).
To my surprise as soon as I set down my menu she stopped what she was doing and gave me her full attention ( I wore sweat pants, needed a shave and certainly did not look like I had money or might be a good tipper) and treated my like a regular.
She happily spent extra time with me as I asked many questions about the food.
The Spinach artichoke dip was amazing and homemade, creamy and baked in a pizza oven until golden brown on top. The tortilla chips were fresh, crispy, with just the right amount of salt. I was in heaven!
The open face Turkey sandwich consisted of 4 half's slices of regular store bought white bread but was surprisingly tasty. The Turkey was hand carved, the wonderful made from scratch gravy generously slathered over everything including the creamy just made tasting mashed potatoes. By far the best I had ever eaten!
Last but certainly not least was the homemade Banana pie ( it was a hard choice as they had a glass case with at least 15 different homemade pies , cakes, muffins and others that I couldn't identify but looked amazing!). They looked good in the case and tasted better! Creaming Banana filling, flaky delicious crust and fresh whip cream. Easily in the top 5 of the I have ever eaten ( and I know my pies!).
Completely satisfied and happy with the barely $30 tab, I proceed to put poor Kayla to test, first asking her for another cap, extra ice, a to go cup with a lid and many questions about the management, owners and wine and spirit choices. By then the restaurant has busy but she gladly gave me her full, undistracted attention.
The service had been excellent, with the waitress's and waiters working together like a well oiled machine.
This was my first visit but from now on I will happily drive the 14 miles from sleepy little retirement town to Sebring (home of the famous "7 Hours of Sebring" raceway and the jewel of Highlands County Florida! If I could give them 10 stars I would! Hands down one of most balanced restaurants I have ever dined in! Do yourself a favor and do not pass this wonderful establishment up if you're ever in Highlands County Florida.! read more