glorias new 0703 copy.jpgWhen 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.