Occupying the grounds of th 1880-era De Chaumes Cottage Phil & Derek’s Restaurant & Wine Bar is a hidden gem. Always friendly and gracious, co-owner and executive chef Phillip Mitchell combines his French training with his Cajun and Texas roots to create a menu that zigzags from pork tenderloin with apples and raisons to spicy gumbo. Look for juicy cheeseburgers plated with herb-drenched fries or the seasonal fried green tomato salad topped with crawfish rémoulade. The back room overlooks a garden with a fountain, English greenhouse and gazebo. There's lively music nightly and one of the best carvery Sunday brunches in town. Wine and beer, and desserts such as peach cobbler, round out the experience. The restaurant also offers BYOB for a $10 corkage fee. Simply put, we love the friendly service, great food, ambiance and nightly live music.
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