Behind our schedule.

This is not one of the nicest motels that Best Western has in its super chain. Not the worst, but at least it was fairly clean and afforded a good night’s sleep. Much smaller than many we have seen (only 41 rooms) and the pool was not maintained for use until summer was my guess. It was a mess. AAA rates this as 2 stars. The room did have a small microwave and refrigerator along with cable TV, coffee maker, hair dryer and Iron and ironing board. In fact there was even a recliner, which shows they are trying to bring the rating up. The continental breakfast in the morning was served from 6 am til 9 am, which is earlier than most others and we almost missed. Not much to miss if we had, cold cereal, toast, juice, and coffee.

When I check into a hotel for the night one of the first things I ask at the desk is “Where do you go to eat for a great meal when you just don’t want to cook at home. Not a special or anniversary night, just a regular night you want a great meal out of the house.” Well tonight when I asked that question I got a unison response from the two ladies there, one middle-aged, and the other a late teen. They both had the same quick response. “David’s Catfish House”. So how can you go wrong? Back in 1983 David and Sadie Ross started serving food from their now famous menu. Nearly a quarter century later, the catfish and cheese grits have been flying out of the kitchen. In fact, the dish has been named one of the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel for two consecutive years.

That’s the way their website begins. Now they have six locations and from the experience we had it is all for a good reason. From the moment we walked in the door we could tell we had been sent to a great place. We waited for a few minutes to get our table but that was fine. It was dinner time. And it looked like mostly locals jamming the tables to capacity. Our waitress, Johnnie, was prompt and very helpful and made several suggestions. We ordered the combination plates, of catfish, and shrimp, which were served with cole slaw, hush puppies and a choice of french fries or cheese grits. I had the french fries, and my wife had the cheese grits.

This was a great meal. Would I go again? Most definitely!! Yes!