Hey folks,
I had a meal at the Hotel Talisi about 10 days ago. It was the first full week of operation after the restaurant's re-opening at the end of the previous week, so I was definitely looking forward to seeing -- er, tasting -- what all the fuss was about.
A work colleague and I ventured over to the Hotel for lunch around 11:45 a.m. We entered through the beautifully restored lobby, which is reminiscent of a set from Titanic. The place was moderately busy, but there was plenty of room for everyone. Plant workers meshed in with laborers who meshed in with professionals who sat next to retired folks. It is a great mix of people in the heartbeat of town. Eating at the Hotel Talisi is more than a meal. It's a social event.
There were tables for two, four and lots more. There is a menu available, but I chose the buffet, and I paid $8.90 tax included for the meal. That included a drink and dessert.
My friend and I ventured over, picked out a table and headed for the buffet. Talk about your Southern cornucopia: Mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, biscuits, carrots, sweet potato casserole, meatloaf ... I think there was also turnip greens and a couple of other things, but they took back seat to the FRIED CHICKEN and my personal favorite, okra.
We filled our plates to overflowing (the men in the place were actually peeking over at us, which we thought was funny) and grabbed some sweet tea. I was so excited when we got back to our seats that I took a picture of my plate. :) (see above)
Yes, it was as good as advertised. The chicken was delicious, the okra was crispy, the mashed potatoes the perfect mix of creamy and chunky, and the biscuit was fluffy as a cloud. The sweet potato casserole was good -- not as sweet as I'm used to having, but it was still good. Yum yum.
I'm sad and more than a little ashamed to say that I ate so much for lunch that I didn't leave room for dessert, which was our choice of banana pudding or peach cobbler. But I was assured by the folks who did save room that it was worth overeating for.
I'm told that the Hotel Talisi is bringing in folks from all over, already, again. They are going through 250 pounds of chicken a day. So if your travels bring you through central Alabama, consider a stop in Tallassee. You can even stay at the restaurant -- the hotel has several rooms that are already renovated, and prices are $60 for a regular room and $85 for a suite.
If you like historic buildings and authentic Southern fare, the Hotel Talisi is right up your alley.
We hope to see you there!