In 1982, Darlene Hamock opened a new restaurant in Clinton, TN and called Perkadeli. Before long it became a town favorite with everyone raving about her incredible chicken salad. Years passed and one day the beloved little restaurant closed its doors and was gone.
Sad story,right?
But now the happy continuation!
Downtown Clinton, in the old but totally remodeled Real Dry Cleaners building, is now the proud host of the new Hamocks Restaurant.
The new Hamocks is owned and operated by Jason and Danielle (known to the grand babies as Dee Dee). Jason and Danielle are the son and daughter-in-law of the original owners.
And yes, she has the “recipe”
The Dining Duo found the new restaurant while antique searching. Located at 425 Eaglebend Road, it is shiny new, right across the railroad tracks, with a cute little delivery truck out front and water bowls for your furry friends.
Inside we found a welcoming dining room and a very friendly counter girl.
Duo One chose the Mandarin Cranberry Walnut Salad while Duo Two decided on the Creamy Potato Soup. They were both delicious. The salad was crisp and fresh, loaded with the mandarin oranges, dried cranberries and walnuts that gave it the name. The soup was served with shredded cheese and bacon on top and was hot and tasty.
You may ask, “What about the Chicken Salad?” We were told that the recipe came from Darlene’s grandmother and has never been duplicated. Many have tried, gotten to” almost as good” but not quite the real thing. Why? The secret is in the seasoning mixture. Handed down and sworn to never be shared, cross your heart and hope to die.
But that’s ok. Now we know where we can get it.
Along with their wonderful food and service, Hamocks also offers catering. With best wishes for their return, we hope you all give them a try. If you need lunch, a corporate event catered or baked goods for a special occasion, this is the place to go.
Hamocks is open daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 7a.m. to 3 p.m. Eat indoors or out, they have a kids menu to keep the little ones happy and a grown-up menu for the rest of us. And they welcome carry-out orders.
Trust me, that chicken salad is one of a kind. And I think it is the kind you will love.
Dining Duo is always searching for hidden-gem eateries where locals gather for breakfast and lunch—favorite neighborhood spots tucked off the beaten path or hiding in plain sight. Know a place we should visit? Email your recommendation to knoxtndiningduo@gmail.com.
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