“Are you Michael?” I was asked upon entering Dean’s Restaurant and Bakery in Fountain City. “I’ve got your order ready for you right here,” the friendly staff member said enthusiastically as I approached the register.
She and I had spoken on the phone about 15 minutes prior when I placed my to-go order. She knew from the phone call that I was considering dessert, so she pointed me toward their dessert case with endless options of pies, cakes, cookies and puddings. After much deliberation, I settled on the pumpkin caramel pudding (which I was informed was like pumpkin pie in a jar, and I can now attest to that truth).
My dessert choice, packaged in a mason jar, was added to my meal and neatly placed on the counter. As my transaction was being processed, the friendly staff member asked if she could “fix me a glass of ice water” to go, and I took her up on the offer.
I was immediately impressed by the warm, engaging customer service, and she continued to share information about the restaurant with me as she brought me my water.
As it turns out, the Fountain City location has been open for about a year, while the original location in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has been open awhile longer.
Like I said, my dessert decision was not made without some deliberation and, likewise, deciding upon an entrée was equally as challenging. What is a self-respecting Southerner to do when faced with the challenge of picking among staples like pulled pork BBQ, fried catfish and pot roast?
This Southerner decided to jump the gun on the much anticipated Thanksgiving Day feast and indulge in some turkey and dressing. Complete with cranberry relish, a roll, a cornbread muffin and choice of a side, there was little fear of disappointment.
On the restaurant’s website, the dropdown menu tab lists three options: menu, our green beans and bakery. With curiosity aroused, I wanted to get the story behind “our green beans.”
Here’s the scoop: the restaurant prides itself on providing freshly strung green beans all year round. So while we might get our corn from a jar here on Rocky Top, Dean’s won’t settle for anything but fresh when it comes to the green beans they serve up to their customers.
I drove home ridden with anticipation to dig into my Southern supper. The aforementioned roll and cornbread muffin were an added surprise as I opened up the Styrofoam container and was met with a lovely aroma.
I was also pleasantly surprised with the portion size in regards to the amount of money I spent. It certainly wasn’t Cook Out cheap, but the $8.99 before tax price is definitely reasonable for what can easily be stretched well beyond one meal.
In terms of the taste, it only fell short in comparison to truly home cooked turkey and dressing, as in what your mom and grandma make. But aside from what is for me, personally, a ridiculously high standard, the food did not disappoint.
The location at 4721 Old Broadway is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and is closed on Sunday.
Dean's Restaurant & Bakery is full of southern cooking and hospitality with its array of desserts and meals.
