When I attended Murray State
I frequently stopped in at two places to eat lunch – Loose Bruce’s Hot Dog
Caboose and a little place called Hrh Dumplin’s. Loose Bruce made a mean polish
sausage but that place called Dumplin’s was a phenomenon that remains
unmatched. Dumplin’s was only open for lunch and all Dumplin’s served was
chicken ‘n’ dumplings and cake. That’s it… Apparently, if your recipe for
chicken ‘n’ dumplings is that good, you can build an entire empire out of it.
Okay, there are no empires in Murray,
Kentucky, but that place was
completely packed every single day! The cakes were beyond belief and the dumplings
were to-die-for but sometimes I’d actually forgo the 30 minute wait at Dumplin’s
to hang out with Bruce. Apparently in the Sixties his conductor’s uniform transformed
him into a superstar with the ladies. (Author
shrugs shoulders.)
Reminiscent of my love affair with Dumplin’s, I
spooned a mouthful of chicken ‘n’ dumplings into my mouth during my December
food review. I must say – when you have tasted a recipe that built an empire in
Murray, Kentucky,
not much can impress you, but I was indeed impressed. And who rivals the
infamous Dumplin’s, you ask? Why, none other than Gloria’s Corral Club on Kratzville Rd. (Fulton Ave. turns
into Kratzville Rd.)
Gloria’s has food – real food – you ask? Why, yes, yes it does! It has some
really scrumptious plate lunches for patrons who are both on-the-go and those
looking for a sit-down lunch.
So first, let’s discuss these chicken ‘n’ dumplings. With
all this chilly weather blustering through the area, we need something to make
us feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Dick [Gloria’s husband] makes a fresh batch
of the filling dumplings every Thursday because it is the Thursday special! I
was excited about the hearty bits of dumplings and meaty chicken chunks but the
broth was rich and creamy but not overpowering.
Next, we tasted the broccoli and cauliflower salad.
Polly, our server, informed my dining companion, Lindsey and I that though
everyone who eats the salad tries to duplicate it at home, but there is
something special about the B&C salad at Gloria’s. Broccoli, cauliflower
and cheddar cheese blended into a creamy ranch seems easy enough but there was
something very special about the salad that we just couldn’t get enough of!
Both of our bowls were licked clean!
Our next endeavor consisted of a plate full of appetizers.
Fried cheddar cheese, cauliflower, mushrooms, mini corndogs and egg rolls were
accompanied by both white and red horseradish. I was in fried food heaven.
These would be perfect during a night out karaoking with friends or for a
no-fuss quick lunch.
Finally, Polly brought us out another popular dish – the
country fried steak with mashed potatoes; smothered in white gravy. I cut a
piece off with my fork and though complete stuffed and somehow managed to eat
and eat and eat. It embodied what every plate lunch should strive for – gravy,
country, yum.
I left Gloria’s totally stuffed and satisfied with a box that
I promised would go to the husband. It inevitably went to me. All Gloria’s
plate lunches come with an entrée, three sides and a non-alcoholic beverage for
only $7.00. (Includes tax but NOT tip!) Try Gloria’s chicken ‘n’ dumplings this
Thursday for lunch – Dick’s dumplings will warm you up fast! Call (812)
423-0138 for carry-out service.
