The Flavor of Martin - Home Cooked Lunches at Cadillac's

 Low key lunching that doesn't involve a car and a drive-through window can be challenging at times in Martin.   Those of us who frequently take the easy way and eat out--because we didn't plan the night before to take a lunch, or don't really have time to go home, or just want to be social--we need additional places to liven up the midday break.

At the last Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Lake Nowhere Mule and Donkey Farm, Kara Kidwell, the daughter of Jim and Deb Kidwell of Lake Nowhere fame, told me Cadillac's downtown was serving plate lunches.  Imagine--the old "pool hall" and our college hang-out serving easy, quick and inexpensive lunches.  Kara helps out in the kitchen and with the menus, and she even sends out a text message if you want it with the day's menu as a reminder.

Kara and Sandy - Happy Birthday to Sandy this week!

Tender pork chops, roasted potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, sweet tea--the lunch last Tuesday made a believer out of my college-aged son, Harrison, and me.  We visited with some of the regular diners and spoke of Cadillac and Mildred, the original owners.  We talked with Sandy, who plans the menus and cooks, and with her husband Andy, who joked he stops here to get a "home-cooked" meal.  It was a fun time.

The pool hall atmosphere hasn't changed.  Be prepared to stop and let your eyes adjust when you walk in from the sunny outside.   Sit at the bar and discover what I found to be a relaxed and good lunch.  $7.00 will get you a full meal with tea.  I mean, you get old-fashioned Tennessee iced tea!

According to owner Rick Wilson, Caddy's reinstated the tradition of serving hamburgers and similar fare when he bought the place 17 years ago.  Sandy started adding new dishes several years ago, and her weekly selections have become a standard lunch option for both local diners and college kids craving home cooking.  Sandy said she has had calls from parents thanking her for the good food their kids talk about when they get home.  

The menu changes weekly, but there are favorites too.  According to one fellow eating with us, the "spaghetti and meatballs" every other Thursday is a meal not to be missed.   After tasting Kara's "Cheese and Chicken Quesadillas" on a subsequent visit,  I definately rank them as another "best choice."

It is so nice to have options. I know, you may not have been there since college, or you may have never entered their doors!  Here is your chance. Cadillac's is located downtown and easy to find on the corner of Church and Lindell.  Lunch is served from around 11 or 11:30 a.m. until about  2 p.m.  So, here is this week's menu.  Enjoy the flavor of Martin - one eating experience at a time!

• Cadillac's , 113 Church St.  Martin, TN  38237
• 731- 587-5542
•                                                    

2:19 PM - Sep. 25, 2008 - comments {2} - post comment
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