I recently had the distinct privilege of eating at one of Dothan, Alabama’s eating establishments, The Blue Plate. If you have followed my blog for any length of time you probably know that I am more of a “recreational blogger”. Thanks to Jeni Eats for that term. It pretty accurately describes me and It’s Just Life. I like total control of my blog and because of that I rarely do sponsored posts or write posts for payment. I do love the perks I have received from being a blogger but I also do not want my blog to lose any authenticity and I am not sure I could continue to do that if I had a lot of paying gigs. I know a lot of bloggers who mange to do that quite successfully but I don’t think I could be one of them.
So with that being said I love to share places and things that I happen upon that I love that I think others might love as well. Enter The Blue Plate.
Image from www.blueplaterestaurant.com
This was the spot of my meeting with Dancin’ Dave and I did not take as many pictures of the place because I was soaking in all of the Dancin’ Dave goodness but suffice it to say I will be back. As a matter of fact the hubby went back just 2 days later for lunch. Without me, I might add. Not that I am bitter.
Owner Chris Bradshaw and partner Allen Aldridge opened the first Blue Plate in November 2004 and set forth to serve great Southern food served with Southern hospitality. The menu is large with a great variety especially in the vegetable area. 
The servers were prompt and very courteous and a basket of biscuits and cornbread arrived quickly. I loved the cornbread that is served in the southern style of a more compact almost chip like creation. 
Chris and I both chose the BBQ plate so my pictures look pretty similar but still with different sides we had a different experience, right? The portions are plentiful and we had plenty to take home. 
I had fruit and my ever favorite fried okra for my sides and Chris chose the shelled pea of the day along with rutabagas. He can’t stop raving about them and that meant another trip in a mere two days.
There are two Dothan locations and one in Northport, Alabama so there are 3 chances to have a fabulous meal if you ever find yourself in the area. Hours and location details can be found on their website here. They also do catering and I can imagine that any event catered by the Blue Plate would be a hit.
Isn’t it wonderful when you find a great business with great service and food? I know I do and am already planning my next meal at the Blue Plate. And of course—all the serving plates are blue which would make my BFF Ann happy.
13 Comments
Leave a commentYou know how much I love authentic, non-chain diners. Foods served here are so different than in Minnesota.
Food is not exactly healthy at places down here but you can usually find a salad or lighter fare if you want a non fried option. But it’s all good home cooking!
It is always those that offer the local flavor the best. Have several more experiences that will show up over time here. A girl’s gotta eat!
This place looks like my kind of place! (I’m over chains right now!) That list of sides alone is amazingly impressive! And I’ve never had fried okra, but your picture makes me want to try! (And on a side note…love the Jam photo bomb! ;-))
Well get to someplace to try it!!! :-). Cracker Barrel has it if you HAD to try it. But southern is better. Yep — the Jams are making the rounds in pics. ?
I’m a huge fan of Blue Plate joints… Not that I’ve been to any of these, but there was one in WI when we lived there. Simple home cooked foods, nothing fancy just freakin’ tasty, what’s not to love? Don’t tell anyone… but I gained 20 lbs when we moved down south, 20 lbs of biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken… You know, all the foods I couldn’t find when we lived in the north. I eventually lost all the extra weight, but it was harder to take off than put on! LOL 😉
I am already carrying the extra weight so I am going to have a serious issue if I add another 20. Yikes. I guess I had better be getting on all those hiking trails that will be around us!
I’m a fan of okra too! Are shelled peas fresh peas from the pea pod? I have never eaten rutabega by itself before, just in a soup. Looks delicious.
The shelled peas were a different selection of peas every day. Who knew there were so many varieties? The rutabaga was a lot milder than I thought it would be.
Southern cooking…not for dieters…or the faint of heart.
Very very true!
I love okra and barbecue! Looks yummy 🙂
It was. They know how to cook!