In Chapel Hill, Mildred Edna Cotton Council—better known as Mama Dip—is just about as famous as Michael Jordan. That's because she and her eponymous restaurant, which serves authentic home-style Southern meals in a roomy but simple setting, have been on the scene since the early '60s. Everything from chicken and dumplings, ribs, and country ham to fish, beef, salads, a mess of fresh vegetables, and melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk biscuits appear on the lengthy menu. Mama Dip's two cookbooks explain her famed "dump cooking" method and offer up more than 450 recipes.
Reviewed by LoisL from Long Island, NY/Wilmington, NC on 11/17/09
We were a bit apprehensive about coming to this restaurant, as there were some negative comments. Having gone here, we would definitly consider returning, if in the area. Our food was good, the place was immaculate, and service, though a bit slow, was friendly.
Reviewed by hlpops from Durham, NC on 12/8/07
I'm either not as pretentious as the other reviewers or went at a good time. My husband is VERY picky (no seafood, no vegetables, no chicken on the bone, etc.). If he and I can find a restaurant (not a chain) that we both enjoy, that says a lot. The fried green tomatoes are excellent!
I will agree that it's a little pricey, but at least I know what restaurant I'm in (not Mama Depp's - perhaps that reveiwer was actually speaking of another place?) It's quaint, relaxed, friendly and the food is great. As far as pricing, if you've been on FoodTV cooking with (and impressing) celebrity chefs, I guess you can charge whatever you want.
Reviewed by vladthedogkiller from Raleigh, NC on 4/1/07
We ate at Momma Depp's tonight. It was in a nice building in a nice area of Chapel Hill. Momma Depp was there, sitting at one of the tables. We ordered, and waited, and waited and waited. The food finally come, and it wasn't anything special. It was kind of like hospital food, not anything like excellent southern cuisine. I was raised in rural NC, and I know good southern food, and Momma Depp's ain't it. The bill for four people without dessert and before tip was $62.50. This may not seem like much, but it was way too much for what we got. Save your time, save your money and avoid disappointment. Eat somewhere else!
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