Little's Cafe in Madison has made a reputation for itself as being not so... little. Big portions, big appetites and big expectations.



After walking through a cloud of smoke rolling off the grill, I stopped inside with my friend Whitney. I took a quick look at the menu and easily settled on the pulled pork mac & cheese.



This dish had a pile of mac & cheese that was on the cool side, but a giant heaping helping of pulled pork drizzled in BBQ. Flavor was OK. Proportions were a bit off though - and it was all the same texture. Some crunchy green onion would have taken this over the top.



Grade: B

"Sumburger Drive-in was first opened for business in 1953. It was located on South Bridge Street (US RT 23) and housed in a custom-made trailer. The name Trailer Drive-in was the true original name. The original trailer was moved to 1487 N. Bridge St. in 1954, the name was changed to Logan View Drive-in, and an additional trailer was added. Operating during the warm months of the year, only carhop and carryout service were available. Because the patrons referred to the sandwich as 'some burger' the name officially changed to Sumburger Drive-in in 1974," reads the website.

"In 2003 sumburger celebrated its 50th year in business while its hometown, the state's first capitol, helped to celebrate Ohio's Bicentennial. In 2016, we expanded our brand and opened the sumburger Restaurant on the west-end of Chillicothe!"



I ordered their famous "DBL CHZ SUMBURGER" - Since 1953 folks have driven from miles around to taste our famous sumburger®. This meal-on-a-bun starts with 2 fresh all beef patties, served up on a hot bun topped off with 2 slices of melted cheese, lettuce and our own sumburger® sauce. Served with Crinkle Cut Fries and Cole Slaw.



The burger was decent. I think I was a bit cheated on some of the toppings, which actually made it a little dry. I would like more of the mayo-relish sauce for more oomph.



Grade: B

The Third Annual “Modern Mountain Measures” dinner returned on May 5 at 1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering in Charleston with 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. seatings. Modern Mountain Measures is a three-course prix fixe dinner with drink that features new twists on classic recipes featured in the Junior League of Charleston’s cookbooks: Mountain Measures and Mountain Measures, A Second Serving. James Beard Award Finalist Chef Paul Smith has hand-selected classic recipes from the Junior League of Charleston cookbooks to create a refined menu based on local favorites. The meal began with a Pomegranate Sparkling drink and passed hors d'oeuvres of filo-wrapped asparagus and goat cheese macarons. SALAD

Arugula, Fried Feta, Mandarin Oranges, Toasted Almonds, Honey Combe with a Citrus Herb Vinaigrette

Inspired by: Mandarin and Lettuce Salad, Mountain Measures, page 55, submitted by Mrs. Craig M.Wilson ENTREE

Appalachian Roasted Chicken, Lemon Herb Risotto, Roasted Spring Vegetables with a White Wine Jus

Inspired by: Chicken with Herbs and Wine, A Second Serving, page 131, submitted by Marta D.MacCallum (Mrs. Daniel) DESSERT

Chocolate Mousse Bomb with Mixed Berries and Honeysuckle Anglaise

Inspired by: Chocolate Mousse, A Second Serving, page 328, submitted by Bavarian Inn and Lodge The Junior League of Charleston, a nonprofit women’s volunteer organization, published two cookbooks in 1974 and 1984, respectively, to raise funds for its charitable efforts. One recipe, Shaker Lemon Pie, from the first cookbook features thinly sliced whole lemons and was featured in Southern Living.

Producing cookbooks featuring regional favorites and family recipes and was a common fundraiser for Junior League chapters across the country starting in the 1950s. As such, these cookbooks have become a cultural treasure that preserve the culinary heritage and community spirit of their respective regions.

Oaks Coffee House is a beautiful coffee shop that features a modern design, an open and airy interior, and clean lines. Plus, it has a drive-through.



The coffee shop serves lattes, cortados, Americanos, cold brew, drip coffee and teas, in addition to pastries, avocado toast, quinoa bowls, bagels, sandwiches and more.



I did a small caramel latte and a blueberry scone. The coffee was a touch stronger than my usual preference, as it reads a little, bitter to me. I would just add an extra pump of caramel next time the scone was tasty, if not a touch on the dry side. Most scones are, though. Still, those are minor criticisms. Overall, it was the perfect pitstop for some fuel on my way north.



Grade: B

I had never been to Mississippi. So, I recently took a long weekend road trip to drive through the Magnolia State.



Ward's is a Mississippi-based regional fast food chain that specializes in chili burgers, chili dogs and root beer.



"In December 1957, twins Richard and Ed Ward opened a New Orleans-based Frostop franchise in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Frostop served chili dogs, orange soda, and root beer in frosted glass mugs. On May 28, 1978, the Ward brothers opened the first Ward's restaurant at 40th Avenue and Hardy Street in Hattiesburg. By the early 1980s, the first franchised Ward's was opened in nearby Petal. The Ward brothers started Ward's Food Systems, Inc. in 1985 to manage the franchise. In 2004, Glen and Shelley Sullivan became the owners of Ward's and combined the franchise and restaurant companies. Richard Ward passed away in 2019 and Ed died prior to 2017," reads Wikipedia.



"After opening their own restaurant, the Ward brothers brought similar items from Frostop to their new menu, including chili burgers, chili dogs, and root beer. Today, Ward's offers chili burgers in two sizes: the larger burger is known as the "Big One" while the smaller option is known as the "Lil' One". Other options include the "Ward's Quarder", (which includes tomato and lettuce), wraps, chicken sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, catfish, and various sides. Various desserts include floats, ice cream, milkshakes, and fruit smoothies. Ward's also serves breakfast, including made-to-order eggs and a variety of biscuits and breakfast wraps."



I had to try the "Little One," which usss their homemade chili and sauce, plus an order of cheese sticks.



This burger was messy, but pretty tasty. I'm definitely glad I got the Little One because it was hefty. The cheese sticks were decent; if they were piping hot, they'd be better.



Grade: B