Southern Delight In The North!?

Before I had a plan, before I even had an idea of what I was doing, Tupelo Honey was the first place I headed to after purchasing my camera. The beautiful pictures I captured here led me to believe I was well on the right track. As I awkwardly stumbled into the restaurant with way too much equipment and my loose-fitting cowboy hat, I knew right away I needed to do things differently next time — a great learning experience that was not met with the gracefulness I was trying to give off. Upon being seated, things were still not going in my favor, as I was seated right in the middle of the busy restaurant. Seating is typically never an issue, and I think being welcomed into any establishment is already an honor, but trying to place my camera bag down along with my briefcase caused an awkward back-and-forth of gathering my equipment while learning to take pictures on the spot. Trying not to be obnoxious and to respect the space, I've since learned to go at times that are a lot less busy. I may call myself a critic, but I don't care to see how a restaurant handles a lunch or dinner rush — I just want food that makes for a memorable experience. If I can share some smiles along the way, then my own personal mission is being met.
Looking at the menu, I was welcomed with so many choices I was unfamiliar with. This feeling of the unknown may be scary to many, and I understand, as I've been there myself. However, I see it as a challenge to look into a dish in order to form an opinion I can be proud to call honest. So this led me to order something I previously never would have before I took on this challenge of being an open and honest food critic and writer: the Famous Fried Green Tomatoes as my appetizer. These are panko-crusted fried green tomatoes over creamy stone-ground goat cheese grits and red pepper coulis, topped with fresh basil. To be honest, I'm not sure how southern these are, as I've only been down south a handful of times and am unfamiliar with the cuisine - but I'll tell ya what, it sure sounds southern! The beautifully plated appetizer wasn't what I expected visually either. As a reformed picky eater, tomatoes are far down on my list of appetizing-sounding dishes, but my world continues to change as I experience more dishes from all over the world, leading me to appreciate not just the variety of meals but also the places and people they come from. My first bite was hypnotizing — I was instantly refreshed by the Famous Fried Green Tomato. The goat cheese grits make for an amazing balance of crispy tartness and creamy richness. I was met with a pleasant, subtle sourness from the tomato and a perfectly comforting earthiness from the grits. Speaking of it now makes me want to go get some more, as a matter of fact. I couldn't imagine a better way to start off my meal. Thanks, Tupelo Honey.
Now, who doesn't love chicken and waffles? Add some sweetness and a kick of spice, and you have Tupelo Honey's Sweet & Spicy Chicken & Waffles. These hand-breaded, crispy chicken tenders are sprinkled with their signature "bee dust" seasoning, served over golden buttermilk waffles, and drizzled with sriracha honey. I may not be too familiar with southern food, but I know the chicken met the standard of being juicy. The dish's unique seasoning made the blend of sweet and spicy very clear. The sriracha honey gave an amazing little tingle that sat perfectly on my tongue without being anywhere near too spicy — just enough to remind you it was there before it was quickly overtaken by the sweet/crispy waffle and juicy chicken. A small serving of syrup sits right next to the entrée so you can add as much sweetness as you'd like. Personally I always like to add a lot of syrup to soften my waffles. That's a pro tip ;).
The dessert is one that, for personal reasons, I respect and appreciate very much. The house-made banana pudding reminds me of simpler times, before all the responsibilities and weight of reality hit me. For some reason it had been years since I'd had this dessert, but when I took my first spoonful, it silenced the room I was in. The soft pudding combined with banana and crumbs made me realize I don't mind how silly I look doing this. Moments like this are why I'm doing this. There may be many restaurants that bring me these moments, but that's why I'm choosing this as my profession — restaurants that not only fill our bellies but bring us joy are truly special. An amazing ending to my time at Tupelo Honey, the light pudding was the perfect way to end my night, and I found myself thinking about it the entire drive home.
Whether you're just looking to try something new, want a taste of the south, or are planning a night out with a loved one or a first date, this is always going to be a great option. This restaurant is clearly a social hotspot. I noticed all walks of life sharing laughs and good times. So I share this experience with you and hope to find you visiting Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen and Bar. Maybe wear a cowboy hat, just for fun.
I'll be placing the takeout banner on this restaurant, as they offer takeout through DoorDash. If you prefer to enjoy food in the comfort of your home, feel free to pick it up or have it delivered!