While all family restaurants have their own unique traits and attributes, there are a few characteristics that are common amongst almost all of them. One tradition that you may find in a variety of different restaurants, but particularly in neighborhood haunts like The Sherwood are daily specials. Our Sherwood Restaurant Menu features specials on every day of the week, giving you the opportunity to indulge in some of our greatest dishes without breaking the bank.
Daily specials have long been utilized in American and Canadian diners and cafes. In fact, you may be familiar with another term called the blue plate special. While the origin for the term isn’t exactly known, blue plate specials refer to the daily special available at a given café or diner. From the 1920’s through the 1950’s, blue plate specials were regularly offered. However, over time the tradition has largely vanished in favor of simple specials and offerings. Nevertheless, the concept of the blue-plate special lives on and we at The Sherwood have made specials a permanent fixture on our menu.
A Brief History of the Blue Plate Special
For many, the blue-plate special is a term that evokes feelings of nostalgia. Even though the terminology may now be outdated, the concept behind offering specials is not. As mentioned, it’s unclear exactly where the term comes from, but there are a few schools of thought that may point to a general explanation. One theory is that the term blue plate special comes from patterns of blue willows that were popular on plates in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These plates would often feature a scene of a serene Chinese landscape with a bridge, pagoda, and two birds. Some restaurants may have used these plates to serve their daily specials, which have always historically been hearty and inexpensive. While you probably won’t any longer see these plates at places to eat in Winston Salem, you will certainly encounter the daily specials they inspired.
Another theory is that the term comes from blue cardboard plates that were popular in cafeterias during the 1920’s and 30’s. These plates were convenient for restaurants because they featured divisions, allowing for portions of food to be separated. Cheap and disposable, these plates were easy to manage both in serving and clearing of tables. These plates were manufactured in the color blue, as a way to make them easily contrast with the white porcelain plates used for regular menu items.
Finally, a third theory suggests that the term originates from the Blue Plate Lunch company, which was a chain of restaurants owned and operated in Portland, Oregon beginning in 1914 and ending in 1946. The company was known for their low-priced meals that changed on a daily basis. The Blue Plate Lunch Company advertised their offerings as blue plate specials, however, it’s possible that the name of the company may have been inspired by the aforementioned blue willow and/or blue cardboard plates.
Origin story aside, the blue plate special would become widely used across North America, especially during times of economic hardship like the Great Depression or WWII. Filling and affordable meals were highly sought after, and many restaurants would try to provide hearty meals that included a main course, along with starches, vegetables, and more. The blue plate special’s popularity would decline in the 1950’s with the advent of fast food chains, ethnic restaurants, and upscale eateries. However, today, the blue plate special exists in many different forms and still lives on in lots of different restaurants, despite the term being largely phased out.
As a major part of North America’s culinary history, it’s no surprise that specials still permeate diners and eateries. While the term may have lost its popularity, it can still be heard today in certain scenarios, and when it is, it tends to evoke a sense of nostalgia, consistency and comfort.
Why We Provide a Daily Special
Daily specials are a way for us to give back to our loyal customers by offering a hot meal for those who may not have the opportunity to otherwise indulge or for those who simply want a good bargain. While some restaurants use daily specials as a way to offload certain dishes, we’ve worked hard to create a lineup of daily meals that utilize some of our best ingredients and showcase the talent of our kitchen.
At The Sherwood, we believe that daily specials are a significant component of the neighborhood dining experience, and while we are constantly looking for ways to improve our craft and utilize contemporary technology, there are some practices that are absolutely timeless. We also believe that every good neighborhood Winston Salem lunch and dinner spot should implement the best elements of nostalgia, and the daily special is undoubtedly one of them.
The Sherwood’s Daily Specials Menu
Our daily specials menu consists of permanent fixtures, while also incorporating a chef’s choice option during the weekends. Like all of our regular menu items, our specials offer heaping portions of hearty food, ideal for those looking to get the most bang for their buck. All of our regular specials are $15 and under and allow for you to often choose your own side. Below you’ll find our daily specials Sherwood Restaurant Menu:
Mondays: Juicy chicken parmesan, smothered in sauce and served over a plate of delicious fettuccine alfredo. $12.89
Tuesdays: Mario’s Salmon Cakes served with your choice of two sides. $12.89
Wednesdays: Delicious salt and pepper catfish, served with your choice of two sides. $14.79
Thursdays: Savory smoked meatloaf, served with mashed potatoes and one side of your choice. $12.19
While our weekday specials are reoccurring, every Friday and Saturday the chef will choose a new dish for our weekend specials. Inquire on the day of to learn what we’re cooking up fresh for you!
A good meal shouldn’t have to break the bank, and we’re committed to upholding that principle by offering delicious specials every single day. Come on in and see us Mondays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Sherwood is located at 3348 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.