A Southern Power Couple

Bacon and eggs, shrimp and grits, peanut butter and jelly…there are certain food pairings that belong together like soul mates, and chicken and waffles is no exception. This Southern power couple is the house special served up at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles on Main Street. Although there doesn’t seem to be certainty as to the origin of this dish, we think most would agree this pairing was meant to be!

Dame’s has been open for several months, and now we are not sure why we wasted so much time getting down there. The playful logo greets you at the door while you enter to sophisticated décor and a casual atmosphere. There were a couple of specials available, but we were there for the star dish.

The menu consists of creative interpretations of the signature meal, cleverly named with references to the feathered fowl. Between the chicken cuts (wing, leg, cutlet), the waffle variations (classic, sweet potato and blueberry) and the flavored shmears (7 sweet crème butters)—you are sure to find a combination that suits your tastes. With all these choices, we think they should add a Build-Your-Own option to the menu.

Most people associate waffles with breakfast, so one of us went with The Barnyard Honcho which is basically a big breakfast spread—2 eggs your way, grits, and a plate of classic waffles with a fried cutlet on top. Everything came hot, delicious, and in generous supply. The almond butter and syrup served on the side turned this dish into a masterpiece. If you have not tried this flavor combination, you are in for a real treat.

The Quilted Buttercup is a sandwich with a cute name and outstanding flavor. A fried chicken cutlet between two “petite “rare breed” scratch made sweet potato waffles and shmeared with maple and candied pecan” equals a match made in heaven. The salty, juicy chicken paired perfectly with the sweet flavorful waffles and the optional hot sauce added the extra spice to take the meal over the top. The apple cobbler ordered as a side was simply alright compared to the one-of-a-kind chicken sandwich.

The service in Dame’s was pleasing as we were quickly greeted by someone who took our drink orders and offered suggestions on choosing a meat cut. The food came out in decent time making this a great place for lunch if you’re in the downtown area—we know we’ll be back!