The Fork Diner

Stopped for dinner on our way home from vacation.   Nice enough people and decent food but not a great experience.   Quirky place with a vibe that definitely goes against chain mentality.  
When we visited, there was a lady singing and she had a group of people there to see her.  She was pretty good and listening helped us pass the time.  There was also a wedding/rehearsal/engagement party going on so there were two substantial groups of people there.  Our waitress was quick to inform us there was a party of 20 there so "it's gonna be a while".  I understand big local groups are good business for a small local restaurant.   However, travelers are people too and they can become recurring customers.  With such a long wait, a little bread, an occasional quick check-in at the table or something would have at least showed that our business was valued too.  But in the meantime, the waitress and the hostess mingled with the two crowds and seemed to be enjoying the evening.  
My son's french onion soup arrived first, with an apology from the waitress that if it wasn't good, she was sorry because she made it.  It turned out to be OK, though it had croutons instead of bread on top.  Our meals arrived quite a bit later.  My wife said her burger was extremely good.  My son's Fork Ravioli was a hit too.  My chicken loaded baked potato had good ingredients but some of the rotisserie chicken pieces were cold and the cheese was barely melted.  
I attribute my disappointments to the circumstances of our bad timing and in spite of them, will visit The Fork again when in the area.  There are enough positive indicators to make me believe my next visit will be much better.

Mind you, I don't write about restaurants I don't like. This one was an awesome surprise. It's a different kind of diner -- walls are lined with art by talented local artists. Just so happens the owner/chef used to work for Harris Art Center -- another place in Calhoun well-worth finding. Anyway, the menu makes it easy to eat healthy. I loved the veggie wrap and the crispy sweet potato fries on the side. And how many diners make it possible to top it off with a glass of pino grigio? Great wine, by the way.
   Saw an announcement that there was a mystery dinner theater -- sold out -- and hated myself for having missed it. In Calhoun! Who would have guessed?

This place is sooo much more than a "diner". Beautiful, soft atmosphere, kind staff and fantastic, home cooked food. We had lasagna the most recent time we were there Friday night!  Best lasagna in Georgia! Thanks so much for landing in Calhoun!! We'll be back soon.