Earlier this week we decided to try Dixie's on Grand. I have to be honest I had no real expectation for the food there, but it was close so we went for it anyway.
I am not usually a salad kind of a girl, however I ordered the fried chicken salad w/honey mustard dressing and a side of macaroni and cheese. We also ordered St. Louis style ribs w/smooth BBQ sauce, southern style green beans and fries. Our server brought out baking power biscuits with butter an honey, the biscuits should have been our first indication that the food was going to far exceed out expectations.
Our food was not only ready in less than 15 minutes, it was completely amazing. The fried chicken was great, none of that caked on breading happens at Dixie's and only flavorful tender chicken on the inside. The honey mustard dressing a delicate blend of honey and mustard without being too sticky.
Now the St. Louis Style Ribs, first off I typically do not eat pork but these were enough to make me reconsider this. When they say fall off the bone they mean it glazed in a not too tangy, not too sweet sauce. The fries were the kind that were dipped into near boiling oil just long enough to keep the outsides crispy but keep the insides fluffy.
The only item I did have high expectations for was the Macaroni and Cheese, as I feel most southern style restaurants boast their greatness in this department. This macaroni and cheese did not rise to the occasion. There is a discreet balance between the noodles and the cheese. Dixie's completely missed this, the noodles were practically swimming in cheese in stringy cheese instead of smooth creamy goodness. On top of the lack luster cheese there just wasn't enough flavor to bring the whole dish together. Definitely nothing to write to Paula Dean for.
Even though the macaroni and cheese was uninspired, I have to say Dixie's brings some seriously worthwhile southern goodness to Grand Ave.
