Date night with the warden took us to Caleb’s Place in Falling Creek Plaza. It’s a great spot when you’re craving something specific, like their storied Hamburger Steak, We couldn't decide what we wanted, but there’s enough variety at Caleb's to satisfy just about any taste.
Miss Kay greeted us. She’s been waiting on me since I was a kid watching the fish tank at Rockingham Fish Camp, and somehow she hasn’t aged a second.
We grabbed a seat up front so we could watch cars and people, one of our favorite pastimes. Sarah took our order and, before long, baskets of fried pickles and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls hit the table. The house-made ranch is perfect. The pickles are crisp, well-breaded, and just the right amount of sour.
I cracked open a Philly egg roll, dipped it in that ranch, and promptly burned my mouth. I did my best dragon impression and kept right on eating. The warden was not nearly as amused as I was. The steak inside was tender and the vegetables were perfectly cooked.
I ordered the smothered chicken with balsamic Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes with gravy. The warden went with the hamburger steak, mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. Smothering a deep-fried chicken breast with gravy, peppers and onions would never have crossed my mind, but I’m grateful it crossed theirs. The breading was seasoned well with being just crispy enough. The chicken was hot and juicy all the way through.
The Brussels sprouts are a problem, but only because they aren’t endless. I could have eaten another bowl. Maybe two. The mashed potatoes and gravy tasted like what we would have cooked at home, which was nice.
There’s a reason people talk about the hamburger steak. I tried to sneak a bite early, but Brit moves fast with a steak knife. The hamburger steak was tender, delicious and expertly seasoned. The mac and cheese held its own, too.
From our table, we watched Donna turn out dish after dish without breaking a sweat. Jaqueson cycled in and out of the dish pit. Sarah and Tammy kept the “you’re family” feeling alive. And Val managed it all, jumping in wherever needed. I respect a leader who stays in the game.
If it’s been a while, or if you’ve never been, make the trip. The quality, portions and atmosphere make it worth it. And if Miss Kay’s there, tell her I said hey.
John White is a photographer and lover of food who lives in Hamlet.
