Food A Fare: A Hidden Gem of Comfort and Elegance

 

I was looking forward to visiting this home cooking mecca in northwest Madison County. It's been on my radar for a while, but the limited hours of operation made my availability difficult. 

 The wait was worth it. 

 This charming and cozy place is tucked away in the back corner of the city's major shopping mall. You won't see it from the street, but if you turn the corner from the resort, you'll see a prominent sign  near a basic restaurant.When the weather is nice there is a large terrace in front of the house which is shared with the restaurant next door. 

 There are two entrance doors with a white brick wall. Inside, the space is larger than expected. It features a concrete floor with a mix of different tables throughout the dining area. In the corner is a white banquet table  with blue and yellow chairs around it.A high table with  yellow upholstered high chairs, several round tables with  orange upholstered chairs and large tables against one wall with a green upholstered bench against the wall and black chairs around it fill the rest of the area. Also in the center of the room are a green couch, a green upholstered chair, a green rug, and a brown coffee table. Board games are also available while you relax on the sofa. 

 An old bicycle hangs on the wall in one corner, while classic record albums are scattered across the other walls. Everything here is designed for relaxation and comfort, in keeping with the food theme.

 Just outside the entrance is the order counter that leads to  the kitchen where all the magic can be seen. 

 Next to the counter is a menu board so you can see what's available, a drinks cooler and an ice cream freezer. 

 Prepare a drink and go to the counter to order. There is no alcohol here. 

 The board changes regularly, so keep an eye on food availability.There are regulars' tables every day, but there are also special offers and everything is prepared to order. You will not find any microwaves or freezers in the kitchen. Everything is always fresh.

 I wet to my Meatball visit with a regular and ate a batch of mac and cheese. Also included was a slice of garlic bread.My mom was with me and she opted for the chicken and green bean pie. Self-made comfort counts here. 

 Customer service is also excellent. Food is delivered to  your seat and there are no trash cans. So don't set your  table, she'll take care of it for you.

I wasn't a big kid with meatballs growing up, but as an adult I've learned to enjoy it once in a while and  really enjoyed it here. It was served  hot and when I took my first bite it tasted almost creamy. Classically doused in  tomato sauce, but conservative so it doesn't take away from the  meat, just complements it. The freshly ground beef  with onions, celery and green peppers had such a rich flavor and the slight sweetness of the sauce added to the 

's sensational overall  flavor. It was really comforting.

 

 The mac and cheese was also very good. It was super creamy with thin noodles and was the perfect accompaniment. 

 

 Even the bread was good. It had good crunch and wasn't overly tomatoy. 

 

 My mother was delighted with her choice.He raved about the freshness of the casserole and the green beans were topped with slices of ham  for another great side dish. 

 

 The  pie consisted of slow-cooked chicken  with fresh vegetables and a velvety sauce, hidden in a sensational paste. Veloute is a roux mixed with a light broth used in French cuisine. 

 

 What I like about this concept: It's simple but with a subtle culinary elegance. 

 

 Other regulars here include fried chicken quarters, chicken and sausage gumbo, beef tips, and roast turkey breast.Also look out for  pot roast, Italian beef sandwich, and chicken and steak skewers when  available. Soups and salads are also regularly on the menu. 

 

 As I mentioned at the beginning, times are limited. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays and is only open from 11am to 7pm Tuesday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. 

 

 Have an idea for a name for this feel-good Mecca in northwest Madison County?

 

Overall - Five Stars 

 Cleanliness - Five Stars 

 Service - Five Stars 

 Food - Five Stars 

 Price - $

 

 ANSWER: Food A Fare, 139 Eastgate Plaza, East Alton