The Cracker Barrel is Worth the Trip

Like the song says, I'm a little bit country and I'm a little bit rock 'n roll. Not too many people out there will quote Donny and Marie without flinching and I didn't even twitch. That's because I'm pretty full right now and am ready to kick back and watch some TV until I doze off into nap-land.

This particular Cracker Barrel, located at 1880 State Road 60 E, Valrico, is worth the trip.  Go ahead and dine at those upscale places run by the big-time chefs but give me a nice, clean and food-safe restaurant with a tasty menu anytime.

Don't get me wrong. There are quite a few major-league restaurants with big-time chefs that do outstanding jobs such as Bern's, Margaritaville, Shula's and Ruth Chris'. They are all extremely clean and all have great food. I like going to fine=dining establishments for special occasions. But, me, I'm blue collar and I prefer a Longhorn or Frontier steak anytime.

My experience: I went with my wife and daughter so I got to try all their food. Having you walk through the store before entering the restaurant is a genius move. A very pleasant lady who reminded me of the woman who bakes pies and sets them on her window sill to cool down, sat us at a table right next to the store. We all know where my daughter spent her time while waiting for lunch.

A really great waitress named Sarah came over to us immediately and took our drink order. She soon arrived with our drinks and quickly after that there was a basket of biscuits with all the extras (butter, honey, jam). A manager walked by and smiled at us. He got two paces behind me and stopped and backed up to ask me how everything was going. Good style points for that dismount.

I started with the chicken noodle soup and, I tell you, I've had none better in Brandon. Even the noodles were home made and it had a very rich chicken stock that I loved. Another manager came by and said hello.

I had just had a discussion with a friend of mine from Philadelphia about the deli world and the difference between the sandwiches from up North as compared to the ones down South. We both agree there is no comparison. If anybody out there knows of a great deli down here, please let me know. Anyway, this Reuben seemed to jump out at me from the menu so I figured I'd give it a try. The bread was grilled perfectly and the flavor was almost there. There was plenty of cheese and sauerkraut but the meat was a little shy.

I don't like those 4-inch-high meat piles they throw on bread in some places but I'd like a little more than was there. It's probably the best Reuben I've had in Brandon but it just wasn't a Yankee Reuben.

My daughter had the half-pound burger steak and she liked it but it was too bland for me and someday I pray my daughter will develop taste buds. She's the only 12-year-old that I know of who knows how to incorporate a roux into a sauce properly, but her taste buds? The mashed potatoes and gravy were great with fresh mashed potatoes.

My wife had the pot roast that was very tasty along with these delicious apples that would go great over ice cream or pancakes but they serve them a la carte, which suits me fine. One of these days my wife is going to find a restaurant that serves a bowl of hot fudge all by itself and that will be a happy day in my home.

Another manager came to say hi and bye as we were finishing our meal. That's what I'm talking about...people, people, people make the restaurant. The managers were great and so was the server and the hostess. Even the cashier was a breath of fresh air. Even if the meal was bad, I'd give it another try.  I’m giving The Cracker Barrel 3 1/2 stars.

1 Star--Wouldn't go back on a bet

2 Star--Would have to go back, but only on a bet

3 Star--If I was in the neighborhood and hungry

4 Star--Would go out of my way even if I wasn't hungry

5 Star--Would make reservations and wait in a line