The saying "Good things come in small packages" defines Fox & Hen, a tiny cafe/deli with big taste. I was told it's the best-kept secret on Highway 58, and I can believe it.
THE MENU
Our dinner was an interesting mix of flavors. I wouldn't ordinarily combine pizza and soup, but this is an example of the myriad offerings at Fox & Hen with everything from pasta to soups, salads, pizza, sandwiches and loaded potatoes.
The order (for two): The Ultimate pizza (6-inch); homemade chili; Reuben with potato salad.
The pizza crust is not made from scratch, but I was told that it took dozens of taste tests to decide on the perfect crust.
On it was piled pepperoni, ground beef, sausage, onions, colorful mixed peppers, mushrooms, black olives, red sauce and cheese. Hard to believe all that could fit on the small pizza crust, but it did and it was very good. My husband, one of the pickiest pizza people I've ever known, said it was one of the best pizzas he'd had in a long time.
Most all soups are homemade, including the chili. It did not come with toppings, but I feel sure the owners would accommodate you with shredded cheese and sour cream if you asked.
That's what they did for me with my Reuben, a specialty of the house. The Reuben was piled high with layers of tender corned beef, then topped with barrel-aged sauerkraut and a little Russian dressing. Swiss cheese, too, though I wish it'd had a little more. No mustard, either, but when I asked for some, I was met with a question: "What kind? Regular or spicy?" That's what I'm talking about: accommodation. A container of Gulden's arrived at our table in seconds.
Best bets: Reuben, Italian sub, Blue Chicken on ciabatta, any of the pizzas, Greek salad, chicken carbonera, pasta Alfredo, loaded potato soup.
THE SERVICE
This is a pay-as-you-go place. Order and pay at the counter, fill your drink cup, then take your seat. Your meal will be brought to your table in just a few minutes.
THE SPACE
Fox & Hen is in a corner of the Oakwood Center shopping center. Its 12 tables are a tight fit in the small space. To-go orders are an option. Catering is another. There's a refrigerated case at the counter packed with meats and cheeses ready for slicing, as well as to-go containers of potato and pasta salad as well as other menu items.
THE VERDICT
It doesn't take a big, fancy place to make good food, just people who know how to do it. Now, the secret is out.
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6285.
If you go
* Where: Fox & Hen Cafe Deli, 4767 Highway 58.
* Phone: 485-7887.
* Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.
* Price range: $2.74 (cup of soup)-$10.75 (The Ultimate 12-inch pizza).
* Alcohol: No.