Wednesday night I posted on Facebook that I was headed to my first Meat and Three, something I'd never heard of prior to moving here. True to form, all my friends and family back home responded with "What the heck is a Meat and Three?"
A Meat and Three is pretty much just as it sounds. You have a choice of meat and 3 sides, ranging from mashed potatoes to lima beans, though sometimes it's 2 or 4 sides. Wikipedia defines this as a staple of rural cuisine, with a prix fixe menu.
For Dinner Club, the hostess has the option of cooking in her home or selecting a restaurant for our dining pleasure. Rebecca suggested we head to Southern Bred, which is one such place.
Located in East Nashville, Southern Bred comes across as unassuming. The decor is simple and diners are seated at wooden family tables or booths. Drinks are served in glass canning jars, a nice touch. And then they bring out the bread basket and you know you're in the right place. The small biscuits and cornbread muffins were amazing!
The menu offers many options, from the traditional Meat and Three to salads. I also hear they serve a mean brunch. Since this was my first Meat and Three experience, I opted for that day's special: Poppyseed Chicken served over Saffron Rice, with a side of mashed potatoes and broccoli.
My friends all ordered different things and seemed pleased with their choices. Paige, Rebecca, and Elizabeth insisted I try the fried okra since I hadn't experienced that particular delicacy before.
I don't think that all Meat and Threes are as wonderful as Southern Bred. In fact, I live a few blocks from one that looks all kinds of sketchy. However, since I love to eat meat and I love most of these sides, I think Meat and Threes will remain a part of my Southern culinary experience.
Are you pro-Meat and Three? If you live in the Nashville area, what is your favorite Meat and Three?
