Magnificent Meals in the Majestic Mountains

While taking a sabbatical to the NE Georgia mountains, I decided to take in some local foods and restaurants and quite literally eat my way from Georgia up through to North Carolina.  Sampling everything from the local versions of Italian, Mexican, and Thai food and then making the journey back to genuine southern cousine. While I thoroughly enjoyed every spot we hit along the way from the first nights Chicken Marsala, the wonderful Mexican White dipping sauce, and the taste of Thai that was offered up throughout my trip.  I decided to give props and reviews to the local southern food and stopped in Dillard, GA to Valley Cafe. Just off of  U.S. 441 which takes you to the majority of all main and local attractions in the area.

Owner Duncan Cooper opened Valley Cafe in the fall of 2001 in it's original location that sits just across the street from the new location.  Cooper offers generous portions at extremely reasonable prices.  The new/current location was officially opened in 2011.  The move was an excellent choice in addition to extending the hours of operation, so that locals and passers by can now enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner the location offers a majestic view of the NE Georgia mountains.  What a backdrop for a rest and relax while enjoying your favorite southern foods on your way through town.

The Valley Cafe offers a wide variety of our favorite foods and some fantastic additional items from pastas with house made Alfredo cream sauce and handcrafted burgers.  "The Valley Burger" is a huge hit as well as a HUGE burger!  A selection of appetizers starts your meal off right with everything from, made from scratch crab cakes  fried mac and cheese balls, and the traditional favorite Mozzarella sticks.  

I enjoyed the crab cakes and the shrimp and grits during my visit and was absolutely amazed at the depth of flavors and complexity in which the dishes were prepared and presented.  The service was  on the spot and I never waited or wanted for anything. The crab cakes were perfectly seasoned and just the right texture with just a hint of spicy kick.  When the shrimp and grits arrived I was floored at the size!  Creamy, cheesy  and topped with a generous helping of shrimp and the sauce was magnificently seasoned with bits of Tasso ham.  This portion would have been more than enough to fill you up. But, wait!  It comes with a side item of your choice and bread.  Incredible!

After my enormous serving of food, one would imagine that I couldn't possibly have saved any room for dessert.  However; one look at the display case that welcomes you in the front door had to be addressed. Filled with homemade cakes and desserts from General Manager and pastry chef William McKinley. I just had to have a slice of the decadent desserts that are also voted Best Dessert in Rabun county.  Any selection in the case will not disappoint!  Make sure and save room for the Tuxedo Cake or Carrot Cake!  

The food at Valley Cafe speaks for itself.  The decor is modern while maintaining its commitment to the surrounding culture and community.  The walls are decorated with a collage of framed photos from the towns history.  This is a point of interest for local citizens as well as tourists visiting the area.  Paintings by local artist are displayed and are available for sale to take a piece of the area home with you. While historical newspapers will stir up conversation among the patrons.

There is also a full bar for cocktails, wines and beer to enjoy with your meal.  

A banquet room is available for meetings, parties and events that can be catered to your liking.

I urge you if you're in this area stop by the Valley Cafe and try one of the many amazing dishes that are available.  My visit to the mountains will most certainly be repeated to check out even more from this area and another visit to the Valley Cafe!

Valley Cafe

7099 U.S. 441

Dillard GA 30537

www.valleycafedillard.com

706.746.3321