5 Dishes to Try in DeKalb in 2022
5 Dishes to Try in DeKalb in 2022
By Emily Kirby
Photos by Emily Kirby
DeKalb County is home to many unique restaurants whose famous dishes attract hungry visitors from across the state and beyond. Read more to discover five of our favorite dishes you must try in 2022!
1.Tomato Pie – The Wildflower Cafe
If you’ve visited the quaint and quirky town of Mentone, you’ve heard of — and probably eaten at — The Wildflower Cafe. Known for its whimsical style and staff, the cafe is home to the popular Tomato Pie.
The dish features sliced Roma tomatoes marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette and baked in a pie shell, all with a blend of grated cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses, mayonnaise and basil. This mouth-watering dish routinely makes the Alabama Tourism Department’s list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama. It’s also central to the cafe’s awards and features online and in print.
The Wildflower Cafe, located at 6007 AL HWY 117, Mentone, Alabama, is owned and operated by L.C. Moon, a familiar face in Mentone. A visit to the restaurant gives guests an at-home feel, where they can sit and visit, enjoy live folk music, and try “meals that are fresh & fabulous, decadent and hardy as well as healthy and organic when possible, with gluten-free and vegan options.”
(Writer’s note: The perfect afternoon at Wildflower is spent ending a meal with the Hummingbird Cake, lounging in one of their many rocking chairs, and perusing the gift shop filled with art and items from local makers.)
2. Fried Deviled Eggs – Tiger’s Inn
The local landmark in the town of Valley Head, Tiger’s Inn saw new ownership in 2021 — and with it, the new and unique Fried Deviled Eggs appetizer.
Everyone loves deviled eggs, but who says they can’t be enjoyed between holidays and prepared in true Southern fashion – deep fried? This popular menu item features four deviled eggs fried and topped with sweet, candied bacon.
Tiger’s Inn is a local hotspot in Valley Head, offering locals and travelers Country Breakfast, Meat & Three lunch, Sunday Brunch, and a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, steak and chicken entrees, seafood, and desserts.
Tiger’s Inn is located at 132 Commerce Ave, Valley Head, Alabama. Daily specials are posted on their Facebook page.
(Writer’s note: No meal at Tiger’s Inn is complete without one of their large Mason jars of sweet tea.)
3. The Figgy Sandwich – The Bakehouse Downtown
Fort Payne’s new bakery brings elegance and an abundance of new drinks, baked goods, and lunch options for the downtown district.
Among their decadent dishes, “The Figgy” stands out with its sweet and savory taste and high-quality ingredients. Smoked turkey, sharp white cheddar cheese, mixed greens, and (the showstopper) fig jam all come on toasted whole grain bread for a light but satisfying meal.
The Bakehouse Downtown opened earlier this year under the operation of Crestah Taylor, a former educator turned baker. Her vision for the Bakehouse is to bring to downtown a space for “great food, coffee, and community.”
The cafe also boasts a drink menu unique to the area, featuring a London Fog, Cafe Au Lait, French Press, Cold Brew, and more.
The Bakehouse is located at 110 1st St W, Fort Payne, Alabama. Follow the shop on Facebook or Instagram for more information and current items.
(Writer’s note: The red wine vinegar chips pair perfectly with The Figgy.)
4. Blackberry Jalapeno Burger – Fontastic Foods
Following the theme of sweet and savory combinations, Fontastic Foods in Mentone serves up a messy, one-of-a-kind Blackberry Jalapeno Burger.
This perfectly grilled burger comes topped with fresh grilled jalapeno, tomato, onion, and blackberry jam, paired with the choice of one side.
The food truck, which opened in 2020, sits next to Mentone Inn Bed & Breakfast and opens each Saturday, alongside the Mentone Farmers Market. The truck serves specialty pizza, gourmet sandwiches and burgers, and a wide selection of vegan options.
Visit with the establishment’s namesake, Fontana Stinson, and enjoy a burger in the covered, outdoor pavilion outside the historic Mentone Inn, located at 6139 AL HWY 117, Mentone, Alabama.
(Writer’s note: As a side to the burger, try the grilled mac n’ cheese. It’s to die for!)
5. Brisket Nachos – Roadside ‘Que
Everyone is a sucker for nachos, and Roadside ‘Que in downtown Fort Payne will satisfy your cravings with their Brisket Nachos.
The pasture-raised beef is smoked low and slow for 15 hours over hickory hardwoods. The sliced brisket is then placed on tortilla chips, along with cheese, beans, salsa, and white barbecue sauce for a fully loaded meal. It is available in half and full orders.
The Christman family at Roadside ‘Que also offers ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ham, along with burgers, a variety of sandwiches, and unique side dishes. Justin Christman, owner and operator, says they are “committed to providing our community with healthy, local, sustainable food.”
Kill some time at Roadside on their retro arcade games and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere while experiencing their quality, sustainable food!
(Writer’s note: Choose from Roadside’s selection of locally crafted beers, and the Warm German Potato Salad, to go alongside their smoked meats.)
Check here to learn more about options for eating in DeKalb County, and be sure to use #DininginDeKalb when you post your mouth-watering photos online!
