A homage to Pickett House
How far would you go out of your way for a meal? A fairly casual common meal? One that you can whip out at home in less than two hours? How long of a drive would be worth the stead of cooking? How scenic is the route? Sometimes it’s not so much the food that draws one back to a restaurant, given that the food is lovely of course. Sometimes it’s that craving for a bit of simple nature and not artifice, a bit of old fashion and not modernity, just a bit of the familiar unknown. The longer my family lives in the city, the more often we get those cravings. Almost every year now we would make a two-hour drive to the Heritage Village in Woodville for a bowl of chicken and dumpling. And it’s best on a cloudy day of January, when the young pine trees along Highway 190 are at their greenest and fuzziest.
We never learned the name of this restaurant. We know where it is, we call it “the chicken and dumpling place”, and that’s enough. But it’s not just chicken and dumpling. It’s an all-you-can-eat country style with fried chicken, mashed potato and gravy, some kind of greens, beans, and corn bread. The chicken and dumpling is the best though. It’s thick but not too creamy or buttery. The partially dissolved dumplings have this lovely chewy feel to distinguish themselves from shredded chicken bits. With the right amount of salt and pepper I’d imagine it’d still be great without the chicken.
When I first came to Pickett House in 2002, they were still serving sassafras tea. That’s just my good luck and mishaps at the same time: it is the best sweet tea I’ve ever had, and that was the last time I had it. They say they couldn’t find any more sassafras root in the area. I don’t care if it has safrole and can cause liver cancer, it tastes good. (Hey people are still drinking those bitter, vinegar-like liquids that kill both brain cells and liver cells, aren’t they?)
On the sweet side, they’re still serving peach cobbler, so remember not to stuff too much dumpling and fried chicken down your pipe and save room for dessert. But if you don’t, like us, it’s ok to roll out happily with a tummy of southern Santa Claus. Or linger around, take a glance at the old school oil lamp on the wooden piano near the cashier, or the circus posters – some are dated before 1952. Or laugh along with the joke at the other table, friendliness makes a good meal taste like home. Or come outside, breathe in that fresh, brisk, unadulterated air, and feel revitalized.
Address: Pickett House Restaurant (in Heritage Village)
Highway 190 W
Woodville, TX 75979
Lunch for three will set you back by $32 pre-tip. Driving eastward along the highway from US-59, we’re bound to miss the left turn into the Heritage Village and its kitchen. So when you see a church, a parking lot, a gas station and other signs of human occupation, make a U-turn.The exit to awesome chicken and dumpling will be on the right.
Can’t find Pickett House? Another 15 minutes down the road into downtown Woodville is Z’s Fillin Station with more choices for the southern cravings.
If you insist on staying home, here’s a recipe from Christy Jordan’s Southern Plate.
Thanks for this grand post, I am glad I noticed this site on yahoo.
1I always was concerned in this subject and still am, thanks for putting up.
2I very lucky to find this web site on bing, just what I was looking for : D too bookmarked.
3I really lucky to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for : D too bookmarked.
4Keep up the good work, I read few blog posts on this web site and I think that your web site is very interesting and contains lots of wonderful info .
5You have noted very interesting details ! ps nice website .
6I always was concerned in this subject and stock still am, thanks for posting.
7Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “Any man would be forsworn to gain a kingdom.” by Roger Zelazny.
8I truly enjoy reading through on this website , it has fantastic content. “Those who complain most are most to be complained of.” by Matthew Henry.
9I was just looking for this information for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Usually the top websites are full of garbage.
10Perfectly pent subject material, regards for selective information. “The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly.” by Corra Harris.
11I always was concerned in this subject and still am, thankyou for posting.
12I like this web site so much, bookmarked.
13Thanks for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.
14The crux of your writing whilst sounding reasonable initially, did not really sit perfectly with me after some time. Someplace within the sentences you managed to make me a believer unfortunately only for a short while. I however have got a problem with your jumps in logic and you might do well to fill in those breaks. When you can accomplish that, I would undoubtedly be amazed.
15I was just searching for this information for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your website. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative sites in top of the list. Usually the top web sites are full of garbage.
16What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & aid different users like its helped me. Great job.
17A lot of thanks for all of your efforts on this website. My niece delights in setting aside time for investigation and it is obvious why. Most people know all about the dynamic medium you offer functional techniques via your web site and as well inspire participation from some other people on that matter while our child has been discovering a lot of things. Enjoy the rest of the new year. You are always doing a splendid job.
18Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
19After study just a few of the weblog posts on your website now, and I actually like your manner of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website listing and will be checking back soon. Pls try my web page as effectively and let me know what you think.
20I’m really inspired along with your writing talents as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid topic or did you modify it your self? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a great weblog like this one today..
21I really like your writing style, superb information, thankyou for putting up :D.
22Some truly wonderful info , Gladiola I observed this. “It’s amazing what ordinary people can do if they set out without preconceived notions.” by Charles Franklin Kettering.
23Just wish to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just excellent and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
24I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100 sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
25Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!
26Thanks for the marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and may come back someday. I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!
27I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again
28As I website possessor I believe the content matter here is rattling excellent , appreciate it for your efforts. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.
29There is visibly a bundle to identify about this. I feel you made some good points in features also.
30