A Manhatten was invented in New York. It's a good drink if made with care. You can get a pretty good one in Manhatten, too. If you know where to look.
I've had a drink named a Hurricane Katrina that was invented in Lake Havasu. It is a disaster in a glass, and I dont mean that as though it had tons of alcohol or was a mix of Cajun things reminiscent of New Orleans. I mean that it is a terrible drink all around. Nobody can make a good one, and you can't find a good one anywhere. Not even in Lake Havasu.
Now, I don't know if Ernest Hemingway ever made it to Covington, Louisiana. If he hadn't, and he could right now, he should. He probably would, too, because they named a drink after him and it's pretty damned good one. The "Hemingway Cocktail" it's called. I think he would have loved it. You can find it at the Greyhound.
The Greyhound is right before inner city covington, if you could call it a city. It's more of a small town with a few built up buildings condensed in a couple areas. At the corner on the left of the red light going into one of these is an unassuming single story building. You'll know its the greyhound if you missed the sign because it'll be packed with cars, especially on the weekend.
To a person without taste, they may be put off by the look of this restaurant. They may feel that it doesnt give off the air of a 5 star restaurant, because it doesn't look very expensive. To the person who's traveled and tasted, it will make them very giddy. It's easy to recognize places that try to give off the vibe of being very "hole-in-the-wall", while containing delicious wonders right within. And it is wonderful.
The ambience is dim, but not eye straining. The table spacing is that if you want to talk to your neighbor you could, but nobody is going to really overhear your conversation. The music is audible, but does not drown out or encourage those to talk over it. The tables are sturdy and steady, of a white marble like esthetic. Art on the walls intriguing. Not overly pretentious, but clearly knows what it's doing. Knows a lot about dining, and what you want as a patron.
You're greeted at the door by intelligent eyes and polite speech. I note this here because who remembers the host or hostess at any restaurant you happen upon? Even more impressive is this is clearly not some singular person woefully underemployed. He is like every one else who works there. Eloquent, cheerful, witty, and observant. This is not a restaurant that stays afloat underpaying full time students, or if it is, they are vetted very thoroughly.
Our waiter, Sydney, (though every waiter there had touched our table at some point or other), was attentive and proactive. When asked what to order, he gave a detailed explanation on why the Reuben was the choice. Our cocktails were never empty for long before Sydney was asking after another. When I ordered the Hemingway Daiquiri, we had a pleasant back and forth on our respective favorite Hemingway novels. It was long enough to be memorable, but not long enough to feel he overstayed his welcome. Impeccable manners. It was delightful.
The food was well priced and proportionate. My friend paid 15 dollars on a burger. This is not exorbitant a price for a burger, but being as one only has to toss a dart blindly at a map of Louisiana and happen upon a restaurant serving a fifteen dollar burger, this one stands out. You can find a good burger anywhere, but a great burger? That is a different story. This fifteen dollar burger has no business being fifteen dollars, because it is a great burger. They make the meat the centerpiece. Not toppings or bizarre spices. This respect for the product shines through, elevates the entire burger, and effortlessly "cows" any like-priced sandwiches in the immediate area. The Reuben was the best Reuben I myself have tasted just like Sydney said it would be. The cocktails aren't bank breaking at 10-12 dollars apiece.
My only gripe, and it is a small one, was the deserts. This may be more towards our choices of deserts more so than a reflection upon the restaurant itself. I got the root beer float because it's a classic. My friend got the toffee pudding. While I was not put off by either, I have had better floats and better toffee puddings.
Don't let this put you off. It is a speck of dust upon a diamond. I strongly suggest you visit this southern jewel. Before the owner wises up and realizes he's got something few restaurants ever achieve, but may strive their whole existence to attain: True class.
4.8/5.
Charles A.C. Donald read more