I think people tend to pay way too much attention to new places that open, and overlook ones that have been open forever. Places that have been around for a while usually have a good reason for having been around, and the Tanglewood Ordinary has a lot of those reasons.
First, the location, west of Richmond on Route 6, almost out to the Goochland courthouse. It's far enough away from our house to keep us from eating there more often, which is great, because we'd both way 800 pounds if it was closer in.
Second, is the decor. The building started out as a log cabin around 1910, and in 1930 the larger part was built as a dance hall. It's now a big spacious high ceilings dining room that can fit many after church Sunday dinners, or other large groups.
We had been driving by for years, and never stopped, even though we had heard only good things about it. Finally, the raves of my coworker were enough to convince us to stop in.
There are also some cozy little booths along the wall if you didn't bring the entire softball team, but be ready to have the boisterous mood birthday parties, anniversaries, or other large groups.
The interior feels really rural and rustic because of the age of the construcion, and there is a lot of that great old hardwood on display that no one has the patience to grow any more.
The menu is very simple, and is served family style. You get to Fried chicken, and then you pick your other meat. On the day we went with the pot roast instead of the ham or the house made barbecue.
Family style means that you get an empty plate, and then everything is brought out in bowls or platters. I posted a picture of our table to help express the idea.
The Cole slaw was the best Cole slaw I ever had, crisp and fresh with a very light dressing. Usually i find it slaw a little gummy and two sweet, and this was neither.
The post roast was tender and flavorful, with little browned bits and carrots mixed in.
The chicken was moist and had a very light breading.
The mashed potatoes and gravy were both warm, filling, satisfying and clearly made on site, as were the biscuits and corn bread.
About the only things we did not get seconds of were the green beans and the stewed tomatoes. There was nothing wrong with either of them, but we loved everything else, and only liked them.
It was all you can eat, but put aside your dread of buffets and come with an open mind. Nothing is sitting on a steam table, nothing comes out of a mix packet. You sit down, they bring you plenty of food hot and fresh from the kitchen, and then unless you stop them, they bring you more.
We had to skip the desert, but you can see what they offer on the sweet side and the entire menu, right here.
