HOT FOODS BY CALVIN
2027 Broad Street
Augusta, Georgia
(706) 738-5666

AUGUSTA'S TRUE MASTER OF THE GREENS

In the hometown of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, Calvin Green is the hardest working man in the soul food business. And in the shadows of the esteemed Augusta National Golf and Country Club, Calvin is a certified master of the greens. Collard greens, Turnip greens, Mustard greens ... well, you get my drift!

Hot Foods by Calvin, Green's restaurant on Augusta's Broad Street, was recently named the "Best Down Home Cooking" spot by the readers of Augusta Magazine. And after eating at Calvin's for the first time recently, I am in total agreement with those fine folks. Hot Foods by Calvin is nothing short of amazing and it's not just the food that makes it so.

Let me begin by saying that Calvin seems like terrific person. Very genuine. A beaming smile.

He makes it a practice to oversee every aspect of the operation, including greeting all patrons as they enter his establishment. Green also tries to visit each party at some point during their meal to insure that everything is satisfactory. I cannot imagine him getting any negative feedback whatsoever. Calvin's philosophy is simple: "Work hard. Be prepared for anything. Let your customers know you care. Stay clean. Be creative and keep coming up with new ideas. Serve it up fast, fresh, hot, tasty, low fat, and low salt. Do your best."

Green puts in some staggering hours that would make most of us dizzy, but he seems to become more energized with each passing moment. Keep in mind that Hot Foods by Calvin is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 11 PM. That adds up to a whopping 105 hours per week. Oh yes, he oversees a catering service to boot! But before you start feeling sorry for him, take note that Calvin considers himself blessed in many ways. He certainly appears happy as a clam. "When I wake up in the morning, I wake up running -- but it's all worth it!"

Calvin's humble beginnings on the South Carolina coast gave him a true appreciation for both a hard day's work and the fine nuances of traditional southern cuisine. "I learned about food growing up on Hilton Head Island. I watched and learned at home and from master chefs in the island's finest restaurants and hotels." This may lead you to believe that Green's kitchen creations are dainty and dolled up. You couldn't be farther from the truth.

Although an attractive presentation is important to Green, he seems much more concerned with dishing out fresh, great tasting grub in generous portions. Calvin also places a tremendous amount of emphasis on the comfort of the individual diner. "I use what I've learned through the years to create a dining experience where people can feel comfortable." Green added, "Give us just one opportunity, we will try our hardest and do our best to keep you coming back." One trip and I was hooked!

Everyday entrees at Hot Foods by Calvin are highlighted by a superb, smoky BBQ chicken (white or dark meat), a nice and hearty seafood gumbo, and blackened or fried fish. Wednesday's daily special is a meat loaf that Tom Curran of the Augusta Chronicle gives his highest rating - "As a meat and potatoes guy, I have to say I've never had better meat loaf anywhere." The breakfast menu even includes savory salmon croquettes – a perfect compliment to scrambled eggs.

The numerous side dishes offered for lunch and dinner are also to die for ... especially the perfectly seasoned collard greens (somehow prepared without fatback) and a homemade macaroni and cheese that is second to none. Dessert choices are equally tempting. I would steer you straight to the delicious, not-too-sweet apple pie - complete with an irregular hand-shaped crust. Calvin also bakes an unusual Bean Pie, made with Great Northern white beans, flour and sugar. Didn't sample it on this trip, but as The Terminator once said, "I'll be back!"

If you're ever motoring along I-20 through east Georgia, do yourself a big favor and pay Calvin Green a visit. He'll greet you with a smile on his face, a satisfying home-cooked meal, and perhaps the cleanest, most fragrant (scented candles!) restrooms we have encountered in all of our travels through Dixie. Never underestimate the importance of the latter ... especially when traveling with women or young children.

Hot Foods by Calvin can be found at 2027 Broad Street in Augusta. Call them at 706 738-5666 or visit Calvin online at www.hotfoodsbycalvin.com. And, as always, tell them Dixie Dining sent you!

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