BY STACEY WALLACE
OPINION —
If you’ve read this column, you know that I LOVE telling stories, especially about my family and friends. I believe my love of storytelling came from Tom Patton, my daddy.
Daddy was so quick witted, and he was the family storyteller before Alzheimer’s stole his ability to speak. I used to love listening to Daddy’s hilarious stories; he really knew the art of storytelling.
However, Daddy left for heaven in April of 2018, and it’s so hard to believe he’s been gone for so long. Since he is gone, I am attempting to tell our family stories, but I know that I can’t equal Daddy’s gift for storytelling.
Besides telling or writing stories, I also love to hear other people tell their stories. Therefore, recently I traveled to LaGrange, Georgia to attend the Azalea Storytelling Festival, which began in 1997. When my husband Mike and I lived in LaGrange, I often attended this very entertaining festival. My two favorite tellers of all time are Donald Davis and the late Miss Kathryn Tucker Windham. I was thrilled many years ago when I met Mr. Donald and Miss Kathryn, got their autographs and had my picture made with them. But, I digress.
I attended this year’s Azalea Storytelling Festival with my good friend Shelly, who lives in LaGrange. At the lunch break, we went to my favorite restaurant for real Southern cooking: A Taste of Lemon at 204 Morgan St. in LaGrange.
A Taste of Lemon opened in 1982 and was previously a church. The interior and exterior of the building are really lovely. Amy, our server, was so warm, wonderful and welcoming.
She has been my server several times and always gets an A+ from this retired English teacher.
A Taste of Lemon is usually closed on Saturday and Sunday, but the restaurant opens on the Saturday of the Azalea Storytelling Festival to accommodate the audience.
Shelly and I sat near the storytellers’ table, but I didn’t bother them, which probably amazed Mike when I told him — I don’t usually have that degree of restraint.
For her meal, Shelly ordered the poppyseed chicken, mashed potatoes, pineapple casserole and cornbread. I chose the poppyseed chicken, mac ‘n cheese, green beans and cornbread.
After we placed our orders, I excused myself and went to the ladies’ room. The door to the restroom was closed, and the lights were on, so I figured that someone was in there. However, I tapped lightly on the door and heard nothing. I waited for a while, finally tapping again. Then someone apparently kicked the door hard, so a person was definitely in there.
I am a diabetic on Jardiance, so I must confess that I finally went into the men’s restroom, praying that a man wouldn’t be outside when I left.
As I exited the men’s room, I saw one of the male storytellers leave the ladies’ room. Now, that was a funny sight, and I’m glad that no one saw us.
Our meals were fabulous, as always. Since my sweet Mama and grandmothers are in heaven, I have to rely on restaurants such as A Taste of Lemon to cook Southern dishes correctly.
Also, as I always say, I love to eat but dislike cooking.
Besides the outstanding dishes, that day, A Taste of Lemon offered diners entrees with two or three sides served over rice. Entrees included: smothered pork chop, pork loin, hamburger steak, fried catfish filet (one or two pieces) or chicken pot pie.
Sides included: mashed potatoes, turnip greens, rutabagas, green beans, cole slaw, carrots, cream corn and lima beans. Diners may also choose a large vegetable plate with six vegetables or a small plate with four vegetables. Desserts included: peach cobbler, buttermilk pie, vanilla ice cream sundae and brownie with ice cream. I suggested we split a dessert, but Shelly made me be good, so we didn’t order one.
Believe me, visit LaGrange and try A Taste of Lemon. You’ll be very happy you did.
Shelly, this review was for you. Thanks for a fun Saturday. Love you bunches.
A Taste of Lemon is closed on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Eastern Time).
A Taste of Lemon makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people never lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.
