Sheryl’s Buffet Does Live Oak FL Proud April 16, 2009
Posted by dixiedining in Uncategorized.Tags: BBQ Ribs, Fried Chicken, Live Oak FL, Red Velvet Cake, Sheryl's Buffet, Southern Food, Stewed Okra, Turnip Greens
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The last time we ate at Sheryl’s it was on a tip from a web site we have come to trust. This time we didn’t need anyone pushing us in their general direction. We made the trip gladly! Live Oak is a nice little Southern town. It feels much more like Alabama or Georgia than it does Florida. But I guess that could be said for much of the northern third of the Sunshine State. The people are so darn friendly at Sheryl’s — we have been treated like family each time we have visited. In fact, we arrived just a few minutes from closing time (they are open from 11:30 a.m. ’til 2:30 p.m. daily) and they suggested that we call ahead next time if we are running a few minutes late and they’ll keep the place open for us. How ’bout them apples???
The fried chicken and the charcoal-kissed pork ribs (yes, they were cooked outside over coals) were the stars of the show on this particular afternoon. I added some turnip greens and some stewed okra and I was ready for business! Step one was to grab myself a big glass of ice cold sweet tea (they make it right here at Sheryl’s); step two involved splashing some Texas Pete Pepper Vinegar on my greens; while step three was to annoint the slimey okra with a few drops of Tabasco hot sauce. Finally, I ladeled out a small cup of the sweet, dark BBQ sauce (step four). It was all pretty amazing — the chicken some of the best we’ve ever tasted. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with none of that typical greasy aftertaste.
I was bummed to find that they were completely wiped out of Sheryl’s homemade banana pudding, but that disappointment soon disappeared when I spied the squares of red velvet cake on the nearby dessert table. Our server Debbie was super pleasant and highly efficient. She dished out the “sweeties” and “darlins” with the best of ‘em while anticipating our every need. We were even awarded with a complimentary cartoon map of Live Oak and surrounding Suwannee County. This is probably the closest we’ll ever get to receiving a key to the city.
The true key to Live Oak, FL is good folks and good downhome eats. So please stop in the next time you’re on the road between Gainesville and Tallahassee. It will stimulate the local economy and your taste buds, y’all!
Sheryl’s Buffet in Live Oak, FL October 27, 2008
Posted by dixiedining in Uncategorized.Tags: Buffet, Down Home, Florida, Fried Chicken, Home Cooking, Live Oak FL, Meat Loaf, Okra, Pork Chops, Sheryl's, Texas Pete, Turnip Greens, Yams, Zipper Peas
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We enjoyed a late lunch on Sunday afternoon at Sheryl’s Buffet in Live Oak, FL. This quaint little town along the fabled Suwannee River makes for a perfect setting for a good old down-home country feeding frenzy. I first learned of Sheryl’s place on a web site called www.florida-secrets.com . Check it out — pretty cool site. Anyway, Florida Secrets promised “tasty, homey, and you can’t beat the price.” Sure sounded like our kind of eatery.
As you can clearly see from the platter above, I loaded up. And I’m not ashamed to say I went back for seconds …. and thirds! Wow — where do I begin? The fried chicken was super crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. I normally prefer white meat, so I reached for a big honking breast. My sides included a warm yeast roll, sliced candied yams dripping with melted mini-marshmallows, pork-laced turnip greens (I kicked them up with some Texas Pete hot sauce), cut green beans, and fresh white zipper peas. You may also notice a small bowl of cole slaw just above the yeast roll. The slaw was perfect … just the right temp (cool) and texture (crunchy). It was minced very finely and had just the right blend of mayo and a hint of sugar. My beverage of choice was a sweet tea spiked with a lemon wedge.
My second run (not pictured here) was highlighted by stewed tomatoes & okra, a ketchup-kissed meat loaf, and an amazing dessert which requires a bit of a description. Imagine, if you will, an expertly whipped vanilla eclair mousse dusted with very finely crumbled vanilla wafers. Man, you wanna talk about light and fluffy and deeee-lish??? It was truly amazing. When I asked our waitress, she went straight to the source — the young lady who prepared the treat. Her “awww shucks, wasn’t nothing” attitude spoke volumes about the eatery’s lack of pretention. I complimented her profusely, which quickly inspired several diners around us to revisit the sweets table. I will get this recipe and (I’m willing to bet) they will be more than happy to oblige.
If you’re ever crusing near the intersection of I-75 and I-10, please do not miss out on Sheryl’s Buffet. We’re told the menu changes frequently and features such down home goodies as baked lasagna, chicken and dressing, fried pork chops, squash casserole, and a bubbly macaroni & cheese. Sheryl’s is open from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday thru Friday. Drive to 515 SW 5th Street and look for the big red barn-like structure — you can’t miss it! Call 386 362-2898 (or the local fire station) if you get lost.
Popeye’s Still Good in a Pinch September 11, 2008
Posted by dixiedining in Uncategorized.Tags: Biscuits, Fried Chicken, Popeye's, Red Beans and Rice
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As many of you know, I am not a big fast food guy. In fact, I usually go out of my way to avoid any fast food experience. However, I must say that an occasional visit to Popeye’s is not necessarily a bad thing. It had been a while since I’d given them a try. Most likely because I have normally had equal or better options for tasty fried fowl and/or authentic Louisiana specialties. But we now reside in SW FL, where it can be pretty difficult to find anything remotely Southern. I had not found any decent fried chicken and was not even sure if it existed here. Someone asked me the other day about my favorite fried chicken in Sarasota and I drew a complete blank. It was time for me to remember what it tasted like.
I hit the drive thru at Popeye’s on Highway 41 just north of downtown Sarasota. It is not the best part of town and the clientele is mostly poor, working class folks. There were several vehicles in the lot when I pulled up — most of them were pick-ups and city-owned cars. I ordered a spicy chicken breast (yes, I’m a white meat guy), a buttermilk biscuit, and a side of red beans and rice. The crispy breast was scalding hot and delicious. The buttery biscuit was just as good as I had remembered. And the red beans and rice — while not quite New Orleans quality — really hit the spot. It all cost less than $5, so the price was right.
So — who has the best fried chicken in Sarasota? Right now I would have to say Popeye’s. It’s certainly not as good as Mom’s … and a far cry from Uncle Lou’s fabulous honey-dipped bird in Memphis. I guess my next stop will be KFC. It has been ages since I have darkened their door. Who knows? Maybe a taste of the Colonel’s 11 herbs and spices will rekindle some deep, childhood memories. Or perhaps it will be a colossal disappointment. I’ll give it a shot and see what gives. Stay tuned!
