The warm weather bustle is tempering. School is back in session; vacation season is over. But you might not guess it at Countryside Cafe, which still seeing quite a few visitors from out of town.
Recently Tennessee Home and Farm, a magazine distributed across the state, featured the family-run Ooltewah eatery in its fall issue.
"We are getting quite a few travelers, and yes, some tour buses as well. Can you imagine a tour bus in Ooltewah, Tennessee?" said cafe owner Marlene Geren.
Indeed, it is a delicious time to discover Countryside. The cafe is now locally sourcing fresh greens, including collard greens, turnip greens and Swiss chard. The menu will soon also add potato, lentil and kale soup.
"Soups are always nice when the weather cools," said Marlene. "But we make vegetable soup year-round because it is so popular."
Casseroles, she added, are also a big hit this time of year. And, of course, as the restaurant's feature in Home and Farm mentioned, its desserts are award-winning.
"It's almost time for pumpkins," Marlene added.
Address: 8223 Mahan Gap Road
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 423-344-8646
Countryside is celebrating football season by hosting its annual College Football Tailgate Platter Giveaway.
To enter into the giveaway, diners add their names into the wheel each time they stop by the cafe, whether to dine in or to carry out. Then, every Sunday, a new name is drawn and another winner is awarded a tailgate feast for six, featuring two dozen wood-roasted wings, baked beans, cole slaw, homemade potato chips, rolls, tea and one whole pie of the winner's choice.
The grand prize drawing takes place Nov. 3. On that Sunday, the winner receives a 43-inch TV.