Peaches

Lawd-a mercy, y’all. I got some straight soul in my bellay and I’m likin’ the effect it’s havin’ on me. This ain’t no Paula Deen impression, neither. There’s a churnin’ on deep down in my gut. Ain’t the bad churnin’, no. It’s a kinda satisfaction (for now, at least). A warmin’ of the bones aftuh a long day-a trials an’ tribulations. This feelin’ of glut that is oh-so wondaful. By the powuhs vested in me, I know pruhnounce this feelin’…peachin’.

Okay, time to shake off old tyme the southern-preacher vibe. Sometimes the power of the spirit of soul-food reaches down in me and gets me speaking in different tongues. Besides half the scenes in Forrest Gump, what in tarnation could inspire this accent? Well, I mentioned it above.

You see, there are a multitude of soul food places in Athens. Most famously, Weaver D’s boasts the R.E.M. reference and the notable personality of its owner. But Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger are pretty rad dudes–that doesn’t make Planet Hollywood the best restaurant, though (despite the R.E.M. signed memorabilia I’m sure is on one of their walls).

You have other places like Wilson’s and Food for the Soul. Honestly, I haven’t been. The only reason for this lack of adventure is that I have found a home, a safe place, if you will. In my quest for the perfect balance between great and greasy, one spot seems to balance on the fence perfectly:  Peaches Fine Foods.

You might miss it go-kart driving down the slender lanes of Broad Street. Right before you hit Milledge, on the right, there sits a humble wooden shack. Alright, so not that small, but modest to say the least. A simple black-and-white sign stands over the peach-painted facade. With hardly any parking space, Peaches begins the cozy experience from the parking lot.

Stepping through the door, you enter a world of smells and smiles that only a home kitchen could offer. The food sits behind a glass casing, but don’t let that fool you. That’s only so you can see just how great everything is cooked. Heaping portions are generously slopped on to one plate, letting foods mix and mingle. All the traditional foods are there, like a big family reunion–Uncle Fried Chicken, Mama Mashed Taters, Cousin Green Beans, Cousin Corn Bread, Grandmama Fried Fish, and Brother Collards. Gang’s all there.

The surprise came at the register. After going with the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and cornbread, I showed my UGA ID and, lo and behold…

$5.50…for this

Wait, did you actually get that? Can you really see the beauty that is on that plate? Here, let me give you a closer look.

Can you believe that? For that much food? Then I proceeded to ask for a sweet tea (duh). The nice lady just nodded and smiled, like I was a five year-old telling her I had ten toes. I looked around perplexed when a pseudo-server took my plate and showed me my seat. Then, another nice lady asked me what I’d like to drink. The tea was included. Do you read me? I said

THE SWEET TEA WAS INCLUDED

At any rate, what did the food taste like? It was wonderful. The creamy mashed potatoes took the cake (probably with enough butter to bake eight cakes). The mac and cheese was casserole-style (my favorite) and the fried chicken was cripsy, but juicy in the middle. Honesly, I could go on telling you about it, but I think this speaks for itself.

I can’t tell you how gratifying Peaches Fine Foods really is. If I ever figure out who she actually is I’ll hug her. I’ll babysit her kids. I’ll wash her car. Okay, just the hug, but she has made some damn fine food. Shakira’s hips don’t like, but Peaches Fine Foods’s (who will give you much more than Shakira hips) sign don’t lie, either. After a stressful day, or even a hard night, let Peaches warm you, from the hair on your head to the soul of your feet (boom!).

A fine young gentleman celebrating his "peachin" condition.

Peaches

On Broad, before Milledge

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