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Sunday, July 27, 2025

Which Voice Contestants Went on to Real Fame? Check it Out

To Date, Here Are 5 of The Biggest Stars to Come Out of The Voice

You know, I've been a fan of The Voice for years—probably over a decade now. And thanks to the magic of TikTok, I've fallen down more than a few rabbit holes watching short clips from The Voice UK, The Voice Kids, and even auditions from countries I didn't expect—like Germany, Indonesia, and South Africa. There's something about those blind auditions and spinning chairs that just pulls me in every time.

After digging into the history of The Voice, I found a few fun factoids I thought you might like, too. The show actually started way back in 2010 in the Netherlands, created by John de Mol (yep, the same guy who helped create Big Brother).

Since then, it's exploded across the globe with over 60 international versions. You can now catch The Voice in countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Italy, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sweden, Argentina, and many more.

Now, while The Voice has given the world thousands of notable singers, not all of them have gone on to become household names. Who are some of the biggest stars to come out of The Voice? Who made a significant impact after the show was over?

"After conducting some research (and encountering a few surprises), I've found the following. By the way, this is my personal research; feel free to dispute any of these, or add people you think belong on this list! Leave your opinion in the comments."

🌟 Top 5 Most Successful Contestants from The Voice – Worldwide

These are the ones who not only wowed us on the show but also went on to sell records, earn awards, and build actual careers. Let's break it down:

1. Morgan Wallen

(The Voice USA, Season 6 – 2014, Team Usher initially, then Team Adam)

Okay, so this one shocked even me. Morgan Wallen was actually eliminated early in the playoffs, but he's become the biggest success story ever from The Voice.

Why he's #1:

🎧 Record Sales & Streams:
- Over 35 million equivalent album sales (EAS) globally
- Dangerous: The Double Album broke all kinds of country music streaming records
- One Thing at a Time dominated the charts for weeks
💵 Estimated Earnings:
- Net worth estimated between $25–30 million and rising fast
🏆 Awards:
- ACM Album of the Year
- Billboard Music Awards
- CMT Music Awards
- Holds records for most weeks on Billboard Country Charts

Bottom line: He didn't win the show, but he definitely won real-life stardom.

2. Melanie Martinez

(The Voice USA, Season 3 – 2012, Top 6 Finalist)

Melanie had a style all her own from the start—quirky, artistic, emotional. And it turns out that unique identity is precisely what carried her beyond the show.

What she's accomplished:

🎧 Album Sales & Streams:
- Cry Baby was certified Double Platinum in the U.S.
- Albums like K-12 and Portals have cult followings
- Billions of streams across platforms
💵 Estimated Earnings:
- Net worth somewhere around $10–12 million
🏆 Impact:
- While she's not mainstream radio famous, she's a huge streaming success, especially among younger listeners on TikTok and Spotify.
- Strong merchandise sales and sold-out tours

Bottom line: She has built a loyal fan base and a full-blown brand on her own terms.

3. Jordan Smith

(The Voice USA, Season 9 – 2015, Winner – Team Adam)

Jordan Smith's voice is the kind that makes you stop what you're doing and just listen. He made history with his chart performance during the show and continued to do so afterward.

Highlights:

🎧 Sales & Chart Success:
- Became the highest-selling Voice contestant on iTunes during his season
- Albums charted on Billboard's Christian and Adult Contemporary charts
💵 Estimated Earnings:
- Estimated net worth around $2–3 million
🏆 Awards & Recognition:
- Wrote "Ashes" for Celine Dion (Deadpool 2 soundtrack)
- Billboard chart-topper in the Christian music space

Bottom line: Jordan found his lane in Christian and inspirational music, and is thriving.

Here's Jordan Smith's blind audition:

4. Cassadee Pope

(The Voice USA, Season 3 – 2012, Winner – Team Blake)

Cassadee brought her pop-punk background from the band Hey Monday into country music, making it work. She was the first female winner of The Voice USA and used the win to launch a solid country career.

Career Snapshot:

🎧 Sales:
- Frame by Frame hit No. 1 on Billboard's Country Albums chart
- Single "Wasting All These Tears" sold 125,000 copies in its first week
- Duet "Think of You" with Chris Young went Platinum
💵 Estimated Earnings:
- Estimated around $4–5 million
🏆 Awards:
- Grammy nomination
- CMT Music Award
- ACM Award nomination

Bottom line: A fan favorite who turned her win into long-term respect in the country scene.

Cassadee Pope performed this song on The Voice, and ever since, it's held a special place in my heart. When my dad passed, I wept listening to it. Those tears were part of my healing. The original is by Miranda Lambert, and it still brings me back to that time.

5. Koryn Hawthorne

(The Voice USA, Season 8 – 2015, 4th Place – Team Pharrell)

She didn't win the show, but she's dominating the gospel and Christian charts today.

Why she made the list:

🎧 Chart Success:
- Unstoppable topped Billboard's Top Gospel Albums
- Single "Won't He Do It" stayed at No. 1 for 41 weeks (that's almost a whole year!)
💵 Estimated Earnings:
- Net worth estimated at around $1–2 million
🏆 Awards & Nominations:
- 2 Grammy nominations
- Billboard and Stellar Gospel Awards

Bottom line: She's a star in her genre, with one of the most consistent post-show careers.

Here's Koryn's blind audition:

🎬 Final Thoughts

So there you have it! While not every Voice contestant goes on to global superstardom, a few have carved out seriously successful careers. And what's fascinating is that most of them didn't even win, which shows that sometimes, winning the show isn't the only path to success.

Whether it's country chart domination, like Morgan Wallen, quirky theatrical pop, like Melanie Martinez, or inspirational gospel, like Koryn Hawthorne, these artists have found their unique lane.

And if you're like me and still find yourself watching audition clips at 1 AM from The Voice UK or The Voice Kids Philippines, it's kind of nice to know that the show really can change lives—and sometimes, lead to something bigger than anyone expected.

Do you have a personal favorite from The Voice over the years?

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Saturday, July 26, 2025

Dead Heat Book Review

A horseracing mystery by Dick Francis and Felix Francis

After a successful eleven-year career as a jockey in England (during which he became one of Britain's leading National Hunt jockeys and a champion steeplechaser, riding as jockey to the Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth), Dick Francis wrote his first book, an autobiography (The Sports of Queens), which led to a job on a London newspaper as a racing correspondent. In 1982, he published his first mystery book that dealt with crime in the horse-racing world. Through a publishing career of nearly 40 books, Francis’ wife, Mary, was his researcher, proofreader and biggest fan.

Mary died in 2000 and Dick, heartbroken, virtually gave up writing. Six years later, their son Felix talked his dad into writing again and they collaborated on Dead Heat. Herein, is my review of this book.

Synopsis of Dead Heat

Dead Heat

The main character in Dead Heat is Max Moreton. Max is locally known as a celebrity chef, enjoying success in his horse-racing themed restaurant in Newmarket called The Hay Net. Max also frequently caters special meals at nearby racetracks. His troubles begin when he caters a dinner at Newmarket races where dozens of guests end up with food poisoning. Max cannot figure out what went wrong.

But, that incident was just the beginning of Max’s problems. The very next day, he caters a VIP lunch in one of the special boxes at Newmarket races, and he is nearly killed in an explosion. It suddenly becomes time for Max to start trying to figure out what is going on and why it seems as though someone is trying to kill him.

Summary

The clever plot of Dead Heat has some interesting and some quirky characters (there is the laughing lawyer for one) and a romantic interest between Max and a beautiful viola player from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London who originally starts out to sue him! In addition, the reader gets to enjoy the ambience of the world of haute cuisine.

I enjoyed this first collaboration of Dick Francis with his son Felix. The team went on to publish 3 more books together. Since Dick’s death at age 89 in 2010, Felix Francis has continued on in the same vein, writing horse-racing mysteries.

Click here for more Books by Francis (Dick & Felix)
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*Book Review of ‘Dead Heat by Dick & Felix Francis was written by Wednesday Elf

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Friday, July 25, 2025

Heads of State (2025) Movie Review

If you are looking for a suspenseful movie that will make you laugh, I highly recommend Heads of State starring Idris Elba, John Cena, Jack Quaid and a very feisty Priyanka Chopra Jonas. This cast of actors is absolutely fabulous together!

My husband and I frequently watch movies together, but one of us is usually watching because the other one wanted to see the show. Of course, that is fine, but we rarely rave over the same movie. However, we both loved "Heads of State" and we both hated to see it end.

There were times in the movie where we were struck silent and other times when we were both laughing out loud. At the end of the movie, we were in a good mood and wishing for "Heads of State: Part II".

As a result of watching this movie, I also have a new appreciation for the United States President's vehicles: Air Force One airplane and The Beast, the US President's limousine. Their reproductions for the movie are pretty awesome. I hope the real vehicles are just as well-built and powerful as their portrayal.

Heads of State Movie Synopsis

Heads of State -
Available on Amazon Prime VideoCheck Price

When Airforce One comes under attack, US President, Will Derringer (John Cena) & UK Prime Minister, Sam Clarke (Idris Elba) are forced to work together to survive.

Sam views Will as a movie star instead of a credible leader. He actually thinks his presidency and his physical ability are ludicrous, both a product of his on-screen image instead of fact. To some degree, he is not wrong. However, Will does have a huge fan base, therefore influence, as well as physical strength.

Will doesn't like Sam because he publicly supported his opponent in the presidential race.

As they seek to find safety on the ground in a foreign country, they learn to rely on each other and find they make a pretty great team. They do get a lot of help from friends! Marty Comer (Jack Quaid), who admires President Will Derringer and Noelle Basset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) who adores Prime Minister Sam Clarke, are well trained "real action heroes" that arrive at the most opportune times to save the day.

______________

Heads of State is a awesome suspense thriller to begin with, but with the added humor and interactions between characters, it offers real entertainment for everyone.

I have only one personal criticism. They use our Lord's name in vain way to liberally. The irreverence is unnecessary and detracts from this great movie. Hopefully, this flaw will be corrected in Heads of State: Part II.

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Thursday, July 24, 2025

Review of The Writer-James Patterson

I am a big fan of James Patterson novels. I have enjoyed his books for years and follow several of his series of books, always looking forward to the newest book. While looking through his newer books from the library, I came across one that came out earlier this year. It was co-written with J.D. Barker and in reading the description on the cover I was very curious about the book. The cover has the claim "You'll Never Forget the Ending". I decided I needed to read that book and I was not disappointed. The book keeps you guessing on who the killer is the entire book. I thought I had it figured out several times, but boy was I wrong. In the final chapters of the book there is a real twist that I would have never guessed. Wow! What an ending!

Book Summary

The book starts with Declan Shaw, a NYPD detective standing in a subway train station contemplating throwing himself overboard, when he suddenly gets a call sending him to the scene of a murder.

The scene is in the home of a award winning novelist and her doctor husband. The husband has been stabbed, and the wife is standing over him in bloody clothes with the murder weapon. At first glance it is an open and shut case, but then nothing is what it seems in the rest of the book.

We are introduced to Declan's partner, his lieutenant, the wife's attorney and many more possible suspects. There is also another case of a woman in a nearby alley that plays into the picture. In addition, there are some doubts about a prior case that Declan and his partner worked and the suspect was found guilty and is in jail.

There are so many twists and turns that I hate to give anymore away. I will tell you this is a very compelling book and once you get into it, it is hard to put down. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a fascinating murder thriller.

Book on Amazon

The book is available on Amazon in hardcover, kindle and audio books. Here is a link The Writer

Reviews on James Patterson Books

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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

A Bridesmaids Guide to Murder ~ A Book Review

Who in their lifetime has not heard of a Bride that goes completely off the rails during all the preparations for the upcoming nuptials? Bridezilla is the moniker that comes to mind!

Well you might think that A Bridesmaids Guide to Murder should be on the list of books to be read beforehand, by all the bridesmaids, so that you could have all the scenarios covered but you would be wrong!

A Bridesmaid's Guide to Murder by Abigail Scott is a fun and interesting story, about a Bridesmaid for Hire!

Emilia Walsh is that aforementioned Bridesmaid. She is a professional Bridesmaid who steps in to take care of all the "little" things that can and do go wrong at weddings. She is skilled at fixing dresses, makeup and hair, so that whatever disaster could happen will have a happier ending when she puts her hands to the problem.

I don't think there is a wedding that has taken place that hasn't had it's share of "drama" sometime before the actual wedding happens. But that is what Emilia is there to handle. She is the Maid of Honor and nothing escapes her steady observations of all the people involved in this affair.

She singlehandedly handles overbearing mothers and friends with firmness and gentleness at the same time. Nothing, but nothing will rattle this Bridesmaid.

We are down to the wire with everything in place for tomorrow's wedding, when the unthinkable happens. One of the groom's men is murdered! Now this is something the Emilia didn't sign up for and has never happened before. What is going to happen now?

Well, let me tell you, there is a lot of things going on that you just never imagined. The detective assigned to the case and Emilia get together to figure out what happened and why. Her notes will be the starting point to figure out WHODUNIT! After all a Professional Bridesmaid has to take lots of notes with all the details recorded.

I'm not going to give away the story line, you will have to read it for yourself! Just let me say that this was a great way to spend a few summer evenings and you will never guess the culprit and the reasons behind all the chaos that was created.

Abigail Scott has done a great job engaging the reader in this cozy mystery and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good story with a lot of twists and turns right to the very end.

Enjoy all your Summer Reading!

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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Reviewing Cleaning Cloths for Spectacles Or Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses with a microfibre cleaning cloth

If you wear eyeglasses for reading or driving or long distance or wear sunglasses we need to clean them effectively and easily. I really dislike when my glasses are smudged or do not feel clean and it certainly makes it harder to read or drive or watch Tv when they are not crystal clean!

So it is important to clean eyeglasses often and carefully. Eyeglasses and sunglasses can be often incredibly expensive and so need to be treated well.

If we use the wrong type of cleaning cloth it can damage your lenses including damaging the coatings, scratching the lenses and just cause irritating streaking and smudging.

Always Avoid Cleaning Eyeglasses With These Items

Any dirty cloth , even a microfibre one. Dirt particles can scratch the coating of the lens and cause damage.

Pieces of your clothing like a T shirt or fleece. Most of us have probably done this from time to time when we don't have a cloth handy and our glasses are dirty, but its not a great idea. You can transfer oils, sweat and dirt onto your glasses and any dust particles can scratch the surface. Also depending on the fabric it is often not very effective and can make things worse.

General household cleaners and sprays designed for kitchen or bathroom use. These are generally too abrasive or contain chemicals that can damage our glasses coatings.

Using the wrong cleaning method can at best leave annoying and irritating streaks and smudges and at worse scratch your lenses and damage coatings which may need to be repaired or replaced.

How Should We Clean Our Eyeglasses?

There are several options for cleaning cloths to clean our eyeglasses, sunglasses or spectacles. I have listed three below but there are other options that you may find useful and effective.

Microfibre Cleaning Cloths

These are by far my best option. The ones I use now are Go Optical Microfibre Glasses Cleaner but I have had many different makes over the years and all have been very good.

Microfibre is a densely woven cloth that is very soft and non abrasive. It has excellent cleaning properties and takes off dust and oils easily and quickly.

They can be washed and used many times so they do work out cost effective and good for the planet. To keep it clean wash every couple of weeks or sooner if your glasses get more dirty. It is usually only necessary to use a mild soap and warm water. I usually handwash as its quicker and easier but they can be generally machine washed as well. Do not use fabric conditioner though as it reduces the absorbency and effectiveness of the cloth.

Microfibre cloths can be used anywhere when at home or out and about and travelling. They have the added advantage of being able to use them on many other household items such as camera lenses, laptop and tablet screens, TV's, mirrors, gaming toys, phone screens and glasses.

I just love how so quickly and easily they turn my smudged and annoying glasses into a lovely clear vision! Its a small thing but one that makes life a little bit easier and better.

MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack - Premium Cloth for Glasses, Lens, Screens & MoreCheck Price

Pre-Moistened Spectacle Wipes

These often come in boxes with many wipes in individually wrapped packaging or in a larger single tub. The individual wipes can be very useful especially when at work, school, gym or travelling.

They are usually once only use and being individually wrapped can be useful as they do not dry out easily while the packet is intact, but also can be wasteful. They are generally not reuseable.

So if you are not travelling and using at home the tub option dispenser type may be better.

Once opened they must be used quickly as once exposed to air they can dry out. It is good to look for ones that are free from parabens, alcohol, dyes and too many chemicals and made from sustainable plant based fibres.

VOISEN Lens Wipes for Eyeglasses,450 Pack Eye Glasses Cleaner Wipes,Pre-Moistened Individually Wrapped Lens WipesCheck Price

Reusable Spray and Cloth Glasses Cleaning Kits

These are a combination of a microfibre cloth plus a cleaning solution. It is good for a really proper clean. Most are best I feel to use at home as otherwise its quite a lot to carry around just for cleaning glasses, but a good option especially if you often get oils or dust or other dirt on eyeglasses or sunglasses.

However the one featured below is listed as compact and easier to travel with as it is all contained in a convenient tube, so may be a good on the go option to consider.

MidOpt Professional Optics Cleaning Solution and Microfiber Cloth, for Clean and Smudge-Free LensesCheck Price

The most effective way to clean glasses or spectacles

If glasses are really dirty then rinse them with clear water under the tap/faucet first, just so that any dirt particles are washed away so as not to cause any abrasion or marks. If they are not really dirty you can skip this step.

If very smudged or dirty or have oils on them, its a good idea now and again to use a specific lens cleaning solution tot he lenses.

Then simply wipe over with clean, dry microfibre cloth. Clean gently and cover the whole lens area with a slow circular motion. If they are not really dirty you can just clean with a microfibre cloth.

My overall preference for cleaning my eyeglasses is a microfibre cleaning cloth. It is safe, effective and easily available. I find mine cleans without streaks and gets rid of smudges and gives a lovely clear view.

I can wash it and use it for a long time without having to replace. However I do have several so I always have one in the car, the house, my handbag etc. I hate having dirty glasses so this way I always have one to hand when I need it.

It is a good practice to keep the microfibre cloth in a small pouch or carry bag to protect it and keep it clean too. I do keep some single use cleaning cloths in the house and my handbag in case of emergencies as well. Every now and again I will give them a thorough clean with a lens solution and microfibre cloth combination. However my go to item for cleaning daily is a microfibre cleaning cloth.

Anyone who wears eyeglasses or sunglasses will know how important they are to clear and good sight and how expensive they can be to buy. We do not want to compromise clear vision with dirty, smudged glasses or to compromise the effectiveness with scratched damaged lenses. So it is a small but valuable consideration to have a safe, effective cleaning cloth.

Sunday, July 20, 2025

From American Idol to Icon: Five of The Most Successful Contestants

Who Acquired the Most Success After American Idol? (It's Not Just the Winners!)

Have you ever caught yourself wondering, Whatever happened to all those American Idol contestants? Same here. Some of them disappeared, while others became megastars. Since the show first aired in 2002, American Idol has had 22 seasons (as of 2024), and over the years, it has produced a mix of one-hit wonders, quiet careers, and a few absolute powerhouses.

So I got curious and decided to dig into it—not just who won, but who actually made it big after the show. And I'm talking real-world success: money, record sales, awards, tours, TV deals, the whole thing. Some names will be prominent (hello, Carrie), and a couple might surprise you. Spoiler alert: you don't have to win to win big.

Here's my rundown of the top 5 highest-earning American Idol contestants of all time.

1. Carrie Underwood (Season 4 – Winner)

Carrie is basically the gold standard of American Idol success. She won Season 4 back in 2005, beating Bo Bice, and then she just took off.

With over 70 million records sold worldwide, she has had hit after hit in country music, as well as numerous crossover successes. She's racked up 8 Grammy Awards, 16 ACM Awards, and more than I can count.

She also has a fitness clothing line, a book, and that epic Sunday Night Football theme song she's been doing for years.

Estimated net worth: $140 million+

Not bad for someone who started out singing in church choirs, right?

Here's my favorite Carrie Underwood song, "See You Again." I dedicate this to my parents, whom I miss beyond this world, as I'm sure some of you understand only too well. Do you have a favorite Carrie Underwood song?

2. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1 – Winner)

Kelly was the original Idol—literally. She won the very first season in 2002, beating Justin Guarini, and has stayed in the spotlight ever since. She has sold over 25 million albums, won three Grammy Awards, and now hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She has also been a coach on The Voice and has released several hit albums along the way.

Estimated net worth: $50–60 million

She's a powerhouse and honestly feels like a friend you've known for a long time. And she's still going strong.

Here's my favorite Kelly Clarkson performance of all time. She performed this on Idol, and watching it live, I remember the tears pouring down my face. She was expecting at the time. I know her life has taken another direction since then with her spouse. However, there's no denying the power of this performance.

Do you have a favorite Kelly Clarkson song?

3. Jennifer Hudson (Season 3 – 7th Place!)

Jennifer didn't even make the top five in her season—she came in seventh. That was the same year Fantasia won the award. But talk about making a comeback!

Jennifer starred in Dreamgirls and won an Oscar, which is already a considerable achievement, but she didn't stop there.

She has also won a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy, making her an EGOT winner (a distinction held by very few people on the planet). She's now hosting The Jennifer Hudson Show and continues to act, sing, and perform.

Estimated net worth: $30–40 million

Proof that you don't have to win the show to win in the end.

This is my favorite, off-the-cuff performance by Jennifer Hudson!

She's often a Judge on The Voice UK, and the Judges are known to spontaneously perform. Ms. Hudson DELIVERS on this one!

Additionally, this song holds a special meaning for me personally. Back in the day, I was a figure skater, and this was one of the songs I skated to for my solo performance in the local ice show. It made my dad cry, in a good way.

4. Adam Lambert (Season 8 – Runner-Up)

Adam was the runner-up in Season 8 (Kris Allen won that year), but he's one of the biggest breakout stars in Idol history.

He launched a solo career right away and then became the lead singer for Queen (yes, that Queen), touring the world with them as "Queen + Adam Lambert."

He has sold over 5 million albums and 45 million singles, and his stage presence is truly next level.

Estimated net worth: $35 million+

He brought glam rock back and gave Queen a whole new chapter.

Adam Lambert is my favorite.

This performance at the Queen's Jubilee Party in 2022 is fun!

5. Chris Daughtry (Season 5 – 4th Place)

Chris came in fourth during Season 5 (Taylor Hicks won, and Katharine McPhee was runner-up), but that didn't slow him down at all. He launched his band Daughtry right after and released a debut album that became one of the fastest-selling rock albums in history, with over 7 million copies sold. His gritty voice and rock style stood out at the time, and they still do.

Estimated net worth: $10 million+

He's stayed true to his sound and continues to tour and release music.

I don't have a favorite Chris Daughtry song, but this one shows his incredible voice.

So—Who's Your Favorite?

That's my roundup! Whether they won, placed, or got eliminated early, these five made the most of their time on Idol. I'm always amazed at how different their paths turned out to be.

Do you have a favorite American Idol contestant or winner from over the years? Did someone surprise you on this list? I'd love to know who you think should've made it—or maybe who you wish had.

I just want to add that, in no way, do I believe that money "defines" a person. I'm very curious to know who benefited the most from their time on Idol, whether they won or not.

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Saturday, July 19, 2025

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room - Restaurant Review

In days gone by, many Southern towns had boarding houses, places where you could find a simple quiet room and enjoy, usually, two meals a day in a communal dining room.

The Wilkes House, built in 1870, began operation as a boardinghouse in 1943, run by Sema Wilkes.

History

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is a lunch only restaurant in Savannah, Georgia located in what was originally the dining hall of the boardinghouse begun by Sema Wilkes in the historic Wilkes House. She owned and managed the restaurant for 59 years, and today her family continues the tradition.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room Restaurant in Savannah, GA

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is only open for lunch Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. It is closed on weekends and holidays. It offers popular Southern US home cooking. There is no menu; instead, there are specific offerings each day. These usually include their famous southern fried chicken, along with a variety of vegetables such as black-eyed peas or okra gumbo, plus bowls of fluffy mashed potatoes and the absolutely delicious Wilkes’ macaroni and cheese* dish, along with corn muffins and biscuits. Other days you might find meatloaf or stew as the main dishes.

Dining table at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room restaurant

Seating is family-style at large tables for ten shared by whoever you were in line with when the doors open. The popularity of this restaurant is such that long lines begin to form long before the 11:00 a.m. opening. In its homestyle tradition, guests are escorted in shifts of ten into the dining room where tables are already set with steaming bowls and platters of yummy Southern food. Guests sit together and pass the food around like family.

Location

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is located at 107 West Jones Street in Savannah, Georgia, which is close to Chatham Square, one of the 22 famous squares of Savannah. Jones Street is a cobblestone street in the Historic District that's lined with trees and near the Design District's shops.

*Favorite Food

My favorites served at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room the day I took my mom was the delicious fried chicken and the outstanding macaroni & cheese. I am not much of a cheese fan, and my idea of mac & cheese is with butter and milk (without cheese). So ordering macaroni and cheese in a restaurant is not something I would normally do. The exception is the dish served at Mrs. Wilkes. It has cheese (cheddar), but the cheese takes second place (taste-wise) to the milk & butter ingredients, along with the 4 eggs.

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of macaroni and cheese recipes out there, but the best by far (in my opinion) is the version served at Mrs. Wilkes.

After a trip south a few years ago, Laurie of Northern Minnesota, posted on her Cookin’ Up North recipe blog her adapted version of the Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room she got from the cookbook she bought at the restaurant.

………………..

Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House Cookbook

Mrs. Wilkes' Boardinghouse Cookbook: Recipes and Recollections from Her Savannah Table

In addition to running Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for many years (from 1943 until her death at the age of 95) Sema Wilkes wrote several cookbooks filled with the traditional Southern recipes she served at her restaurant.

Along with the recipes, the cookbooks delightfully include remembrances of Mrs. Wilkes, her family and friends, and include some fascinating tales of her most unusual regular customers over the years. The cookbooks are extremely entertaining and read rather like a memoir. This Boarding House Cookbook is one you will enjoy.