Dining Out Southeast: The City Cellar and Loft, Cartersville, GA

While exploring downtown Cartersville, Georgia Saturday afternoon, Sweet Harold and I suddenly looked at each other and both said, "Someone is cooking steak!"  We look around the area for the nearest restaurant and saw The City Cellar and Loft. We immediately placed The City Cellar on the "short list" of restaurants for dinner choices.

When we arrived around 7 p.m., the dining room and bar area were packed with patrons.  We were told there would be a wait of approximately 35-40 minutes.  We were fine to wait because I was ready to order that filet!

We were seated much sooner than the estimated wait time we were given.  I chose one of the drink specials of the night:  Raspberry Lemonade Martini. This drink was very smooth and delicious!

Sweet Harold went with his favorite "restaurant cocktail," a Long Island.  He enjoyed his as well.

Our server for the evening was Gregory. Their website state, "Come as a stranger and leave as a friend."  That statement is certainly true.  We felt we were friends with Gregory by the time our meal was finished.

I have never ordered a shrimp cocktail in a restaurant.  I've made them countless times, but I felt that the time was right to enjoy one out on the town!  Will you look at the size of these shrimp? Such a lovely presentation and just the right amount of horseradish in the cocktail sauce.  The shrimp were well cleaned (don't you hate it when restaurants are lazy with that?) and seasoned to perfection.  I did share with Sweet Harold. 😊  $9.95

My meal (more on that in just a bit) came with the option of a salad or soup.  I chose a Caesar Salad which I shared as well! The Romaine was cold and crisp with the right amount of dressing so as not to drown the greens, but not too much to overpower the salad.  

Sweet Harold's choice for his entree was decided as soon as he saw Fish and Chips on the menu. The batter on the Pacific Cod was light and crunchy.  You can always tell by the taste of food that is deep fried whether the oil is changed regularly.  Isn't this a beautiful golden color?  No "old oil" taste here!  After Harold mentioned to Gregory how much he enjoyed the cocktail sauce with the shrimp cocktail, he thoughtfully provided another container to go along with the tartar sauce.  The french fries were well seasoned and this was a very generous serving.  $10.95

Remember earlier in the blog post when I mentioned that filet I was planning on devouring?  Well, when Gregory heard of my plan, he quickly reminded me that I could order a filet anywhere.  He also told me that even though I didn't know it, I really had chosen to dine here for the Shrimp and Grits.  He was 100% correct.  I didn't know that's what I came here to enjoy, but I will tell you the same thing.  When you go here to dine (note I didn't say if, I said when), you will also be there for the shrimp and grits.  $20.95

Instead of the usual cheese grits which are served soft like regular breakfast grits, these grits are formed into a grit cake and then lightly fried.  The grit cake is then topped with sauteed jumbo shrimp, andouille sausage, and roasted red peppers in a rich, creamy sauce.  This is the best shrimp and grits dish I've enjoyed in a restaurant.  My former favorite, which I ordered in Savannah years ago, has slipped to the Number 2 position!

I knew I didn't have room for dessert.  I knew that.  However, when Gregory mentioned a Chess Pie with a caramel topping glaze...

This piece was prepared "to go" for me to enjoy the next morning for my breakfast.  Don't judge me.  😋

The next chess pie that I bake, I will definitely remember to add the caramel topping!

Thank you to our new friends, especially Gregory, for a wonderful meal and evening.

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