Natalie Jane's Clarkesville, Georgia

Wow, it has been a very long time since I have posted anything here, so it's time for me to get "rear in gear"! Lord knows I haven't been sitting at home twiddling my thumbs! Having recently learned that Natalie Jane's will be undergoing some exciting, new changes, Bob and I went for lunch last Saturday. Not sure about everything, but they will be turning the back room into a bar and will feature craft beers- woohoo! It is about time someone discovered this market in our sleepy, little town. I like Natalie Jane's for its quirky, slightly hip, attitude toward the food and service. She has a knack for taking ordinary menu items and creating new versions with subtle, simple changes. For example, Bob ordered the chicken salad sandwich which featured smoked chicken instead of the usual and it was a great twist on a standard. Unfortunately, the tortilla chips which accompanied were greasy and disappointing. My fries that came with my smoked turkey sandwich tasted suspiciously like tortilla strips, so we figured they came from the same tired grease. The sandwich came on wheat berry bread with a feta cheese spread and caramelized onions. Very tasty and more than I could eat.

But now for the best parts! Our server brought over the wine list which formerly was heavy on local Blackstock vineyard wines. He explained that the wine list is being revamped and current bottles had been reduced. This was music to our ears, so we ordered a very drinkable Washington State chardonnay for a mere $16 per bottle. Natalie has catered a party at my house, so I am very aware of her talents with sweets. We ordered a peanut butter gelato that had been dipped in chocolate and drizzled with caramel. Can you say OMG?? Of course, this dessert called for more wine and we settled on the Blackstock Viognier which was acceptable since it is a bit sweet. Our waiter resealed the remainder of the bottle so we could take it home. Isn't this new law great? Now if Georgia would only treat its citizens like responsible adults and allow Sunday alcohol sales....and Natalie would keep pecan pie on her dessert menu.