Went to an amazing new restaurant last night. Oak and Ember in Mashpee Commons South. We had heard some good things about this place and friends were eager to try it, so we decided to go for dinner. It was so good that I woke up thinking about it. I can’t wait to go back!

I’ve been thinking about what made it such a great experience. What makes one restaurant a “keeper” and another, one that you go to once and never return? Not even because it was bad, but because there wasn’t anything memorable about it.

Oak and Ember is special. It’s a steak and ribs place with an extensive whiskey bar and cocktail menu and a delightful Southern flare. Everything is made in house, starting with the bread basket that contained mini corn muffins and jalapeño biscuits with flavored butters on the side.

Really varied menu with some Southern touches that I just loved. Hush puppies with dipping sauce for an appetizer, a trio of deviled eggs with different fillings, braised mustard greens as a side. Who else does that?

Time to talk about my guilty pleasure. I had the fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. I never eat things like that, so maybe it was a good choice in a restaurant. How’s that for rationalization? It was beyond good. Way beyond good!

Maybe this place works because it’s a perfect synergy of great food, wonderful service and comfortable surroundings. Can’t wait for warm weather when their outdoor courtyard will be open.

But we’ll definitely be back before then!