Oddfellas Reopens

There was joy and celebration in Floyd this weekend when Oddfellas Cantina reopened after a month of renovations. Rob Neukirch had closed the restaurant during most of January to carry out much-needed renovations to the restaurant’s storm-damaged kitchen.

On Friday night, Gretchen and I enjoyed a fantastic new Oddfellas crab cake recipe while Kristopher Hale, Professor of Music & Director of Guitar Studies at Emory & Henry College entertained us. The food and the guitar playing were superb.

On Saturday night, we were joined by Doug Thompson and we demolished some Delmonico steaks and a curried salmon dish that was absolutely delicious. The entertainment consisted of the multi-talented Billy Miller, on the left, backed up by Chris Luster, on the right. On several of the tunes, Billy accompanied himself using his Harmonium as a drone. The effect was startling, but quite pleasant.

Billy sings in a wide variety of styles ranging from folk to scat singing. He and Chris provided hours of enjoyable music that never seemed to dominate the room. The audience was intently scarfing up their food, but soundly applauded each piece performed.

John Winnike sat in for a while and played lead guitar while Billy played the flute. I had a great time taking pictures of the performers, but you need to see what Doug Thompson accomplished using only a cellphone camera.

Rob Neukirch is the driving force behind Oddfellas. A talented singer, actor, and all-around nice guy, he makes every customer feel special. Here he is checking on Doug Thompson, blogger and frequent customer. Rob is the clean-cut guy on the left.

Rob has created an outstanding menu which is constantly being updated. I find it hard to categorize the menu because there are southwestern dishes, Middle Eastern dishes, vegan dishes, and Southern favorites. I think I can sum it up by saying that there are dishes for every taste and the presentation and service are excellent.

Rob has Chris Luster booking live music performances four nights a week, so you get to hear the best regional talent, no matter when you go there. There is an abundant supply of professional talent in the Floyd area, so you are always in for a treat.

Go there! Eat well and enjoy yourself. Tell Rob I sent you. He is a good guy and deserves all of the business he can handle.