Miz Kathi’s Cotillion Cafe & Sweetery

They did not honor our reservation! We had reservations that we made online the week before for a late lunch at 1:30 for four. We had out of town guests and told them they were in for a treat. We arrived there and there was NO table for us, although others who had a reservation at the same time sat right down. We were told that «our» table was still occupied by ladies who had been there for 1 ½ hours. We waited for over ½ hour and still NO TABLE for four of us. We were starving. There were empty tables for two, two people sitting eating at a table for four, an empty table for 3, but none for four of us, and no one looked like they were leaving any time soon. We kept asking and they told us it would be a few minutes, so we patiently waited outside. We finally just gave up. We had to chase the waitress to tell her that we were frustrated and leaving. She apologized and told us that she could not make people leave. We went down the road to Brownwood and ate at Cody’s. Very poor organization. Reservations should be honored and not made to wait for one specific table where the previous diners are having a two (or 3?) hour lunch.

I was visiting family and wanted to find something outside the Villages for a change. Unilocal led us to this place. The neighborhood looked a little sketchy but we were pleasantly surprised when we opened the door. Adorable décor, very warm and inviting. Peach tea was delicious and the chicken and waffles was to die for. Be sure to go next door to get some of the best banana pudding on the planet.

What a disappointment… had the «Hialeah» salad with turkey $ 16.00 which I felt was quite pricey for lunch and for a bowl of lettuce. Very tasteless and definitely not worth the money. Not planning on going back anytime soon.

Cotillion. How many times do you hear that word these days? Well, if you’re in Wildwood, you will. It’s on the lips of every white woman between the ages of 50 – 90. And if you happen to be in this demographic, the Cotillion Café may be a good pilgrimage for you. And if you’re not, you better be on your best manners because you’ll be in the company of them when you get there.
Needless to say, I don’t fall in this demographic and I only ended up here because of the ‘you so have to try this place’ talk that some friends persuade you into. I acquiesced to the word-​of-​mouth because I am a huge fan of Southern food.
While at the Cotillion, reservations are absolutely a must. Wha’, it just wouldn’t be fittin’ if you didn’t. While service was on point for the entire experience, it seemed to me a very noticeable inconvenience to be accommodated during their lunch hour without one. Eventually, they were gracious enough to figure out a table after a few adjustments on their small dining room area. For lunch, we ordered Chicken and Waffles ($ 13.75), the Junkyard Sandwich ($ 11.75) and Miz Kathi’s signature Fried Green Tomatoes as an appetizer ($ 9).
We were lucky to arrive when we did. Apparently the table that was split-​off from ours (and literally 1.5 feet away) told us that they had to wait 45 mins for their food due to how busy the kitchen was. The fried green tomatoes were quite good when they arrived– hot and crispy, there were 8 – 9 discs of them nicely arranged around their in-​house remoulade sauce. The batter had a mild seasoning of paprika and other scant dry spices that gave the tomatoes a hint of of crunchy complexity. It wasn’t too spicy and neither was the sauce. All in all, their signature dish scored high points not only for authenticity but also for universal appeal.
The main course, however, left so much to desire. Let’s start with the chicken and waffles. The waffles were limp and soggy. The tenders were coated in the same exact batter as the fried green tomatoes. More over, I couldn’t get over the paltry portion sizes. Yes, it was accompanied with gravy with crumbled sausage in a dainty boat. However, it just couldn’t even compare to what other restaurants put out for chicken and waffles– a nice big waffle with meaty, crispy chicken strips. Yes, I ordered ‘lunch portion size’. But does that warrant this price tag? Unfortunately not. I’d have paid more for a better, generous product. But then again, I looked around the room and thought, perhaps for the retired ladies, something soft to chew, smaller-​portioned but with a posh price point was what this restaurant was catering to. I’ll stop while I’m ahead.
The Junkyard dog was alright. Noteworthy? Not really– a standard medley of sautéed peppers, onions, bacon, accompanied by a borderline bland sausage. What was really annoying was the side dish glaring at me from the plate in all its puniness– the green bean casserole. In all my years of blogging, this dish brought about a lot of ire especially when it comes to the reputation of Southern food. Firstly, the portion size was less than 3oz– probably enough to fit inside a small jar of baby food. Secondly, never in my entire life have I seen a green bean casserole soaked with that much butter. Thirdly, and probably the worst offender, the casserole was so bland. I was hoping to taste something beyond the salt and fat. But those two flavors murdered the flavors of the vegetable and anything else that was in that baby jar. I was trying to justify this entire debacle, but then I caught myself– why am I justifying this when I should honestly be enjoying it?
In a pleasant turn of events, we ordered the Hoochie Momma pie ($ 6.95). For it’s unabashed title, this Chess pie with pecans was devine. Finally, my salvation came during dessert! The portion size was generous, flavors sweeter than a sack of sugar, replete with pecans, and a flaky crust. This dessert was a life saver (and stomach-​filler) and I knew then and there that at least the baker at Miz Kathi’s Cotillion knows how to do Southern right. The rest of the kitchen can head back to Kansas.
IN A NUTSHELL: This restaurant prides itself on making everything from scratch. Service is good but stressed during busy timeframes. The room layout can feel
As usual, ran out of room here. For my complete review, please check out the link in my profile.

The Fried Green Tomatoes are the best!!!

We went there for lunch place was cute and country like i had harvest salad, was delicious fresh lettuce crumbled blue cheese raisins pumpkin seeds apples my mom had the harvest salad also yummy home made blue cheese dressing yummy must try best place in town our check was only ?30.00

We had the chicken salad, the pimento cheese appetizer, the junkyard dog and the coconut cake. All were excellent. The service was good too. We’re already planning to stop in on our next trip for more cake.

Oh my! This must be the best kept secret in Florida, AND I have yet to eat there. I had heard a few nice things about Miz Kathi’s, but now I cannot wait to experience it. They were so kind as to drop off a few goodies where I work. Goodies is an understatement! They left a lovely little coconut cake. Not only was it beautiful, it was beyond YUMMY! Very moist, with coconut throughout. The frosting was to die for! They also left chicken salad sandwiches. Not just a chicken salad sandwich, but on a fresh croissant and some of the best chicken salad I have yet to eat. Thank you Miz Kathi and staff and I will be visiting soon and I will tell friends as well.

Great food (sandwich, salads, desserts). Reasonable prices. All homemade. Don’t expect to sit down in rush times. Great ‘to go’ if you are up for it.

I wanted every appetizer on the menu and every dessert. Top notch and different. Great salads. Evening menu looked good but we did lunch. Will return and take friends. Everything made in house. Yummy.

Driving thru and rolled the dice based on reviews. All show and no ‘dough’. Food seemed like «doctored» GFS. Dessert was good. Victorian themed décor and staff nice.

Traditional, super friendly, amazingly yummy food. If you are planning to stop for any kind of meal or drink don’t think twice. This is your place!
I hope our journeys bring us back here!

Here it is southern everything from
the incredibly antique inviting décor, the white cloth napkins, and the wonderful southern hospitality! With the amazing food this is a must! Started with the fresh fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce then to the tasty curry carrot soup; remember the Arnold Palmer with the fresh lemonade is an alternate to the awesome sweet tea. We had the very good lightly fried shrimp po boy. We got the last seat at lunch as walk ins, we salivated over the amazing meat loaf dishes, onion rings, and pimento burgers going by our table. Luckily we had room for rich fluffy incredibly layered German cake, one of the 10 some cakes they had to offer. 9^th generation florida owner of the restaurant fed into the charm of this one of a kind place!

This place is amazing!!! The hospitality is so great and the food is beyond words. We got the redneck nachos and the chicken and waffles. Our nachos came out a bit later than usual but the manager came out to apologize and offered to take it off the bill. We received or entrée when we were ready. There are no words for the chicken and waffles. They come with this homemade syrup and gravy that my husband and I combined. I couldn’t even finish it all. The cakes are on display and we wanted so desperately to have some but just had no place to put it. We are leaving tomorrow but plan to stop in just for dessert.

Had the best lunch yesterday. Fabulous chicken salad sandwich with side salad. The very best blue cheese dressing I’ve ever put in my mouth. My husband had the chicken soup & it was awesome along with his egg salad sandwich. Topped it off with a great pie– Nutter butter peanut butter. (I’m still licking my lips). I love this place. A real gem. Our waitress, Sara is awesome too. Love her.

Wow the food was amazing, great service, fun place. We shared a few sides and a salad. The salad was huge, almost enough for four period.
Desserts were unbelievable. I need to go back especially to try the other cakes.

Great Southern cooking
I got the «Whistlestop BLT» made with fried green tomatoes. Very tasty and friendly staff.

Oh my…
Just thinking about eating here raises my blood sugar level to danngerous levels.
To die for (everything’s good here, no complaints, but here are the highlights):
Shrimp and grits, my fav and absolutely delish.
Chicken and waffles
The salads, especially the shrimp salad, or the chicken.
The Train Wreck
The desserts.
I’m not given to eating desserts, but OMG. They’re all wickedly deadly: they’re as close to having an oral orgasm as you can get in public and not get arrested. I’d weight 400 pounds if I was tempted to eat one with every meal.
The downside: getting a reservation.
Dita, you’ve got to eat here with your hub.

This place is awesome! Great service and the food is scrumptious. Try the shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles or the train wreck. Don’t forget to save room for desert. The Key Lime Pie is perfect.
The décor of this place is adorable as well, it’s like antiques roadshow southern edition! Be sure to check out the larger bathroom in the back. Very funky!

My wife and I stopped in for lunch after hearing great reviews from people. We were seated right away in a glass topped two top table with a white table cloth and a window view. The restaurant is decorated in an old southern theme with antiques.
The menu has to be studied because of the unusual selections. We settled on splitting a Good Ol’ Boy their version of a «Po Boy», served with lettuce, fried green tomato, & their own homemade Creole sauce. We also added a side salad as well. The sandwich was awesome with the tomatoes and the creole sauce creating a great topping for the crispy catfish! The salad was good with strawberries and pecans with a great dressing. To top off our fantastic lunch we chose to also split a piece of 4 layer coconut cake. Wow! The best I’ve had. The deserts are a reason to visit on their own.
We can’t wait to return for a «supper» as they call it, «dinner» is their lunch.
Give it a try, you can’t be disappointed! Check out their website for the menu.