Countryside Cafe sources local produce

Countryside Cafe crew (Photo by Mark Gilliland)

Family-owned Countryside Cafe is the quintessential Southern-style restaurant, but that might not mean what you think it means.

Fried okra, fried potatoes, fried pies — the South is known for heavy, fried foods, said owner Marlene Geren. But Countryside does things differently.

“We are trying to keep our fresh foods whole,” Marlene said. “We season most all of our vegetables with a light vegetable oil. They’re more flavorful, more healthy and it’s the way we’ve been cooking for 28 years now.”

At Countryside, fresh produce abounds, with many ingredients locally sourced. Currently, the restaurant is getting fresh local blueberries, squash and zucchini. Soon, Countryside’s skillet-fried okra – a staple on any Southern cafe menu — will be locally grown as well.

And of course, no Southern cafe’s dessert selection is complete without scratch-made pies.

“Everyone has their own special go-to comfort food,” said Marlene. “I think mine has to be [Countryside’s] chocolate pie. My grandmother’s recipe is still a favorite of many — and mine!”

This time of year, a scoop of Mayfield ice cream is a popular addition to any one of Countryside’s homemade desserts, such as meringue pie or fruit cobbler. Or, said Marlene, “You can come to the window any time and get a cup or cone of vanilla or chocolate [ice cream]. The perfect end to a delightful meal.”