Good Eats
Carlton’s
Pairing good Italian food and family Story and photos by Armory; the ceiling crafted from the old Cullman skating Patrick Oden rink floor; and the unique buttress is from the old train depot. talian cuisine is family cuisine, and Carlton’s Italian The Blaylock family has complemented the architectural Restaurant is a family restaurant in every sense. Carlton’s, character of the restaurant with charming décor touches and in its current iteration, was born of a love of food and made tasteful art. Paintings flank the dining room walls, but the possible by a remarkable family. most engaging are found in the front of the restaurant: two For more than a decade, the Blaylock family dined large paintings by local mural artist Jack Tupper. almost every Wednesday night at Carlton’s Italian When weather permits, Carlton’s patio is a guest favorite. Restaurant. Dr. Harry Blaylock had made a career in Partially open yet protected from the elements, there is Cullman as a veterinarian, but something old-worldly about a love of food and dining out open air dining. wouldn’t be ignored, and he Guests who choose to thought often of owning his dine on the patio may even own restaurant. receive a visit from Carl the “I fell in love with the cat. Once a feral alley feline, building and, for some Harry took to Carl, neutering reason, have wanted to own and vaccinating the domestic a restaurant since I was about shorthair. Now healthy, fat 12 years old,” Harry says. and sassy, Carl has his own When the former owner house behind the restaurant Craig Hughey moved into and dines daily on chicken Carlton’s current location, the and pepperoni. new ambiance spoke to Harry. Tuscan pasta, wedge salad and cannoli, an And when Craig mentioned Managed by Harry’s Italian dessert pastry ... you will be stuffed. that after 19 years he was daughters, Lucy and Katie considering selling Carlton’s, Lee, Carlton’s may have been Harry jumped on the opportunity. around Cullman for 40 years, but never like this. Evolution On April 1, 2009, he placed an order not on the Italian has successfully trumped revolution, but Carlton’s menu menu … he bought the business. retains the dishes that have made Carlton’s a local favorite. Harry had his restaurant, but animals still depended on The old Italian recipes that have been at the heart of him as well. That’s when the Blaylock family really showed Carlton’s since 1972 have been modified only to improve what makes a great family restaurant … a great family. quality. The Blaylock family stresses the commitment they It would be a couple of years before Harry would retire have brought to Carlton’s to use only quality ingredients, from veterinary medicine, but wife Leslie and daughter buying fresh and local whenever possible. Lucy Gable jumped in and began to shape the well-known Harry says Carlton’s lasagna remains a guest favorite, establishment into the charming and eclectic place it is though he has always been partial to the baked spaghetti today. and the 10-topping supreme pizza. In fact, Harry loved the latter so much that it now bears his name: the Dr. Blaylock hen you step into Carlton’s you can’t deny its Special. character. It’s cozy, and the stone floors and rich old woods It may take a few visits to settle in on a personal favorite give it a very homey feel. What diners may not realize is just dish at Carlton’s, but it’s an adventure of culinary discovery how engulfed by Cullman’s history they are. worth embarking on. With very reasonable prices and, more Carlton’s interior, largely repurposed antique building recently, a wine list on each table, Carlton’s is a friendly, materials, is stunning. The floors formerly served as hotel inviting, and relaxing place to dine … as a family place pool decking; the wood on the walls is from the old Cullman should be.
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