Deep Fried Happiness

Did you know Heaven might actually be located in Mooresville? It's true! Look at the line of (mostly older) people waiting to get in as evidence. Just try to tell me that doesn't sound like Heaven!

Well, okay. Maybe it's just a cafeteria.

Gray Brother's Cafeteria is the mothership of cafeterias, offering a down-home dining experience that everybody needs at times. Standing in the line, getting the chance to catch up with family and friends before eating is just the precursor. The line moves quickly, even when you start standing outside the doors, you reach the servers before you know it. Plus it gives you the opportunity to check out the day's entrees as you snake behind the people already being served.

First up in the line are the salads and cold sides. Yes, believe it or not some of the food is not fried. Hmmm, cottage cheese or deviled eggs? Next up are the desserts. We're talking about pies, people. You name it, they probably have it. But the strawberry must be the favorite judging by the number of servings always waiting to be selected. My personal fav is the pecan. Or the banana cream. Or maybe the coconut cream. Or butterscotch. Yes, one of those is my favorite. Oh wait, maybe the pumpkin.

On to the main dishes. Fried chicken is always on the menu, as is roast beef. I've tried them all and never found one I didn't like. But some of the ones that I look forward to and hope are being served that day are the fried chicken livers, country fried steak, fried pork tenderloin, and the beef liver and onion. Yes, I know. I like my food fried.

The hot sides come up next. Macaroni and cheese, fried potatoes, and green beans are always great choices.

After paying, it's time to find a seat. If you have members of your party that aren't able to carry their tray for themselves, there are swarms of servers who will be happy to help out. Winding your way through the crowded dining rooms, it always feels like you've reached a much anticipated finish line when you finally get to your table. Sitting down and starting on the meal always quiets your party for the first few minutes while everybody digs in. It's too good to waste time talking at first.

The servers check by often making sure your drinks are full. And everybody, customers and employees alike, always wear a smile. Something about the fried food just makes people happy.

Hoosier Comfort Food

This is it. Oh, Hollyhock Hill and the Iron Skillet are great "sit-down" Hoosier Comfort Food restaurants with equally fine pedigrees, but for the quality, price, and variety, the Brothers can't be beat! I've been eating at Gray's since it first opened in this location... before the additions were added, and the lines were always in the parking lot. It is one of those places that's timeless and unchanging. Oh, the Swiss Steak is a little spicier than it was years ago, and sometimes, I wish they'd go a little easier with the salt shaker. But, it is a taste and experience which always brings me back to Sundays eating with Grandma, Grandpa, the Aunt's, Uncle, Cousins and of course Mom and Dad.

This isn't fine dining. It's about comfort. It's satisfying portions, fresh ingredients, delicious recipes and memories of the past. We need these reminders of "the olden days" as we grow older and less "hip." Younger generations will, hopefully, have places they can remember as fondly where good food, family, and a full tummy were celebrated. I just hope it isn't some chain-joint TGI McFunsters that's responsible for the memory.