let's do lunch.

I've lived in Florence for 4 years now and I feel like I have let all it's special local things go over my head. Yes, I've eaten at the downtown restaurants and shopped in the English village but I feel like I'm just now, this summer, realizing how wonderful it all is. Maybe because this is my last year to be in Florence since I'll be packing up in December, that I'm feeling nostalgic of all things Florence, Alabama but I am grateful for this summer spent here so I can immerse myself in the city across the river.

One of my new favorite finds is McGraw's downtown. It's a coffee shop, but also has a very good lunch menu. I discovered it last week with my friend Beth. We got some of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. I got a turkey on sun-dried tomato bread and it had this amazing honey mustard/mayo spread. It also came with a wonderful greek pasta salad and a refreshing glass of sweet tea. It was so refreshing on a hot summer day and they also have live music every day starting at noon. It's definitely a new favorite.

Another favorite is Dish. It has been a favorite since sophomore year when my friend Lindsey Bean took me for the first time. After the first time I was there about once a week for the rest of the year. Its a great lunch place on a side street of Court st. across from the parking garage. They have what guys call "girl food" salads, sandwiches, wraps, but my favorite is they have fresh fruit as a side and it really is fresh fruit. Amazing fruit. They also have a shrimp gumbo that is fabulous on a winter rainy day with a side of jalapeno cornbread. Just wonderful.

Of course there is always the classic Trowbridges. It's a wonderful little soda shop with the best chicken salad sandwich. I always get a chicken salad sandwich, chips, coke (in a bottle) and a chocolate ice cream cone. It's always really crowded at lunch time so you have to scope out for a booth or you can sit at the counter. I love to go here but they only take cash and instate checks so whenever I have cash the first thing I do is make a trip downtown to this step back in time.

There are so many other wonderful places to eat but these are my favorite lunch spots. For dinner there is always Rosie's: where the best place to sit is outside and always get some cheese dip, Legends: I love everything especially the mashed potatoes and the chicken tenders, and of course the famous Ricatonis. Ravioli is the only option for me here.

Well if these sound interesting to you, call me. And let's do lunch.

J