By DON NAPIER
I pondered that exact question recently while discussing restaurants with a friend. We were talking about entrees and related costs. We arrived at the twenty dollar cost. I told him it would be good to know what a person could get for $20. We have done the “Great Cheeseburger Challenge” a few years ago in the magazine and ranked cheeseburgers. This time, it is the $20 meal. What can you get for $20?
Beef & Barrel
I ate several meals as part of the research for this story, none better than a late lunch at Beef & Barrel Restaurant on West Avenue in Crossville. Sometimes I will eat a late lunch and let it stand for lunch and supper. That was the deal here. My $20 got me a fine entree from their CREATE YOUR OWN COMBO. I chose NY Strip steak and BBQ Ribs (sauce on the side). It came with a loaf of baked bread, a nice garden salad and roasted potatoes. It was excellent with a capital “E.” I ordered the steak medium rare and it was cooked perfectly, and very tender. I also was served by an excellent waitress, Deb Gates, who said she had been with the restaurant for nine years. Price, $18.66
Ruby Tuesday – In a tie with Beef & Barrel is Ruby Tuesday in Crossville. My search yielded their Coastal Trio, consisting of a Lobster Tail, six jumbo skewered shrimp brushed with garlic scampi butter, paired with a light, flaky Tilapia, which I ordered “topped with creole seasoning.” It came with a trip to their famous Salad Bar (which has never disappointed me), two cheese biscuits, and another side, which was Asparagus (delicious). Price, $16.95
The best of the rest
Forte’s – My next stop was at Forte’s Restaurant, located downtown, next-door to the courthouse. I was drawn to two particular entrees that fit in the $20 or less category. From their lunch menu, I chose Surf & Turf for $10.95. It consists of 4 oz. of Filet Tips with three jumbo grilled shrimp, served with Salsa Verde-Pureed Cilantro, Olive Oil, Capers and Mustard. It comes with bread, and two sides (salad and soup is always my choice). Also at Forte’s, from their dinner menu, is Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus, the Queen Cut – 12 oz. for $19.95
Vegas Steakhouse – My choice was actually two orders. I had their Royal Prime Rib, seasoned, slow-roasted and hand cut to the order. 10 oz. $13.95. To this I ordered 6 fried shrimp for $5.95, which could also be ordered grilled. It came with a nice garden salad and a baked potato. Combo Price $19.90
Dynasty Asian Cafe – This adds up to be one of the a lot of food for under $20. You can get an entree, my choice was Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, stir-fried with broccoli, carrots, & zucchini in a light garlic sauce. Add an Egg Roll, a cup of Hot & Sour Soup (Pork, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, tofu, & egg petals in a spicy and soup). And, a Fresh Roll sushi, consisting of your choice of tuna, salmon or white tuna with avocado & cucumber. You could easily swap my entree for one of many others similarly priced. Total $17.56
Gondola – Gondola features the only real, daily homemade dough in town (not frozen) + 100% real Mozzarella Cheese on their pizzas. Large House Special pizza with mushrooms, pepperoni, beef, onions, spinach, green peppers. Take some friends with you, its a lot of food. Price $16.75
Cracker Barrel – We don’t want to leave breakfast out of this competition. I love breakfast for supper. And if I want breakfast, I want “Uncle Hershel’s Favorite” breakfast. It includes two eggs cooked to order with Grits, Sawmill Gravy, homemade biscuits, real butter and Preserves, Jams, and Apple butter plus fried apples or hashbrown casserole and your choice of Country Ham, Sugar Cured Ham or several other meats. Price $7.99
