After church I wanted a nice meal where I wouldn’t have a long wait. I saw a few parking places at City Café on the corner of MLK and Carter. I had been to the Bonny Oaks location before but not this one and thought I’d stop in. They have so many things on the menu – I knew I’d be able to try something I have never tried before.

After placing my name with Gary (who I assume was the manager), he led me to the hotel lobby so that I could wait comfortably.

In less than 10 minutes I was able to be seated at a table. I really didn’t expect that on a Sunday afternoon. They were not too crowded but I was led to a table against the far window where a long booth seat was shared by all the tables along the wall.

I had forgotten about my visit to Bluegrass Grill where I shared a bench and had to deal with a man shaking his leg while I tried to sip my coffee! So I sat on the long booth seat so I could see everyone. At the table next to me sat four young people - possibly of college age.

I was tickled to hear this young man call his waitress, who was twice his age, “Sweetheart” every time he needed something. She returned the endearment by calling him “Baby”. The college clan enjoyed their conversations with each other; they were a lively bunch.

Looking over the many selections on the menu, I could barely choose but there was no way that I was going to ask Sabrina to “surprise me”. I selected the Salmon Monte Carlos for $15.95. I was in the mood for a good piece of salmon and the vegetables that came on the side. It sounded delicious and came with a salad too.

Sabrina brought my salad and I said, “thank you, Dear.” I realized that I was doing the same thing that young man did. I guess in the South, we just feel cozy with one another. The salad was iceberg lettuce. Though I prefer a dark leafy lettuce, the salad was fresh and tasted good.

It took a little longer for my meal to come. I had finished my salad and waited quite awhile. The young man that I shared a bench with had the same shaking-leg problem that I encountered at Bluegrass Grill! I wondered if all men use this practice as some sort of a coolant tactic, the way a dog pants.

Ah, finally my meal arrived. Oh my! It was the size of Texas! I mean it! My eyes were wide with surprise (or fear of what to do with it all) and Sabrina laughed at me telling me she already planned to give me a box. This meal was not on a plate but on a large oblong platter that covered the paper placemat and the food took up the whole platter – plus was piled high! The description did not say that it was a meal for two (or for a whole family) so I was quite confused.

The young man next to me laughed and said, “Man! How are you going to eat all that?” My face was as red as an angry sunset! The other tables were gawking at my food and asking me what it was that I had ordered. I was hungry but not that hungry! I would definitely be taking it home.

I swear that had to be the whole salmon on my plate. Underneath was stuffed flounder and on top was shrimp in a nice cream sauce with tomatoes plus a few grilled butterflied shrimp to boot! The vegetables were plentiful, and they were just how I liked them- steamed and full of flavor! The whipped potatoes were cold though. My seafood concoction was steaming hot but the potatoes were just cold. They must have had them on my plate long before the rest of the dish had been ready. Aside from that – everything was delicious!

I ordered a piece of one of their famous cakes to take home. There was no way I could eat anymore (and no way that I could pass up the six-layer chocolate cake for 5.95). I took my meal that would decently feed a family of four, home and ate three more meals from it - until I was tired of it! I really don’t understand that big of portions for one meal. Even if you share it with someone you would still have two more meals left over (the piece of cake went far too).

I do love the food at City Café and, the location that I visited on Carter Street was wonderful as well as their staff. Go see them and tell them Willie Mae sent you!