Mrs. B’s, where have you been all my life?
When I first moved to Montgomery over four years ago, I was only vaguely familiar with the term “meat and three”. I can now proudly say that I know where to get a good meat and three in this town, heck even in some other southern places within driving distance. I was always aware that I had a lot more exploring to do – After all, the south was practically built by countless strong black women cooking to sustain their own hard working families AND the families who they cooked for as housekeepers. I knew I was missing out on some good eats, I just didn’t know how close they were.
My whole time here, from day one until as recently as last week, people keep telling me there is nothing on the west side. Of course I knew that wasn’t true. I have been on the westside, (by which I mean anything west of 1-65) there are plenty of people living there, not to mention the entire Air Force base. I think what these individuals were trying to tell me was that there was nothing of value to THEM on the westside, which might be true… Unless you love supporting local business, historic significance, good honest people, and a home cooked meal made with love!
When someone cooks like this, you eat it.
When my friend told mentioned Mrs. B’s Home Cooking, I knew I had seen the name before but I guess it had been filed away in the dusty “to do”- list in the back of my brain, right behind get beach shape ready and go skydiving. I would eventually get to it, the question was: would it be in this lifetime? Most would agree that taking an hour to eat lunch at a new place is much less of a commitment than throwing yourself out of an airplane or investing in a new wardrobe entirely consisting of spandex. I am most people. Said and done, I had my first meal at Mrs. B’s the very next day.
Although I don’t claim any dietary labels, I have for the most part steered clear of beef, pork, and chicken for the last year or so. I do make exceptions when the circumstances call for it, and this visit was indeed such a circumstance. That, and I have really been craving some BBQ flavors lately.
After we arrived, I let my friend lead the way since the old house in which Mrs. B’s is located is a bit confusing for first time visitors. Upon entering, you find yourself in a hallway with multiple doors, two on either side and a few more way further down a bit. For future reference, go to the second door on the right, that’s where you get your food.
I don’t recall looking at the menu at all, although there is one clearly displayed on the back wall. I just kind of went with the flow of my friend and followed suit. I also have learned that a lot of places like this may be out of certain things later on in the day, so I’ve just made a habit to glance over the available options displayed in front of me. I opted for the ribs with collard greens and baked beans. I figured since I was not going to be able to avoid eating meat anyway, (almost all cooked veggies in the south are cooked with some form of meat for flavoring) I might as well go all in.
Since it was late in the day, we were the only ones in the restaurant. It gave me plenty of time to peruse the photos and memorabilia visible all over Mrs. B’s walls. The main theme is the armed forces , which I assume has a lot to do with the proximity to base and perhaps the owner’s own involvement in the service. There are also lots of pictures of Montgomery locals, newspaper articles, and nods to African American history-military related or otherwise. Side note: The vintage chairs with turquoise vinyl upholstery – to die for!
I cleaned my plate and I did not feel the need to eat another single thing for the rest of the afternoon, Mrs. B’s truly accomplished the task of feeding me well. Even though our visit was brief, I had the opportunity to exchange a few words with Mrs. B’s mother, A lovely lady who made me feel just like I had a meal at my own grandma’s house.
I recommend anyone who appreciates Southern cooking to pay a visit to Mrs. B’s Home Cooking, you will leave full and happy.
Mrs. B’s Home cooking is open Sun-Fri. Breakfast is served Mon- Fri. Mrs. B’s closes at 5 pm most days, but do call to verify that.
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