Wade’s Southern Cooking Triumphs with America’s Classic Award
Overview
In the heart of Spartanburg, South Carolina, there lies a humble gem of Southern cookery that has recently garnered national acclaim. Wade’s Southern Cooking, a family-owned establishment renowned locally for its succulent fried okra, comforting mashed potatoes, and mouth-watering hamburger steak, has recently secured the esteemed America’s Classic Award. With this recognition, it has etched its place among the finest examples of home-style, Southern cuisine.
A Southern Staple Since 1947
Since its humble beginnings as a drive-in restaurant in 1947, Wade’s has become an integral part of the Spartanburg community. With its comforting and familiar menu, Wade’s has warmed the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and visitors alike for more than seven decades. In an interview with HERE News Network, the current owner, Hamp Lindsey reflected, “They started it, an itty bitty drive in restaurant in East Spartanburg”.
Lindsey, along with his sister, Carol Miller, took over the keys to the family business after the death of their parents. Their dedication to preserving family traditions, combined with their own culinary flair, has kept Wade’s as delectably irresistible as ever.
A Testament to Family and Tradition
The amazing dishes served at Wade’s are a testament to the family’s culinary heritage. According to Lindsey, not only are many recipes derived from their mother’s kitchen, but others were conjured by Carol herself, implying her prominent share in the restaurant’s gastronomical success. As Lindsey shared with HERE News, “Many of them were in the heads of the cooks that had worked for our mother and so we pulled them out. A lot of them are Carol’s, she’s a good cook”.
Recognition of Efforts
The America’s Classic Award, granted by the James Beard Foundation, was an unexpected honor for Lindsey and Miller. It took them a moment to comprehend that their modest Southern restaurant had Received this high praise.
They recalled their initial disbelief, “We thought it was a spam email,” shared Miller with a chuckle, while Lindsey agreed, “That’s exactly right, we really did.” Their surprise underscores the humility and dedication the duo have brought to their family enterprise.
Since the award, the duo has been left curious about who nominated their restaurant for the award. Though they have some speculations, they preserve the mystery surrounding the nomination, reflecting the homey and insular atmosphere of the Southern eatery.
Conclusion
Despite its incredible achievement, Wade’s Southern Cooking remains grounded in its Spartanburg roots. With lines stretching out the door throughout the afternoon, it’s evident that Wade’s remains a beloved staple in the community. The America’s Classic Award merely confirms what locals had always known: Wade’s Southern Cooking is a legend in its own right.
