Due to a calendar mix-up, copy editor David Money was the only one of the bunch who showed up for lunch recently at Coach Valrie's Cafe in DeLand recently. The new cafe features Southern cuisine, the cuisine I grew up on, except at Mammaw's house in Southeast Texas it was called country cooking.
Anyway, I was ready for some down-home cooking.
OK, so what did the lone luncher order?
I went for the fried chicken ($7.99). If a restaurant is going to offer Southern cooking, it had better have some darn good chicken on the menu. And Coach Valrie's does. The coating was a golden brown and the chicken inside was flavorful and juicy.
For my sides (you get two "fixins" with your meat order), I asked for fried okra and was tempted by the fried green beans. But, not wanting a total fry-fest for lunch, I opted for the black-eyed peas. And I was glad I did. The peas were creamy and a tasty accompaniment to the corn bread. The okra was too heavily coated for my taste, but still yummy.
Meaty temptations such as smothered pork chops, meatloaf, salmon croquettes and other Southern favorites fill the menu. And the menu offers 26 side items ranging from collard greens to candied yams to pinto and white beans.
Was there enough for you to eat?
For me, there was plenty. When the server brought the dish out, there were three pieces -- leg, breast and wing -- mounted on white bread. And generous portions of okra and peas alongside. And a nice size chunk of corn bread.
What is the place like?
There are football knickknacks and pictures all around to remind diners of Coach Valrie's coaching career in DeLand. It's a very comfortable and relaxed place to eat. In fact, it is so relaxed that I forgot myself and gobbled down the chicken leg barely taking a breath. That got the notice of a woman dining nearby who replied to her friend, "Look. That chicken must be good."
Any specials offered?
Yes, Friday there is the Slam Dunk special. That is St. Louis style grilled or barbecue ribs with baked beans, collard greens, potato salad or coleslaw and corn bread for $11.99.
Saturday features the Touchdown special that offers jerk chicken, red beans and rice, plantains and a dinner roll for $7.99.
And Sunday there is the Supper special that includes chitterlings with either oxtails or pig's feet with the diner's choice of sides all for $9.99.
There is a kids' menu andsomething called Our Father's Family Pack. The meal offers the choice of 12 pieces of fried chicken, 10 pork chops either fried or smothered or 10 pieces of catfish.
It also has three one-pint sides of the diner's choice and either 10 dinner rolls or a pan of corn bread. And it tops off with a pie or half of a cake for $27.99.
How much did all that cost?
With my soft drink ($1.50) and corn bread ($1) the cost without tip was $11.17.
Coach Valrie's Cafe
WHERE: 658 W. New York Ave., DeLand
HOURS: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
MISCELLANEOUS: Credit cards welcome.
PHONE NUMBER: 386-624-6902
