Meat and three facts for kids
A meat and three is a special kind of restaurant meal, especially popular in the Southern United States. Imagine going to a restaurant where you get to pick one main dish, usually a meat, and then choose three yummy side dishes to go with it! It's like building your own perfect plate of comfort food.
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What is a Meat and Three?
At a meat and three restaurant, you usually get to pick one main dish from a list of about three to six choices. These main dishes are often meats like fried chicken, country ham, meatloaf, or pork chop. Sometimes, you might even find dishes like country-fried steak.
After choosing your main dish, you then get to pick three side dishes. There are usually many options, sometimes up to a dozen! These sides often include vegetables like green beans or lima beans, potatoes, or corn. You might also find other favorites like macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, or even a dessert like gelatin.
What Comes With It?
A meat and three meal is often served with cornbread. You might also get a big glass of sweet tea, which is a very popular drink in the South. This type of meal is known for being simple, tasty, and served in a friendly way. It is also connected to soul food, which is traditional African-American cuisine.
Where Did It Start?
While meat and three meals are popular all over the United States, their roots can be found in Tennessee. The capital city of Nashville is especially famous for these kinds of restaurants. People often say that the phrase "meat and three" means "delicious food served in a very relaxed way."
Similar Meals Around the World
Other places have similar ideas for meals where you pick your own items. For example, in Hawaii, there's something called a plate lunch. You choose a main dish, but the side dishes are usually the same for everyone.
In southern Louisiana, they also have plate lunches, but their menu choices change every day. A meat and three is also a bit like a blue-plate special. However, a blue-plate special usually has a set menu that changes daily, while a meat and three lets you choose your sides from a longer list. Some restaurant chains, like Boston Market and Cracker Barrel, offer a similar style of food selection.
