Vegetable plate at Countryside Cafe (Photo by Mark Gilliland)More Info
Sharing the LoveCountryside is now inviting guests to enter their names into a raffle, with a limit of one entry per visit. Then, from Feb. 9-13 the staff will draw a name each night to receive a $50 cafe gift card. On Feb. 14, the staff will draw a name to receive the grand prize: a two-night stay valued at more than $300 at Hippensteal’s Mountain View Inn, a bed and breakfast in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The Countryside Cafe staff knows that the best ingredient in any recipe is optimism. And cafe owner Marlene Geren has that by the barrel.
“We expect 2018 to be the best year ever,” Marlene said. “We want the best food along with the best service for our customers. After all, we were [Chattanooga Times Free Press annual readers’ choice awards] Best of the Best’s [2017] all-around restaurant — something we are proud of, but want to continue to earn that status and not take it for granted.”
One way that the cafe plans to continue to earn business is by keeping its menu fresh, especially during the winter doldrums. Flavorful new everyday dishes include sides such as Brussels sprouts and collards; and entrees such as grilled jumbo shrimp, and grilled or fried red snapper.
“Fortunately, we have many ‘hot’ comfort foods: homemade vegetable soup, lentil and kale soup, and even our latest black-eyed pea and collard soup,” Marlene said.
Between its new eats and its classic fare — meatloaf, chicken and dressing, and prime rib, just to name a few dishes — Countryside could be the perfect place to hunker down with the one you love and celebrate the season. On Feb. 9, 10 and 14, the cafe is hosting a special candlelit dinner.
“It was so popular during the Christmas season!” Marlene said. “Bring your family, parents or friends.”
The menu features a range of flavors, and includes vegetarian and gluten-free meals — all seasoned, of course, with a dash of optimism.