Heather and I were heading in the direction of home after a doctors appointment in Dunnellon, FL.
We were having a conversation about getting something to eat when we drove past a parking lot of a restaurant that was full of cars. Heather mentioned how busy it was and I said, "So turn around and lets go eat there." So, she did just that.
The place was busy and upon entering we observed a very busy staff. We were told we could sit anywhere. However, the best and only option was a dirty table. Within only seconds of getting over to the table it was cleared and cleaned. The wait staff was VERY friendly and helpful. I have never seen such friendly people who love their work, in any other part of Florida. It was so nice! Speaking of nice, the decor was very tasteful. Even the bathrooms were decorated and clean.
Heather ordered some sweet tea and it was perfect. Not bitter or overly sweet. We both agreed this was a good omen and we looked forward to the food. Heather ordered Chicken Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes covered in delicious Country Gravy, Fried Apples, Cornbread, and a salad w/Honey Mustard dressing. I ordered the Chopped Steak (cooked medium) with Grilled Onions, Brown Rice w/Brown Gravy, Field Peas, Cornbread, and a salad w/Blue Cheese dressing.
Heather's Chicken Fried Steak was bathed in buttermilk prior to breading. It was so yummy! She remarked how it was so much better than even Cracker Barrel. And her apples were also delicious. They were not to sweet and the apple cider vinegar they used in the cooking process gave them a subtle brightness and helped the apple develop into a more flavorful side dish. Subtle but important in our opinion. Most restaurants in our area open a can and reheat it and serve it as homemade. That was not the case here. The gravy is homemade and there were small touches of seasoning that improved the flavor. The mash potatoes were real and very smooth and creamy. It is so nice to get real not powdered potatoes!
When my chopped steak arrived it was smothered in onions and it had a light brown gravy. Very delicate and tasty. We shared some of our food so each of us could get a better feel for the cooking. We vowed that as soon as we could get Candice to go out for breakfast we would return to see if this experience was a fluke or not. Given the friendly staff, high quality cooking and tasteful decor we are giving Five Shamrocks to the Front Porch and Pie Shop in Dunnellon, FL USA.
Oh, I almost forgot, we got a slice of Caramel Apple Walnut Pie to take home for later. We both loved the homemade crust, it was light and flaky and there were lots of walnuts in the pie. The caramel was homemade as well. It was stellar!
Front Porch Restaurant and Pie Shop
12039 North Florida Avenue
Dunnellon, FL 34434
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