Posted by Brian Eads and Joey Isabell
on February 09, 2004

When we started writing this weekly column, we began to get all kinds of suggestions concerning which restaurants to write about. It seems as if half of all those suggestions were for a cozy little restaurant in Cookeville known as Thomas Andrew’s. We are so glad that our readers wanted us to visit this eating place. We found it to be extremely charming and the perfect place to take that someone special in your life.

They are located at 32 W. Broad Street, right in the middle of the historical west-side. The building where Thomas Andrew’s is located was built in 1927, and owner Scott Brown turned it into a restaurant in 1997. The unique name is in honor of his two young sons, Thomas and Andrew. When you visit, you will feel the atmosphere of years gone by, but this restaurant is by no means stuck in the past. As a matter of fact, they are on the very cusp of the 21st century; they accept take-out orders via the Internet.

We knew we were in for a treat as soon as we looked at the Appetizer Menu. We found more than the mundane selections you normally see. Thomas Andrew’s offers such exciting items as Baked Oysters, Sautéed Mussels, Black Olives stuffed with Asiago Cheese, Grilled Tofu, and Ahi Tuna. We decided to sample the Spanikopita, flaky phyllo dough filled with Feta Cheese & Spinach. We have tried this dish in many restaurants, but here we found a great updated version of the Greek classic served on a bed of French Fried Sweet Potatoes.

If Pasta is your favorite, you must try the Martini Fettuccini. It is a Spinach Fettuccini with Roma Tomatoes and Black Olives sautéed in a flaming Gin and rich Cream Sauce.

The Entrée Menu leaves nothing to be desired. We had heard for many weeks that Thomas Andrew’s served the best Filet Mignon in town. We found it to be just that. It was incredible. Perfectly cooked and so tender you could cut it with your fork. You can order it by itself or in combination with Lobster Tails or Grilled Shrimp. We also recommend the Pan Roasted Rack of Lamb.

The Sandwich Menu is impressive as well. They offer their Famous Pub Burger, Grilled Tofu Burger, Blues Burger, Turkey Burger, and Roasted Chicken Breast Sandwich. Just to sample the menu thoroughly, we tried the New England Maple BBQ Pork Burger. It was wonderful, and we suggest it very highly.

Pay Thomas Andrew’s a visit in the near future. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11am to Midnight. It is important to remember that they close from 2pm to 4:30pm daily to prepare for dinner guests. They are also closed all day on Sundays. For more information, call them at 931-520-4726 or find them on the Web at www.restaurant.com/thomasandrews.

Continue to send your questions and comments to eatingtennessee@yahoo.com or write to us at EATING TENNESSEE P.O. box 156 Monterey TN. 38574. Until next week, we wish you health, wealth, and a good appetite.