The Blue Willow opened in February 2005. I happened to have stopped by there the month before they opened and mentioned to Sandra McAllister, the owner, that I judged a restaurant on whether or not that had a fried chicken salad. I know it's boring--but I always order a chicken salad wherever I go (and always regret it if I don't)...that's why I have to take someone else with me when I review a restaurant so they will order something else.
Imagine my delight when I ate their recently and found their Southern Pecan Crunch Fried Chicken Salad made with fresh homemade hand-dipped battered chicken, a unique blend of feta cheese, caramelized pecans and mandarin orange slices on a bed of gourmet greens and topped with poppyseed dressing. I've eaten chicken salads all up and down North Alabama and I have to say that this is the very best one that I've tasted. I wouldn't hesitate to drive all the way to Scottsboro for it again...and probably will!
Besides a variety of salads, fajita and panini wraps, The Blue Willow Bistro carries sandwiches and burgers, soups, tapas for two, crabcakes and an array of homemade desserts. The Blue Willow's specialty is their vinegar pie and the coconut cake. They were out of the cake the day I was there but I did get to sample the vinegar pie--I didn't taste the vinegar, it reminded me of chess pie. You can order whole cakes from the Bistro for holidays or special occasions. All their prices are very reasonable.
I've said many times that I'd rather eat mediocre food in beautiful surroundings than gourmet food in a dump. Well, at The Blue Willow Bistro & Antiques, you can have both. In fact, they can handle small weddings and reception and other groups. If ten or more are in your party, you'll need to call for reservations at (256) 259-3462.
The Blue Willow Bistro is located at 303 East Willow Street in Scottsboro. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. (actually, they'll serve lunch as long as they are there with the store open). I got there about 1:45 p.m. and they didn't blink an eye when I said I'd like to eat lunch. They are open by reservation on Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.
The next time you want to go somewhere close by and have a change of scenery, I'm sure you wouldn't regret a trip to Scottsboro with lunch at The Blue Willow Bistro (just don't go on Sundays or Mondays--they are closed!). Check out my photos of The Blue Willow Bistro & Secret Garden.
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