May 9, 2007

Porch Song Trilogy

The Porch Opens

Mom making dinner in the microwave. Dad dropping by with his twenty-something lady friend. Aunt Steve performing a drag revue in the den.

There’s no place like home. But for those moments when you’d like to escape it, try The Porch, the latest restaurant from Tristan Simon (Hibiscus, Fireside Pies, Cuba Libre). Opening tomorrow in the former Barley House site, the brand new digs come with rich cherry wood floors and industrial accents.

The food combines down-home faves (like grilled cheese) with better-traveled fare (such as the crab stuffed pasta shells). Our favorites include short rib Stroganoff and chicken fried steak fingers, which taste just like Grandma’s — only much improved.

So go ahead and invite your crazy relatives. After a few classic cocktails (mixed with house-made syrups, infusions, and juices), who knows? You might even learn to like Dad’s girlfriend.

It is, after all, a family affair.

The Porch, 2912 North Henderson Avenue, Knox-Henderson (214-828-2916).