Southern Charm

Judging by looks alone, not much has changed at this dining-car restaurant that was most recently known as Clyde's Bistro & Barroom. The old sign even still hangs outside, competing with a nylon banner that advertises the restaurant's new name, Favor Bistro. Look at the menu, though, and you'll realize this is a much different place. Where Clyde's was straight-forward American comfort food, Favor Bistro offers lighter takes on Creole and Cajun fare. Shrimp and grits get a new look in the form of prawns and scallops swimming in a roasted Cajun tomato sauce with a creamy helping of grits ($15.90). It's one of the ways Favor Bistro puts its own spin on traditional Southern-style dishes. And while you can order burgers, steaks and pecan-crusted chicken, there's also a gator burger ($11.95) on the menu. It's certainly for the adventurous but worth a try for the sun-dried tomato bun alone, which adds flavor to the mild, porklike gator patty. One southern dish served honest to its roots is the fried green tomatoes ($6.95). The appetizer comes with two sauces: a refreshing citrus dip and a jalapeno ranch that offers more Key lime-like tartness than peppery spice.