By:Raven Ekundayo
                                            Editor@eXcapethematriX.com
                                            (Photos by Quill Wordsmith)



(ETM Staff) 

The eXcape the matriX staff celebrated our One Year Anniversary at Glady’s Knight and Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles on November 17^th, 2007. The entire staff of “Glady’s” were so nice to us and treated us with so much respect. The food was amazing. It wasn’t my 1^st time there, but for the majority of the staff it was not only their 1^st time at “Glady’s” but their 1^st time at a chicken and waffles spot in general. I would like to give a special thank you to Charese, the General Manager of Glady’s in Largo, MD and to Fred, our waiter. Fred has to be the best waiter I’ve ever had serve me. The brother was like family to the staff and if you go to the restaurant you have to make sure to ask for him. 

At the bottom of this article you’ll find a link to the restaurant as well as a link to the spots menu. If you live in Atlanta or Maryland this is a place you MUST check out. The atmosphere is soothing and the night we dined there they even had live jazz. The spot is just sexy. Each staff member that attended the Anniversary dinner had a different experience that night and they all wanted to share said experiences with you the reader. We hope after you read this article your mouth will water and you’ll rush out for some nice old fashioned soul food. 

First things first, I am not a fan of chicken and waffle joints.  It’s just never been my style.  And honestly, when I saw the catering menu via the web, I was kinda disappointed.  But from the time I stepped foot into Glady’s, my perception of a chicken and waffle restaurant changed.  The hostess was friendly, and we were whisked right into our nice private area. I was pleasantly shocked to see the many different (most of which looked to be tasty) menu selections!  My salmon was slammin’ and the lemon drops were sweet and strong; so strong that I had to create my own mixture of a Lemon Drop and an Uptown(half lemonade, half sweet tea) in order to drink it.  Thus, the “Uptown Drop” was born.  And who can forget Fred the friendly waiter?!  Where else do you get staff that takes great care of you then hangs out and kicks it when his shift is over?! 


(Raven, Resey & EN)

E-N 

You can tell much about a restaurant by its customers and density. Jeans, caps nor dressed-down attire could be found inside Glady’s on this night, but that did not prevent a relaxing and friendly setting. Walking in you will find the host/hostess station and a couch-style seating arrangement hugging the wall just begging you to relax. As expected, there was a nice amount of people already waiting for their chance to enjoy the wonderful food. On this night the staff of ETM had reservations and I was more than happy to be seated within minutes. No fuss was made over the complete party not having arrived as a group. It’s amazing how many restaurants will still make you wait until your entire guest-count has arrived. Extra points go to Glady’s. The food, for a decent price, was the highlight of the night along with the many laughs from our friendly waiter. Being my first night I had to try the staple chicken and waffles and I was not disappointed; four moderately sized pieces of fried chicken and a tasty waffle for about 11 dollars. I couldn’t pass up ordering a side of sweet potatoes and macaroni. A good portion of the menu was sampled as most of us ordered something different. You know a good meal when folks are smiling and willing to share a bite of another’s plate while being stunned by the “mmmmm”.
 

Will I go back?  Sign me up! 

Kenneth

I greatly enjoyed my night at singers Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles because of the different amenities available. First and foremost, I was amazed to be in an establishment owned by a legend (Glady’s) whose music I was introduced to at an early age. From that age, I fell in love with her beauty, stage presence, strong and smoky voice, and the costumes and styles that were dawned on stage. The restaurant was surrounded with all the numerous costumes and wardrobe the singer wore during her career, which was the first thing that grabbed my attention. Hung in large picture frames, these costumes added a since of connection from the singer to the restaurant that was passed down to the customers. The atmosphere inside the establishment was very calm, family friendly, and at times brought the vibe of a Saturday night jazz club in NYC. I greatly enjoyed the band that came to play for the restaurant, though I would have loved if Glady’s graced us with her presence that night. Lastly, I must say that the food was excellent and warmed the soul, and most of the menu consisted of soul food items named after some of the singer’s number one hits over the years. Overall, a night with Gladys was enjoyed and remembered. 

Derrick 

            I have to say, I had my doubts about chicken and waffles. Those doubts were put to rest after I arrived at the restaurant and noticed the overall atmosphere of the place. The interior was beautiful, but enough about that. The food was also amazing. I got the ‘Midnight Train’ which seemed to be the signature dish. The “Train” is four jumbo wings with a very large waffle. I ended up ordering another waffle! Overall the experience was great. The service was on point from the door to the table and back again. I would recommend this place to ANYONE! 

 
(Derrick, Quill & Northernstar)

Areka 

Location, Location, Location. One of the things I enjoyed the most about our dinner at Glady’s Knight & Ron Winans Chicken and Waffles was “The Blvd”. “The Blvd” is the strip mall where “Glady’s” is located and this location has plenty more to offer after your palette has been satisfied without spending a fortune a Glady’s.  For the book-lovers there is a Borders and something to see for the moviegoers at Magic Johnson’s Theater.  The location is the preview of what the actual atmosphere will be like inside of Glady’s.  This small-scale setting is complimented by its oversized meals.  I thought the “Midnight Train” would just be something to hold me over, which was just chicken wings and one waffle, but I couldn’t even finish.  Memorabilia of Glady’s attire worn on stage were placed carefully around the restaurant. There was something for the eyes, live jazz for the ears and food for the filling. Two thumbs up for great food and atmosphere! 

Chavez 

My experience at Gladys Knights and Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles was a fulfilling one. The service was top quality and we were treated as guests. The first time I went I wasn’t completely impressed but at the same time I wasn’t disappointed by the service. However the difference between my first time going and this time was that I was treated as a guest the second time - - and not just a customer.  The waiter made us feel like family and blended in with the rest of our group and even the manager shared some laughs with us. The impromptu photo session that took place had perfect lighting, the food was great, but it was the party itself that made the night most memorable. The band struck up a tune and everybody just seemed like FAMILY. From the manager and waiters – to the ETM staff guests that shared the room with us…it was all just warm and full of unity. 

Resey 

     Okay, let’s start by saying that I’m a Cali girl.  I’ve been to the famous Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles a gazillion times.  So when I heard that the ETM staff was having dinner at Gladys’, my eyebrow raised.  “Uhh…they’re gonna have to work it!”  Well, Gladys’ aims to please from beginning to end.  From the moment I walked in and saw the décor, I was in a happy place.  Oh, and let me add that the entire ETM staff walking through the restaurant and turning heads was the greatest!  It felt like we’d made the right choice based upon the warm and cozy feeling.  We were taken to our own private room, where our waiter, Fred, greeted us with a family feel.  Not only was he patient and funny, he was on top of everything!  I don’t think that anyone of us had to ask for anything twice, and that’s saying a lot for one waiter and a party of 6,414!  Before I could even order, he had told me what I needed in my life…and he was right.  The food came and kicked my tail!  I couldn’t have been happier with Fred’s suggestion of mac and cheese and greens to go with my smothered chicken, which was hollerin’! 

     Overall, Gladys’ did not disappoint, not even for a minute.  The experience was one that I will never forget.  The food, the service, the atmosphere all made my visit to Baltimore more memorable than I could’ve imagined. 

For More information on Gladys Knight and Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles click on the links below and once again, if you’re in Atlanta or Maryland make sure you dine at this soulful establishment. You won’t be disappointed.