PHOTO: This week in Mentone, a local favorite re-opened after a devastating fire, a new restaurant opened on Highway 117, along with (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)
By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
MENTONE, Ala. — In the last week, two new business have set up shop in Mentone, and another landmark business that was destroyed by fire late last year, reopened to serve the community!
Plowshare Bistro Opens
A new restaurant opened on August 2, in the place of the former Kamama’s. The “Plowshare Bistro” will begin serving customers farm to table fresh cuisine. Chefs Corinne West, Shari Lovsey, and Breezy have almost 60 years of combined restaurant experience. West hails originally from Massachusetts, and currently lives in Pisgah. West has ran a successful catering business, and along with Lovsey even operates a consulting firm that rescues failing restaurants. Chef Breezy is originally from Haiti (but has lived in Tennessee for 17 years), and will bring a Caribbean flair to the Southern Style food the restaurant will be serving. Here’s a description of some of the items that will be available at Plowshare:
- Breakfast: The Barnyard
- The “Barnyard” offers anything one could desire in a breakfast dish, and includes: Ham, Bacon, Sausage, Eggs, grilled potatoes, scrambled together with Melted Cheese!
- Lunch: Sweet & Savory Hog Sandwich
- Grilled Cheddar Cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, apples, country ham, country mustard sauce, and a side of Chow Chow
- Dinner: Sunday Revival Dinner on the Grounds
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast, Coco’s Potato Salad, and Creamed Spinach.
The “Plowshare Bistro” will be serving food made with ingredients from the Farm at Windy Hill and breads from a local baker. They will be serving a Full Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, and will be open from 8 am to 8 pm (open until 9 pm on Fridays, and closed Wednesdays). On Sundays, the restaurant will also hold “Sunday Brunch” every Sunday. The restaurant has also applied for an Alcohol Permit, which should be approved soon.
Miracle Pottery opens showroom on top of the Mountain
Valinda Miracle, of the famous “Miracle Pottery” has set up shop in the showroom next to Plowshare! For years, customers have visited her location in Valley Head, and Valinda brings her talents to Mentone.
While recovering from a serious automobile accident in which she sustained, Valinda, a bright, ambitious woman, realized that her promising career in real estate was over.
During her rehabilitation therapy, she discovered that her short-term memory was improved by doing something more creative, like pottery. The result was a new career as an artist, her pottery now showcased in her store - Miracle Pottery.
The gallery will also boast work for other local artists, such as the famous bronze work of Carl and Betsy Scott McClesky, who depict wildlife in their work. After eating farm fresh food at Plowshare, visit Valinda next door to see her famous works!
Mentone Market Re-opens!
After a devastating fire destroyed the old Mentone Market the day before Thanksgiving, owners Tom and Kristen Emory were determined to bring back Mentone’s favorite store. While the new location has a new look and feel, Tom stressed that the store will retain it’s traditional role as a, “place where people can socialize.” He noted that the store had been open since the 1920’s and many customers who remember the store from their childhood where now bringing their grandkids to the store.
“We’ve had tons of support from the community after the fire,” said Tom. “We’ve got a new look, but we’ll be the same full service convenience store, and we’ll still be offering our famous Barbecue.”
The new store still retains the hometown feel and the modern update still has a rustic, mountain style that matches the town in which it has resided for so many years.
Be sure to stop in to Mentone and check out these new businesses for good food and hometown, friendly service!
