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Edna’s Market and Grille

Reviewer: Brian T. Hill
Score : A-
Reviewer: Kathy Hill
Score : A-
Class :   3.5
Occasion: Weekday Lunch
Total Bill (including tax and tip) : $64.79
Date of Service: Tuesday, October 11, 2022

He said:

Edna’s includes a small market that offers an eclectic mix of country wares. I can’t think of any spot in our home just waiting for country trinkets, but the natural branches with open cotton bolls did manage to tempt me. Cotton has always been a type of T-shirt to me, so it was cool to see it actually growing from a branch. However, we were there for lunch.

The country character did not continue to the dining room, which was clean and bright, but devoid of any decor except a furrow of plastic greenery separating two halves of the room. A friendly hostess who happened to also be our waitress led us to a cozy (read: small) table for two, where we pored over the menu. Bread service consisted of focaccia with a balsamic mayo for dipping. The light bread was perfectly textured, but though I tend to think that balsamic vinegar can enhance almost anything, I found the dipping sauce rather plain.

Though the menu was short, its descriptions promised elevated fare. I started with a Peach Lemonade. Though the peach was subtle, it balanced the tang of lemon without being syrupy or overly sweet. Then I ordered the Pork Chop, while Kathy ordered the Meatloaf. When our food arrived, the meals revealed a careful attention to detail and presentation. Microgreens cascaded from my pork chop and green peas surrounded Kathy’s meatloaf. I figured she would like that, since she has always tried to convince the rest of the family to eat more of them. Give peas a chance, I guess.

My double-cut pork chop was easily the largest I have ever seen! It was just a tad overcooked, which robbed it of some of the juiciness I would have liked, but I still enjoyed it. The accompanying carrots had the right texture with just a bit of firmness to the bite. The funeral potatoes practically oozed with rich, creamy, melty cheese. After my first bite, I wondered if the corn flake toppings might have actually been frosted flakes until I realized that some of the honey glaze must have encroached from the pork chop.

She said:

Cotton boll branches? I wouldn’t mind some on our wall! I must admit that I was tempted by the candies and cookbooks in Edna’s country store. I’ve got a notion to learn how to bake artisan bread.

Edna’s is a tastefully understated, modern farmhouse-vibe kind of place with its white shiplapped walls and black-painted concrete floors. Wooden tables and tanned leather seats give the space a touch of warmth and color. The booths have ample space to accommodate legs and elbows, but the tables require a bit of a juggling act with the plates, bowls, and glasses. Brian was generous to call them “cozy”.

So, what tickles your fancy? Salad? Burgers? Hearth-fired pizza? How about a large, juicy steak or a thick pork chop? Edna’s has a decent menu to choose from, but bring a hearty appetite! I couldn’t finish my meatloaf because of the generous portion, but the creamy mashed potatoes were perfection, and the sauce on the meat was tangy and a touch piquant. Delicious! And of course, the peas. I love peas! They complemented the dish, rounding it out nicely.

If our meals were any indication, Edna’s uses only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. They season everything so flawlessly that you can leave your salt and pepper shakers at home!

Conclusion:

Overall, Edna’s impressed us with the quality of their meals. We got a lot of food for the price, without skipping on the quality. This one’s a keeper, and we’re sure we’ll return to give different dishes a go at teasing our palates.