By Andy Wise - bio | email
OLIVE BRANCH, MS (WMC TV) - THIS WEEK'S BIG TIP: The Neighborhood Grill, 8200 Mississippi 178/Old Lamar, Olive Branch, MS, 662-895-1224.
"Best Food & Best Service. That's US!" reads the stencil on the wall above the kitchen's service counter.
That about sums up the locals' passion for Sheree Towles's down-home grill off Highway 178.
"Good food, good company, great people," said Joey Pierce of Bartlett, TN, who pops in from work daily at The Neighborhood Grill.
"I love the food, and I love their hospitality," said Olive Branch, MS, accountant Lynne Jordan, counting two veggies and Towles's signature recipe meatloaf on her lunch plate.
Towles fired up The Neighborhood Grill almost four years ago as an alternative to the fast-food chains and breakfast joints that lined that stretch of 178. Three restaurants that once surrounded her have closed their doors for good.
What was happening in the neighborhood forced The Neighborhood Grill to get creative.
"We try to create new menus," said Towles. "People give us suggestions, and we try to make them, and see if it works."
It works alright -- when it's standing-room only for special events like Fried Pork Chop Thursdays.
Customer Jackie Marr of Olive Branch suggested a grilled chicken salad recipe. Not only did the staff add it to the menu, they named the dish after him.
"I showed them how to make it," winked Marr. "We just love Sheree, her staff and this place!"
WHAT ANDY LIKES: Meatloaf-and-3's, 1/2 lb Hamburger, Catfish w/Homemade Tartar Sauce, Homemade Potato Salad, Homemade Cole Slaw, Fried Pork Chops, Peanut Butter Pie, Servers That Make You Feel Like A VIP!
HIGH SCORES OF THE WEEK:
Baskin Robbins, 85 S. Highland, East Memphis, 99 on Feb. 28
Papa John's Pizza, 9160 Hwy. 64, Lakeland, TN, 97 on Feb. 28
Howard's Donuts, 8968 Hwy. 64, Lakeland, TN, 96 on Feb. 28
Bogie's Deli, 80 Monroe, Downtown Memphis, 96 on Feb. 28
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