If it wasn't for a man named Allen Casey, there probably wouldn't be a restaurant in Chattanooga today with the theme of the famed Tivoli Gardens in the setting of a wonderful old railroad station.
Chattanooga is a railroad town from way back, but we lost our historic Union Station with its interesting Car Shed portion that sheltered wounded and dying soldiers in the Civil War.
We almost lost the Terminal Station on South Market, but Mr. Casey had a dream of converting it to a family attraction especially geared to the many train buffs.
The Chattanooga Choo Choo was born in 1973, and its main restaurant was situated at the rear platform area where passengers and baggage once arrived on train after train.
At the Gardens the station's awe-inspiring dome is just next door, and you can look out on rows of Pullman cars that still beckon the comfort-seeking traveler.
Many locals enjoy the Gardens, but you will see visitors from all across the country and from a number of foreign lands.
There is a popular buffett on Saturday night and brunch on Sunday.
For an appetizer, try the Gulf shrimp cocktail, the Buffalo hot wings, the chicken tenders or the cornfritters that you dip in apple butter.
Chicken corn chowder is a favorite, or you can order soup and sandwiches. There's also the Great American Burger or the Pullman Car Club that features bacon, lettuce, tomato, oven roast turkey, hickory smoked ham and cheese.
All entrees are served with a house salad with your choice of dressing and fresh rolls and butter.
Entree choices include the buttermilk pecan chicken, the fried delta catfish, the grilled chicken pasta, Southern fried chicken, fresh vegetable lasagna, New York strip steak, sauteed rainbow trout and the charbroiled ribeye steak.
Desserts include hot fudge pie with vanilla ice cream,
amaretto cheesecake, Tennessee bread pudding that is served with Tennessee whiskey sauce, ice cream or sherbet, Southern pecan pie and fresh baked applie pie.
Kids Eat Free is available when kids age 12 years old and under are accompanied by a family member ordering an entrée from the regular menu or going through the buffet. The offer is for registered guests only. Limit four kids per dining adult.