I preface this post by noting the claim I am about to make will make every chain restaurant, strip mall chicken place and most human beings who have acquired tastes for artificial things cooked in microwaves for ridiculous profit angry, but I am simply compelled to make this outrageous statement: for the best food in Nashville or the surrounding vicinity you simply must visit Barbara's Home Cooking. I am forever indebted to good friend Brent High for kidnapping me from my church office hobbit hole one afternoon for such an adventure. I will now share this secret with you.
From the entrance of Brentwood Baptist Church turn left, or east, trying to avoid the onslought of soccer moms who floor the pedals of their ridiculously oversized SUVs after the traffice light turns green just to the west of your starting location. Turn right on Franklin Road gawking at the lavish homes on your left, but more captivated by the rolling meadows to your right. At Murray Lane, turn left. Travel past Brentwood High & Middle, where one Aaron Bryant formerly displayed his craft both on the football field and in strange but funny incident with a bottle rocket, and where one Amy-Jo Girardier was mistaken for a student in one awkward run-in with a principle. Do not take the temptation of turning north on Granny White Pike past more houses to gawk at or leading to the quick-fill temptation of a Joey's House of Pizza or Chez Jose, respectable in their own right; but remember my friend, good is not great. Murray Lane will dead end into Holly Tree Gap Road. Turn left and know that our good friend Ron Camacho is watching over you from his abode high on the east, the Last Dragon hiding away with him on the moutaintop. After a few hundred yards, you will find Manly Road. Turn right. Manly Road is filled with many distractions, beautiful vistas, and random stop signs. Do not be deterred, you have almost reached your goal - stay the course and follow the road markings. You will come out just north of Grassland Middle School, where one Matt Worley once had a remarkable junior high football career, a certain game of which Aaron and Amy Bryant came to see him and one fresh-faced intern eager to make a good impression as well, but alas - his visit was sadly forgotten. After stopping where the road dead ends into Hillsboro Road, take a left. At the next stoplight turn right. The third house on the right has a hand-painted sign that lets you know that your journey over vale and hill has been worth it all - Barbara's Home Cooking.
Pull right up into the yard, survey the "family reunion" atmosphere in the front yard with picnic tables and folding tables scattered about. But for a more pleasant experience on a warm summer day, make your way into the first floor of Barbara's home - that's right, this is really her house. Make your way to the right, past the autographed photos of celebrities who are unabashed in their near idol-worship of unassuming Barbara (you'll likely meet one, as Chris Rice ate in our little room that day...but don't act like you're letting on, because, well, this place is their secret too...), and into the hallway and back to your left, where a coverted carport now houses perfectly comfortable furniture purchased from an office supply wholesaler or an auction, I can never tell which. Settle comfortably in your chair, you're going to be here awhile. Homemade rolls arrive and...well, you really must experience the rest. But like a Sunday lunch social in Beaver Creek, Illinois, you will not go home hungry or disappointed. If you absolutely must know, I recommend the fried chicken, with sides of fried okra, mashed potatoes and gravy and macaroni and cheese. Akins get behind me! This is Barbara's we're talking about here! I saw a tear glisten in the eye of one faithful intern as the culinary feast was spread before our eyes on the plastic picnic tablecloth of red and white checks.
It's nice to be reminded of your roots and eat a good meal with good friends.
