Wishbone Café, situated at 6667 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery, Alabama, 36117, has encountered its fair share of challenges. In an unusual review for our team at The Hungry Black Man (follow us on Instagram @thehungryblackman), we found ourselves visiting this establishment on two separate occasions, and regrettably, both visits were marked by various challenges.
During our initial visit, our dining party faced service-related issues, primarily the absence of a host at the host stand, which left us waiting aimlessly. Our patience was tested further when a managerial representative approached us outside, while we were filming, to inform us that the kitchen had already closed, despite our arrival one hour before the space’s advertised closing time. Undeterred, we decided to return for a second chance review before departing Montgomery. Unfortunately, the second visit yielded a similar situation – once again, we were informed that the kitchen was closed, but they decided to make an exception and prepare our order.
On our second visit, we arrived a substantial one hour and fifteen minutes before the establishment’s advertised closing time. However, we were surprised to learn that the kitchen’s closing time seemed to be a fluid concept with no set schedule. This left us with uncertainty about the hours of operation. In an attempt to make the best of the situation, we consulted with the chef for recommendations and ordered accordingly.
Our culinary adventure commenced with the “Bayou Classic,” a complex dish featuring Cajun rice, a crab cake, and cream sauce, all adorned with Cajun jumbo shrimp and accompanied by spinach, served with a side of Texas toast. Unfortunately, the dish had several issues. The rice exhibited varying textures, with some grains appearing slightly undercooked, resulting in an inconsistent and less-than-desirable bite. The cream sauce, although rich in dairy, lacked a discernible flavor profile beyond the overpowering presence of heavy cream. The spinach, on the other hand, was overly invasive, meandering like unwanted plastic debris within the dish. The most disappointing revelation was that the so-called crab cake did not contain any actual crab meat but was instead made with imitation crab meat. This crucial detail should be prominently featured on the menu to manage customer expectations and prevent confusion.
Next up was “The Jo Emily Michelle,” a dish consisting of salmon served on a bed of angel hair pasta, broccoli, and mushrooms, all tossed in a basil and lemon sauce. Unfortunately, the pasta in this dish was overcooked, resulting in a soft and slightly mushy texture that diminished the overall experience. The initial promise of a flavorful sauce was quickly overshadowed by an excessive use of heavy cream, completely drowning out the subtler notes of lemon and basil. Furthermore, the salmon was overcooked to the point of brittleness, detracting from the delicate, fork-tender texture it should have offered. These issues made it challenging to savor the different components of the pasta in a single forkful, leading to a disconnected experience that failed to harmonize flavor and mouthfeel.
Finally, we delved into the “Cajun Truffles,” a dish comprised of seven mushrooms stuffed with crab meat dressing and served with a cream sauce. Unfortunately, the mushrooms themselves were at the end of their taste lifespan, exuding an earthy, unappealing flavor that overshadowed what could have been a delightful stuffing. The stuffing, despite the questionable “crab” content, did manage to deliver some flavor.
Wishbone Café undeniably possesses great potential, but the existing issues must be addressed to fulfill that potential. These improvements include clearly communicating the kitchen’s closing times to customers, transparently informing guests that their crab cakes feature imitation crab meat, using fresh produce for the mushroom appetizer, balancing pasta sauces, and paying close attention to the texture of the cooked pasta. The establishment does have a swanky and well-designed interior, complete with a full bar and occasional entertainment. It’s possible that our visits coincided with off days, so it might be worth experiencing the space for yourself. For inquiries or reservations, please contact them at (334) 244-7270.
