Five stars simply aren't enough. This deserves twenty…read more
My husband and I are food people. We travel extensively, we eat everywhere, and we've been fortunate enough to have some truly extraordinary dining experiences over the years. So when I say that Porch & Parlor may be one of the best overall restaurant experiences we've ever had, that is not something I say lightly.
And it started before we even made it through the front door.
The restaurant itself is absolutely charming from the outside -- whitewashed brick, Southern, understated and beautiful. But before either of us could even reach for the door handle, a gentleman appeared with the warmest smile and opened it for us. Such a tiny thing, perhaps, but it immediately set the tone for the entire evening: You are our guest, and we are delighted you're here.
Inside, three lovely attendants greeted us at the front, all smiles and genuine Southern hospitality. We had reservations and were seated immediately in the most gorgeous, moody dining room. Elegant lighting, beautiful raised paneling, rich finishes -- classic steakhouse without feeling stuffy or predictable. As a miniature artist, I spent an embarrassing amount of time mentally figuring out how I could recreate those fabulous light fixtures in miniature.
And then came Wade.
For years -- and I mean years -- my husband and I have had a benchmark for exceptional service: a wonderful gentleman named Seth in Birmingham who was exceptional at what he did that we still talk about him.
Well, Seth... you finally have competition.
Wade is an absolute gem.
Charming, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and incredibly intuitive, he possesses that rare ability to actually read a table. He listened. He remembered. He made recommendations without ever making us feel "sold." He helped my husband choose a bourbon, shared little tidbits and stories with us, picked up on our personalities and genuinely connected with us.
And the timing of this meal was impeccable.
We never once felt rushed, yet we never found ourselves wondering where the next course was. Nothing arrived too quickly. Nothing lingered too long. Wade was there exactly when we wanted him and somehow invisible when we didn't need him. The entire evening just moved along smooth as silk.
That kind of service is an art, and Wade has it.
Of course, none of that would matter if the food didn't deliver.
It absolutely did.
The steaks were phenomenal, the meal was incredible from beginning to end, and oddly enough, that fabulous bacon rack may be one of the things we talk about forever. It's delicious, ridiculous, memorable and exactly the sort of thing you want to order when you're out having a wonderful evening.
By the end, we were far too full for dessert -- which naturally meant we ordered dessert.
My husband knew exactly what he wanted. I was torn between two choices, so finally I told Wade, "Go into the kitchen, choose your favorite and surprise me. I don't even want to know what it is. I'll find out when I get back to the hotel."
The man understood the assignment.
He chose the cheesecake, and good heavens.
It was lighter than a cloud, with these gorgeous cherries in a rich syrup whose tartness cut through the creamy cheesecake beautifully, alongside vanilla ice cream that somehow pulled the entire thing together. I opened that box back at the hotel and knew immediately that Wade had once again made exactly the right call.
But what really makes Porch & Parlor remarkable is that Wade wasn't the exception. Every single person we encountered -- from the gentleman at the door, to the front desk, to everyone who touched our table -- was gracious, polished, welcoming and genuinely lovely.
You can serve an extraordinary steak in a beautiful room and have a great restaurant.
But when the hospitality is every bit as exceptional as the food, you create an experience.
Porch & Parlor did exactly that.
We were told this was considered one of the very best steakhouses in Tennessee. After dining there, I completely understand why.
In fact, forget Tennessee.
This is one of the best steakhouse experiences we've had anywhere.
And Wade, if you happen to read this: Seth held that title for a very long time, young man. You earned this one.
Five stars feels woefully inadequate.
Give them twenty.
