THE SAMPLER - Take Out

I’ve got to admit, this whole thing kind of caught me unprepared.

Suddenly, before I really realized what was going on, there was a gubernatorial “Stay Home!” order in place, and the bars and restaurants were closed.

How is a Sampler to survive?

More than most, the Sampler depends upon the well-appointed dining rooms, the wayside bistros, the cozy cabarets of the Brown County restaurant industry. Without them, where will I get my deep-fried appetizers, my thought-provoking entrees, my profoundly satisfying desserts?

In light of the emergency would the Sampler survive?

I was bound to wonder as I surveyed the food on hand: a couple of cans of sardines and lima beans; a bag of dried lentils; half a jar of peanut butter with age; plus a couple dozen take-home boxes in various stages of mold and decay.

I had to leave the house to go do my laundry. Not all Brown Countians are blessed with home facilities, and we all need clean drawers sooner or later.

At the laundromat, I noticed the attendant eating something from a white foam container.

Was it…? Could it be…?

It was. Biscuits and Gravy! That seminal, nurturing breakfast which has been an object of my intense study.

“Is that from Heavenly Biscuit?” I asked. “Yup,” she replied, between mouthfuls.

And then, I started seeing the signs all around town: Open for Take-out.

Yes! Take-out will save us!

Even though we couldn’t visit our favorite restaurants and bask in the glory of the window table while being waited on hand and foot, we could partake of the gustatory delights they would normally offer inside, on the outside, in the comfort of our own home, or the car, if we’re too hungry to wait.

Accordingly, I set about investigating the various comestibles-to-go from around the little town that loves to eat.

The Hobnob Corner, that bastion of Nashville dining offered carry-out. They even brought it to the car. They offered their regular sandwiches and soups (love that Rube Martin), plus, the day I checked it out, quiche, spaghetti, and Mandarin chicken.

Out of the Ordinary was serving their regular menu with a few exceptions. You could pick up your order in the alley next to the bar.

The day I went, they had a Ribeye steak sandwich with Cole slaw and chips as a special. Also, soup of the day.

Brozinni Pizzaria offered their regular menu every day. You could call ahead or order at the counter.

Casa del Sol took call-in orders off their regular menu and brought it to your car.

There were others. Details varied at the time I wrote this. Some restaurants had limited hours and days of the week. It was sort of a seek-and-ye-shallfind type of situation.

Then there were places that always offer food on the go like Subway and McDonald’s. And the Brown County IGA sells fried chicken and other hot meals during the day—God bless ’em.

One of the ways I have been amusing myself during the emergency is just by driving around Brown County. After all, you’re in the safety and comfort of your own vehicle. It’s much like sitting on the sofa, except the sofa is moving around to various Brown County scenes.

A little drive in the country took me to The Farmhouse Café in the north east part of the county. They offered a limited take-out menu that included tenderloins, chicken salad, and Reuben sandwiches with potato salad, chips, and fruit.

I confess I do not enjoy this enforced separation from the everyday jostle and casual encounter of life in a small town—the low hum of a well-appointed dining room.

I look back fondly on all the meals I have consumed in all the eateries and beaneries around old Brown County. I hope to sit there again, soon, at the window seat, enjoying the special things that make a meal more than just food; the style, the smiles, the personal touch; the careful preparation and presentation; the polite and thoughtful staff.

This too shall pass.

Until then, I will scoot the kitchen table up near the window and put on a fresh linen tablecloth and perhaps a small vase of flowers. I will place the food from the take-out containers on nice china plates, set the table with real silverware.

I will dine in splendid leisure as I gaze out upon the onrushing spring in Brown County with the usual wonder and delight.

And I will be profoundly satisfied.