Galena Illinois is known as a place untouched by glaciations. I’m not sure if that means much to you but it seems that the last Ice Age didn’t touch parts of northwestern Illinois. However this town has more than ¾ of its buildings untouched due to another factor; most all of the town is listed on the national registry of historic places; so only so much change is going to happen. Many of the buildings in Galena Illinois remain from the mid 1800’s; it’s this enduring legacy and emblematic stamp which makes Galena Illinois a destination for lovers of history and architecture. One of these buildings which folks may be interested in is located at 213 North Main Street. Formerly home to Jesse R. Grant’s Leather and Finding Store; 213 North Main Street in Galena is today home to Fried Green Tomatoes restaurant. Jesse Grant was father of one General Ulysses S. Grant. A lot has changed in the world in the 150 years since Ulysses Grant moved into town to help his father’s leather business but the building at 213 North Main Street stands today; home to the restaurant Fried Green Tomatoes. While my wife and I were recently in Galena Illinois, reviewing the Farmer’s Guest House Bed and Breakfast we happened into Fried Green Tomatoes Restaurant.
What is Fried Green Tomatoes: Many may recall the Kathy Bates film of the same name or even the novel called Fried Green Tomatoes; because we were only there as customers of this restaurant, I never got to speak with the owners of this restaurant to find out the relation to the film or the book, but one would have to infer that a name like Fried Green Tomatoes has to find its germination from somewhere. Regardless the restaurant does indeed serve Fried Green Tomatoes as an appetizer.
Menu at Fried Green Tomatoes: The menu at Fried Green Tomatoes is a mixture; strong Italian influences mixed with classic American entrees (steak, veal, pork, snapper) make the menu at Fried Green Tomatoes good for all tastes and temperaments. When my wife and I were there we both got the raspberry vinaigrette salad which was very good; for entrees my wife got the Chicken piccata and I got cedar planked salmon. Both entrees were good and the prices were surprisingly reasonable for our recent experience in that part of the country.
Fried Green Tomatoes Conclusion: If you are a lover of American history you probably already know about Galena Illinois; if you don’t you should certainly go. The untouched nature of the town makes it a stopping point for just about anyone. Fried Green Tomatoes café from our limited experience is as good an option as we’d seen on this main drag of North Main Street. Plus, when you’re there, you’ll never know what kind of ghosts may pop out of the walls of this restaurant.
