NEW AT CLIFT FARM IN MADISON: Cooper's Hawk and Melt
- Connie Pearson
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
It's a special treat to share a birthdate with a granddaughter, particularly a granddaughter who has an adventurous culinary palate and shares my enjoyment for trying new restaurants.
COOPER'S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT
Recently, I gave Margaret (age 19) a choice of restaurants in Clift Farm for our joint celebration, and she chose Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants, which opened in February of this year. It was a first visit for both of us, and we enjoyed it a lot.
As a result of MUCH reading during her life, Margaret has an impressive vocabulary. As we waited for our various courses, I asked her to help me describe what we were observing and experiencing.
Regarding our impressions of the environment, we used the words sleek, modern, clean, artistic, upscale, and elegant (even without white tablecloths). The room temperature was comfortable, and the overall vibe was upbeat and positive with a playlist of jazz and pop -- not too loud, not too soft. Service was attentive but not effusive.
The menu at Cooper's Hawk is diverse with a surprising mix of Asian, Italian, Southern, and modern American dishes. She chose Gnocchi alla Vodka, and I decided on the Pretzel-Crusted Pork Chop. We both loved the pretzel-topped bread, which was brought to our table as a prelude.
A birthday lunch MUST include dessert. Margaret chose the day's special, which was a mocha chocolate tiramisu, and I appreciated the complimentary salted caramel creme brulee. Margaret described her dessert as "beautiful, show-stopping, creative, and special." Plus, delicious, of course.
Price range for lunch entrees were generally $18-$34 with many in the $20 category. Desserts were $12-$13 each.
I must say that as someone who chooses not to drink alcohol, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy Cooper's Hawk. There is, after all, a heavy emphasis on wine. When you walk in, there is an extensive wine shop with many wine-related accessories and an opportunity to sample the wine of the month. In the lefthand corner, there is a tempting assortment of candies made in-house. T-shirts proclaiming "Corked is for Quitters" were for sale. I had to have that explained to me. :) Happily, I very much enjoyed my meal and the time with Margaret, so yes, I would recommend this restaurant.
This is the only location in Alabama. There is one in Georgia and many in Florida, but these are the only Cooper's Hawk locations currently in the South. Amazing that Madison is ahead of Franklin, TN, for once. :)
MELT
Within sight of Cooper's Hawk, you will find Melt, a smaller, more casual, less expensive dining choice (not to be confused with The Melt or The Melting Pot). My friends and I went there for lunch on Friday after it opened for the first time on Monday. It smelled and felt new. The Madison location of Melt is its fourth in Alabama, following Hoover, Auburn, and downtown Huntsville.
You can easily eat here for less than $20, but I strongly recommend splurging for the Mac n Egg Rolls on the appetizer menu to share with your friends. They were a hit!
No one in our group ordered their famous Classic Grilled Cheese, but I've heard it gets rave reviews. We all did enjoy our sandwiches and sides.
We also didn't order dessert, because we had Pizzelle's Confections and Oscar Moon's Milkshake Bar on our itinerary for later in the afternoon, but there were several tempting choices. Double-stuffed Fried Oreos, anyone?
Clift Farm is quickly becoming a something-for-everyone dining mecca in Madison. You are bound to find something satisfying when you're on Highway 72 between Athens and Huntsville.
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