There Goes Connie

Rome, GA’s only B & B, The Claremont House, plus other amazing historical facts

02/08/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Rome, Georgia continues to fascinate me, especially as I dug in deeper preparing for this article recently posted in BabyBoomster.com.

On Thanksgiving Night of this year, Steve and I stayed at The Claremont House, a gorgeous Victorian mansion-turned-B & B on 2nd Ave. We were at the very top of the stairs and the ONLY GUESTS staying in the main house that night. It’s a good thing neither of us believe in ghosts. Gulp! It was after dark when we arrived, but we found a key taped to the back door and made our way carefully and quietly following the directions left behind. We found a large room with a canopied king-size bed, and a clawfoot tub/shower.

(Click each image to get a closer look).

Elizabeth Room in the Claremont House.

The owners were away for the holiday weekend but left some capable young ladies behind to prepare breakfast and answer hundreds of questions for us. They served a spinach egg scramble, bacon, fresh fruit and biscuits to us and to the 3 people who had stayed in the detached cottage the night before. It was delicious, and they were gracious hostesses.

The girls told us about owners Chris and Holly who combined their last names to become McHagee. She’s an anthropologist. He’s a sociologist. She cooks. He’s the event coordinator and handyman. They’ve owned the B & B since they were 24 years old. A remarkable fact, don’t you think? They have a young daughter who lives with them in one end of the house and are expecting their 2nd child. I found myself wanting to talk Steve into buying a house to convert into a B & B. He immediately nixed that idea. No surprise there.

Front door of The Claremont House

Breakfast Room of The Claremont House

Exterior of the Claremont House.

Those girls were very enthusiastic about Rome and all of its uniqueness. They told us about Rome’s present tennis prominence and how it impacts the town by filling every hotel room during tournaments. Scouts from major colleges and universities come, so it’s a huge deal for high school players in particular. Rome is braced for a giant economic impact when the Rome Tennis Center of Georgia is completed which is now halfway through Phase 1.

They told us about Myrtle Hill Cemetery and some of the famous people buried there. We went by for a quick look but will definitely plan a more leisurely stroll through it on our next visit to see daughter Laura and her family. They also shared some of the interesting facts about Berry College, Oak Hill, and downtown’s Broad St.

View from the top of Myrtle Hill Cemetery

Did you know that Hernando de Soto went through Rome?

Did you know that Sweet Home Alabama wasn’t filmed in Alabama but had many scenes filmed in Rome, especially the wedding scene at Oak Hill Plantation (known in the movie as “the Carmichael Plantation”)?

Can you name the largest college campus in the world? What about the most beautiful? Yep, right there in Rome. Here’s a big hint.

Berry College “Gate of Opportunity”

Do you know what The Cotton Block is?

Can you list the 3 rivers that converge in Rome?

What about Rome’s role in the Civil War or the shattering event of 1886? Remember. Here’s a good source for finding the answers.

Brush up on your history, read the article linked above in Baby Boomster.com, grab your camera and spend a few days in Rome. I believe you’ll find a LOT to enjoy.

Did I mention that Rome, GA even has a Chick-Fil-A Dwarf House? What are you waiting for? Go! Go!

A Tasty Find in Huntsville, AL – Walton’s Southern Table

02/03/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Recently, my Silver Fox and I decided to try for ourselves a restaurant that had been recommended by several friends. We found Walton’s Southern Table at the corner of Airport Road and Whitesburg Drive in a former Ruby Tuesday building. We learned that the property was originally owned by Walton Fleming and his family, thus the reference to him in the restaurant’s name. The Whitesburg Drive-In Theater also sat on this spot years ago, so it has a nostalgic connection for many.

We were immediately struck by the attractive, crisp, tasteful interior and the nice, soft, jazzy music playing. The atmosphere is pleasing and relaxing. We were greeted by Charles, a very friendly host and manager. He seated us at a table assigned to Sara, who was very knowledgeable about the menu.

My best overall assessment? Walton’s is “Cracker Barrel on steroids.” Their ingredients are fresh with no canned veggies and hand-cut meats.

I tried the vegetable plate with fried green tomatoes, hashbrown casserole, sweet potato casserole (all suggested by Sara) and cranberry congealed salad. Steve had meat loaf with pinto beans and turnip greens. He described the meat loaf as “melt in your mouth.” Charles told us, “I finally had to swear off of the meatloaf because I was having it every day and my waistline was suffering the effects.”

But, oh, let me tell you about those fried green tomatoes — quite possibly the best I’ve ever had. They were thinly-sliced and lightly battered with a touch of cayenne pepper. Awesome!

Steve and I didn’t have dessert, but my brother says their pecan pie is probably the best he has tasted. I’ll have to go back sometime and try it “to be sure.” Ha!

Walton’s offers a children’s menu and curbside service. Just call ahead to place your order, and they will bring it right to your car. Walton’s opened in December of 2014. I predict they will be successful.

A Few Days in Rival Territory — Bama Bed and Breakfast

02/01/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Imagine staying in a bedroom that was once occupied by Union troops who commandeered the house during the Civil War. Imagine hearing whispers in the hall between the Union captain and the homeowner’s daughter as they fell in love and made promises for the future. Imagine the careful actions of the homeowner and his family as they hoped against hope their home wouldn’t be burned to the ground when the soldiers left Tuscaloosa and headed to another battleground.

Bama Bed and Breakfast, campus location, was built in 1823 as a result of a 125-acre land grant signed by President James Monroe, 5th President of the United States. The home has been continually occupied since that date but didn’t officially open its doors as a Bed and Breakfast until August 2015, just in time for football season. Bama B & B also has a lakeside location hosted by Marc and Kim Roberts. Kim’s parents, Bob and Yvonne Schwartz, are the gracious hosts at the campus location.

It is a very striking structure. The front columns were originally ordered for a building on the University of Alabama campus. But, when the columns arrived, they didn’t fit, so this home at 46 Sherwood Drive was the lucky recipient.

Exterior of the Bama B & B campus location with columns originally intended for a university building.

I drove in at 10:00 a.m. on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day just hoping to be able to park my car in their lot while I toured Tuscaloosa. But, Marc, Bob and Yvonne greeted me enthusiastically and insisted that I go ahead and bring in my bags. I was led to the Capstone Suite where a beautifully-decorated room awaited. My friend, Dr. Beth Long, and I were then given a quick tour of the gorgeous home filled with antiques and period furnishings and accessories.

Marc, Bob and Yvonne giving a warm welcome.

I noticed that the dining room table was adorned with houndstooth placemats and elephant napkin rings and casually (well, maybe not TOO casually) mentioned that I was a big Auburn fan. In an extremely thoughtful gesture, when I came down for breakfast the next morning, those had been removed and some blue floral ones were in their place. Now THAT my friends is personal, caring service.

Dining room complete with houndstooth placemats.

Speaking of breakfast, it was prepared primarily by Bob because Yvonne had had foot surgery a few weeks earlier. He did a great job. Delicious food. Yvonne’s specialty — cocoa syrup (aka chocolate gravy) — was a happily-anticipated treat. Yvonne also had homemade cookies waiting in the foyer.

Foyer table with tempting treats

While I was in my room, I noticed that every possible need of an overnight guest had been provided — including a make-up towel, Q-tips, current magazines, and free wi-fi, just to name a FEW. Inside the spacious closet was a safe, a microwave, a fridge, a Keurig machine, and a small icemaker. Wow. The bed linens were luxurious and so, so comfortable.

Spacious bathroom featuring a clawfoot tub.

Yellow and blue Capstone Suite.

Marc and Kim, Bob and Yvonne genuinely enjoy having guests. If you are planning to visit Tuscaloosa in the future, I heartily recommend that you give either of their locations a try.

Bama Bed and Breakfast Explore their website for all the necessary details.

A Few Days in Rival Territory Eating and Shopping

01/27/2016 By: CCPearson1 Comment

You know by now that I typically avoid chains — retail, dining, or hotel-wise — when it comes to my writing and recommending. Sure. I do go there, stay there, shop and eat there from time to time. But when I have a choice of something off the beaten path, locally-owned, with a unique vibe or menu, that’s where I want to go. After owning our own business (Pearson Animal Hospital in Hartselle) for almost 30 years, we understand how animated and enthusiastic folks can be when they talk about the places they have created with the “sweat of their own brows.” It’s pride, pure and simple, but in the unsinful sense of the word.

When my friend Beth Long and I were together last week, she took me to lunch at a great place called Sweet Home Food Bar at 2218 University Blvd. My first thought was, “Oh no. Not a buffet.” But, my worries quickly dissipated when we walked in the door and were handed our menus. I loved the old brick walls and the exposed ceilings. The owners, George Harsch and his wife Debra, are friends of Beth’s and were delightful to meet. The food was SO, SO good. Beth recommended the BLT with pesto mayo, and she was right. The “T,” by the way means fried green tomatoes. Oh my! Beth’s daughter Maggie ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich, and it looked yummy, too. There is a room in the back that is perfect for small meetings or parties. We visited on a Monday when several dozen businessmen and retirees gather. Back in Hartselle, that would probably have been called “The Liars’ Table.” I’m sure they were swapping tall tales. Sweet Home Food Bar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays. Give them a try.

Sweet Home Food Bar owner, Debra Rubino

Sweet Home Food Bar in Downtown Tuscaloosa.

Colorful salads at Sweet Home Food Bar.

A couple of doors down from Sweet Home, at 2228 University Blvd,, is an interesting shop called Olive Tree. Owner Chris Roycroft loves to interact with his customers. Olive Tree has a large mix of furniture, accessories, and antiques. Much of the merchandise is sold on consignment. Chris is confident that your first visit won’t be your last. He knows his folks come in, spot an item or two, mull it over for awhile, and then come back in to make their purchase, and he’s okay with that.

Inside Olive Tree.

Beyond Southern Furnishings is an enjoyable store featuring furniture pieces with wood trim from India and Indonesia. The decor definitely fits the shabby chic style. There are plenty of gift items and artwork by Emily G. I was particularly drawn to Emily G’s designs and color. A percentage of her sales is used to assist Christian orphanages and missions around the world. Good for her. Check out her website — www.emilygcollection.com

Beyond Southern Furnishings on 20th Ave.

Art by Emily G.

Take 5 minutes and cross the Black Warrior River to Main St. in Northport, as close as a town can get to Tuscaloosa. This happy block will remind you of downtown Rogersville or even Main St. in Franklin, TN — without all of Franklin’s traffic. Many hungry folks — students and locals alike — flock to City Cafe. I didn’t get to try it, but the homecooking is said to be worth every calorie. I also wanted to try Mary’s Bakery, which is officially licensed to put University of Alabama logos on their products, but it was closed on Mondays. In fact, don’t plan to visit Northport on Mondays because many of the stores close that day. We DID, however, find the gorgeous shops of Rhubarb’s and Gracefully Done open. Rhubarb’s has a large selection of Vera Bradley merchandise and plenty of national championship clothing. Gracefully Done will tempt you to redecorate your entire house. So beautiful. You can also find a large toy store and an old-timey hardware store on Main Street. Definitely worth a few hours of your time.

Displays in Gracefully Done.

Shirts in Rhubarb’s.

Toys in the hardware store.

As suppertime approached, Beth took me to see Archibald’s and Catfish Heaven. Both were closed, but we did find Archibald and Woodrow’s open. Not fancy in any way. Just good barbecue, soul food, and fixins’. I understand that they even deliver to tailgate locations on game days. Considering all of the hassle of doing that, I couldn’t help being impressed.

Catfish Heaven.

Archibald’s.

Just for fun, Beth took me to Rama Jama’s, a hamburger place plastered with Bama memorabilia, and I got to pose with the owner, Gary Lewis, who many say bears a striking resemblance to Nick Saban. What do you think?

Rama Jama t-shirt.

Many people think the owner of Rama Jama looks a lot like Nick Saban.

If you enjoy art galleries, museums, indoor and outdoor concerts, water sports or parks, Tuscaloosa has plenty to offer.

Let me just state one more time for the record: I LOVE AUBURN. But, there is much to appreciate about Tuscaloosa, too, especially if you’re willing to overlook all the Bama stuff. War Eagle!

Here I am with my War Eagle sign standing in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium

P.S. Just one more note. I understand that there are many great churches in and around Tuscaloosa, but my friend Beth attends Church of the Highlands, which has just moved (debt-free) into an amazing new campus. They launched a 21-Day Prayer and Fasting effort to start the New Year. On the Monday morning when Beth met me to begin our day of touring, she had been at the church at 6:00 a.m. with ONE THOUSAND other people for an hour of prayer!!!! Just think about that. Hundreds of college students, along with people of all ages and backgrounds, caring enough to come out that early to pray . . . and on a holiday, no less. That church must be “doing something right.”

A Few Days in Rival Territory

01/25/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Why on earth, you must be asking, would a degree-waving, orange-and-blue-wearing, War-Eagle-yelling Auburn fan deliberately CHOOSE to spend two whole days in Tuscaloosa, where the campus of arch-rival University of Alabama sits? Because I am enjoying my new role as a travel writer is only a minuscule part of the answer. After all, I could “travel write” anywhere. No, the big reason for me to spend time in “enemy territory” was to visit two great friends. One I’ve known practically all her life, and the other I first met when we began our missionary journey.

Beth Newman was a perky, cute, fun-loving, smart, talkative young girl in Hartselle, AL, who Steve and I taught in Sunday School. Her mother and I shared many conversations while our kids were growing up. Beth graduated a year ahead of my oldest daughter, and I lost touch with her UNTIL we reconnected via Facebook. Hurray for Facebook!! Beth was asking for prayer for her daughter Maggie who was undergoing very extensive and painful surgeries at Vanderbilt to correct severe scoliosis. Then, I watched via computer as Beth became Dr. Elizabeth Long, took on a very important job in special education with the Tuscaloosa City Schools, and moved with her husband and two daughters to Tuscaloosa. When Beth read that I was travel writing, she sent me a sweet invitation to let her show me her newly-adopted city. And, knowing of my Auburn loyalty, she even said we could steer clear of “Alabama stuff” if we needed to. Now, that, my friends, is a thoughtful person indeed!

Beth, her younger daughter Maggie, and me.

So, last week, Beth met me at the Bama B & B where I would be spending the night and gave me her entire day off showing me many, many sights and treasures of Tuscaloosa, AL and its sister city, Northport. I will be sharing some gems we unearthed in the next several blogs. I will say, though, that crimson, houndstooth, elephants, and number 16s (to signify the most recent national championship of the football team) are EVERYWHERE. There was no avoiding them.

An elephant-themed shirt.

16. Auburn fans aren’t sure that there really ARE 16.

A stuffed Big Al was waiting on my pillow.

If you only get off the interstate and follow the beaten path to Bryant-Denny Stadium for football games, eat at chain restaurants, and stay in chain hotels, you will miss the sights we saw. I wanted to visit places that “the locals” know about, and Beth did a great job of sharing them with me.

Barbecue place proclaims its allegiance.

Cookies with the distinctive A.

My mind was spinning when our day ended, and I got back to my room. I have to admit that I was impressed with Tuscaloosa. Both the rebuilding after the 2011 tornado AND the massive infusion of revenue stemming from the success of the football program has produced a gleaming, pulsating, dynamic city that is growing, drawing new businesses by the dozens and showing no signs of slowing down. You have to admire the vision of the city leaders.

The next morning I woke up in my historic bedroom and had a delightful breakfast with the B & B hosts (much more about that later). Then, I headed to the Tuscaloosa Visitors Center for additional information, did a little more exploring, and met another great friend for a long lunch.

Evelyn Sexton and me stopped chatting long enough to pose for this quick photo.

Evelyn Sexton and I stopped chatting long enough to pose for this quick photo.

I met Evelyn Sexton near the end of our training weeks in Richmond, VA before moving to Ecuador. We bonded immediately. Both of us from Alabama, both mothers of three children, and both piano performance majors in our college years! Evelyn and her husband Jim had been serving as missionaries in South America since 1988. They were willing and capable of answering my many questions, and very importantly, they “spoke our heart language” because they knew exactly where we were coming from both geographically AND emotionally. When we arrived on the field, we were in Cuenca while they were eight hours through the Andes Mountains in Quito, but we still saw each other at meetings and conferences. Evelyn and I even got to play some two-piano selections together at one of our big meetings and had a ball sharing with each other in that way.

Evelyn and Jim retired from the International Mission Board last summer after serving for 26 1/2 years. They are some of my heroes and did some wonderful work in Paraguay, Ecuador and Chile. Their seven grandchildren are thrilled to have them closer, and so am I. Evelyn and I talked for 2 1/2 hours and just scratched the surface of catching up. I would gladly go back to Tuscaloosa to spend more time with her.

Come back Wednesday for shopping and dining suggestions in Tuscaloosa, and next Monday I’ll tell you all about the Bama B & B.

Burritt on the Mountain — Huntsville Gem on Monte Sano

01/20/2016 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Perched on the top of Monte Sano Mountain overlooking Huntsville, AL, sits a true treasure for those of us who live in North Alabama — Burritt on the Mountain. So many different individuals and groups can benefit from this site. Given to the City of Huntsville in 1955, the land and mansion are named for the benefactor, Dr. William Burritt. The mansion is used for exhibits and tours, and an adjacent Historic Park consists of six restored 19th century homes and outbuildings, along with a barnyard full of animals. School groups come for field trips to learn about rural farm life between 1800 and 1900, plus there are other educational experiences and camps hosted in partnership with EarthScope and a series of lessons targeting homeschoolers. Burritt also hosts outdoor concerts, Candlelight Christmas, Holiday Magic, Easter festivities, theatrical events, Burritt Bash, and outdoor activities for adults, such as bird watching and hiking. The restrooms and vending machines are useful for the hikers, and Josie’s Gift Shop is fun for visitors of all ages. I hope you’ll have an opportunity to visit in the future.

Burritt sign at the entrance to the property.

Baron Bluff, wedding venue with panoramic windows.

A glimpse from the outside porch.

The reason for our recent visit, though, was the beautiful wedding of our friends’ daughter. What a gorgeous venue for a wedding!!! The view from Baron Bluff is inspiring no matter the season. We walked into a building full of panoramic windows and the sounds of The Blossomwood Strings. Ahhhh. Elegance and impeccable taste. Here are some glimpses from that lovely afternoon.

Elegant wedding cake adorned with fresh red roses.

Table decorations.

Reception table.

Humorous groom’s cake from a deer-hunting groom.

A very welcome sight on a cold January day.

The Unity Cross used in the ceremony.

What a sweet idea! Guests were invited to take bags of candy as they left.

Let the Men Fish While the Ladies Shop IN ROGERSVILLE, AL

01/18/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Folks in the Tennessee Valley, particularly those who live in the Wheeler Lake or Elk River sections of the Tennessee River or in the vicinity of Joe Wheeler State Park, will happily tell you about a very pretty town on Highway 72, just about halfway between Athens and Florence, AL. When I was a little girl growing up in Athens, my momma often took my siblings and me to Rogersville to buy shoes. Back then, the downtown area was lined with discount and outlet shoe stores. Now, though, it has evolved into something more attractive and appealing.

Fountain at Heritage Park in Rogersville.

The sunny side of the street.

On one end of this fun block, you’ll find Heritage Park acknowledging the war veterans from Rogersville. At the other end, you’ll find a bank, a pharmacy, Stanfield’s Steakhouse and a sign pointing to First Baptist Church. But, in between, you’ll see a dozen or more delightful shops with antiques, clothes, jewelry and gift items from chic to shabby, from quirky to elegant. Ya gotta love the names of these businesses — Gracie Bee’s, Mochadoodles, Too Peas, and The Lemon Tree, to name a few. Don’t they make you want to check them out?

Gracie Bee’s – children’s clothing.

Mochadoodles.

Lemon Tree.

A favorite place for sandwiches, soups and salads has been Cafe Savanna, right in the middle of the block. However, the owner closed on Christmas Eve, and everyone is eagerly waiting for a new proprietor to emerge. Stay tuned for a new name and an announcement, hopefully to come soon. I wonder if the Rooftop Rooster will get to stay??

Rooftop Rooster over Cafe Savanna.

When my Silver Fox and I visited recently, the town was gaily decorated for Christmas. But any time you visit, you’ll find attractive window displays and lots of things to make your credit cards quiver. Here’s a suggestion for my soul sisters — while hubby fishes nearby, shop and eat in Rogersville. But let that be our little secret. Oh, and one more very important tidbit. Rogersville is the hometown of Christy Jordan, who is the author of a very popular cookbook Southern Plate. Be sure to check out her website here. It’s chocked full of deliciousness.

Village Interiors and Specialty Gifts

Too Peas

Quirky items along the sidewalk.

War Eagle! Surely you’re not surprised that this awesome cake would catch my attention.

Sugar Creek candy store.

Ro’s Grille — New Eatery in Athens, AL

01/13/2016 By: CCPearson5 Comments

There’s a new dining option in town for any day except Monday. Yes, even Sundays right after church. And that’s saying a lot when you are across the street from one of the largest churches in Athens. Ro’s Grille at 300 E. Hobbs St. now occupies the building that was formerly the original Lawler’s Barbecue. It is named for owner Seth Stanfield’s baby daughter, Caroline Ro, and has a fresh vibe all its own. The ceiling, flooring, and lighting are new, along with crisp paint colors and updated restrooms.

Exterior of Ro’s.

A lunch menu is served on weekdays and consists of burgers, sandwiches and a salad bar. Evenings and weekends feature hand-cut steaks and chicken entrees. They also offer an item known as “Ro’s Bowl” — cute play on words, wouldn’t you say? Ro’s menu is ambitious. There are appetizers, a children’s menu, and desserts such as fried cheesecake. Oh my!

Ro’s Bowl – chicken, rice, onions, mushrooms, cheese.

Caribbean chicken with wild rice.

A friend and I had lunch at Ro’s last Saturday. The service was friendly and timely, and the food was good. We stayed for a long time, just chatting and catching up. Our server checked on us often, but we didn’t feel rushed at all. We didn’t sample any of the desserts, but the ones I saw on display looked amazing.

The hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10:30-4:00 p.m. on Sundays. They are closed on Mondays.

There was only one disappointment with our visit to Ro’s, and it had nothing to do with the food, service or decor. As we were paying at the cash register when we got ready to leave, I said, “I bet you have a lot of Baptists in here on Sundays.” The hostess made a slight face and said, “Truthfully, they are the worst customers we have all week. So rude and impatient.” Since I am a member of that church, I was embarrassed and apologetic. So, I’d just like to take a step away from my travel blogging role and spend a moment encouraging my fellow church members, as well as those from any of the churches in the area. When we go into restaurants on Sunday, obviously wearing our “church clothes,” let’s don’t leave the restaurant employees wondering what good it did us to attend that Sunday. Let’s be kind and generous. Let’s smile and do our best to make things better at a very busy time for all concerned. Can I get an “Amen?”

Owning and running a restaurant takes an endless amount of work. I wish them much success in Athens.

Mona Lisa Bistro — Awesome Food and Big Dreams to Revitalize the Tiny Town of Falkville, AL

01/11/2016 By: CCPearson3 Comments

My Silver Fox and I found a delightful new place last week to have a truly delicious meal. May I enthusiastically recommend to all of you Mona Lisa Bistro and Courtyard Cafe at 42 Railroad St. in Falkville, AL. Head south out of Hartselle on Highway 31. Turn left at Falkville’s only red light, cross the railroad tracks, and immediately look to your right. Mona Lisa Bistro is in the middle of the block. Park beside the tracks or on the street in front of the bistro. The exterior is very unassuming, but the interior is charming and colorful. And, yes, Mona Lisa reproductions are displayed throughout the decor. Somehow, the classical music playing in the background as you enter, hints that you are in for a unique experience.

Owner Steve Johnson and I posing outside the bistro.

Owner Steve Johnson posing with me outside the bistro.

Display wall just inside the front door.

There is a regular dining area, but we were fortunate to be seated in the trolley car found in the adjoining room. The trolley was originally used as a shuttle for the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park near McCalla, Alabama. It was purchased by owner Steve Johnson and is back in service as a private dining spot inside the bistro. What fun quirkiness it adds to the atmosphere!

Festive trolley car.

Seated promptly, we were immediately struck by the diversity on the menu. We expected to find soups, salads, and sandwiches, but we were intrigued to find Italian pasta dishes, German pork and chicken schnitzel, blackened salmon and lamb chops as well. Steve chose the turkey royale sandwich on French bread, and I selected the chicken schnitzel. While we waited for our entrees, fresh warm bread was served, along with small cups of lemon chicken noodle soup. What pleasant surprises! When our entrees arrived, both of us thought they tasted exceptionally good.

Lunch and dinner menu.

Turkey Royale Sandwich on French bread.

Chicken schnitzel with new potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts and a mushroom sauce.

While savoring each bite, Executive Chef Jean Littrell came to our table to greet us, and she willingly answered my many questions. She explained that she had no formal culinary training but learned to cook from watching her mother and French grandmother. She said, “I don’t measure. You could come in here several days in a row and order the same thing, and each time it might be a little bit different. I want my diners to eat with their eyes first.” She hopes that Mona Lisa Bistro patrons will have a “great adventure for their senses.” From my perspective, with the music, the tastes, and the vibrant decor, I believe they are fulfilling that goal.

Executive chef Jean Littrell.

Chef Littrell shared that a coffee bar section will be open soon featuring signature blends created by Buck at Java Jaay’s in Decatur. She also plans to incorporate Josephine’s chicken salad (a secret recipe) and daily specials such as “all you can eat” liver and onions, in which the livers are marinated in garlic and cooked to order according to the diners’ wishes. They offer live music on the weekends and want to encourage local artists to bring in their work to put on display.

Johnson and Littrell also have plans to turn the old movie theater building on the block into a wedding chapel and dinner theater. They have a warehouse behind the bistro that will become small rooms for travelers who want to spend the night, have a delicious dinner followed by a great breakfast before heading on down the road. They even have plans for a more formal B & B in a beautiful old home not far from this part of Falkville. Their hours of operations are ambitious. 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 7 days a week. Wow! From what I’ve heard described on the breakfast menu — eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles, for example — I plan to find a time to try that menu soon. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 11:00 daily.

“Why Falkville?” you have to ask yourself. After all, the official population is only 1279 according to the town clerk, and the entire school enrollment K-12 is 750-800 students. There are just a handful of employers in the area — Falkville Nursing Home, Summerford Nursing Home and ConAgra being the largest, followed by Lone Wolf and Lawrimore Trailer Companies and Valley Rubber Company. Where are the patrons going to come from to sustain all of these dreams and plans?

You won’t hear a single hesitation from Owner Johnson and Chef Littrell. They both have an affinity for Falkville and share a vision for revitalizing the town. I believe they will succeed. The food is delectable. It is only a mile off I-65 at exit 322. There are tons of hungry people in Hartselle . . . or even Athens, Decatur or Cullman, for that matter. Go give them a try and tell them I sent you. Mona Lisa Bistro and Courtyard Cafe. Let’s watch this town come back to life.

Mother/Daughter Birthday Weekend in Georgia (Guest Post by Julie Pearson Rodgers, part 2)

01/06/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

(Today we conclude Julie’s description of the fun weekend she had with Allie in the Atlanta area. More great places are described with tempting details).

At breakfast the owners of our B & B Stanley House Inn asked what our plans were for the day. We mentioned that our only plans set in stone were for tea time at Dr. Bombay’s at 3 p.m., so they had lots of recommendations and helped us map out our day. Saturdays in the fall there is a market day/open house in downtown Marietta, so we started by heading back into the square for that. We ventured into Marietta Spice Mill and tasted some very unique spices, oils, and vinegars. I bought a Chocolate Infused Balsamic Vinegar at a very reasonable price. We didn’t spend a lot of time in Marietta, as Allie was excited to get to Atlanta and show me some of her favorite spots.

We took the owner’s recommendation of Mary Mac Tea Room in Atlanta for lunch. Oh my goodness. I wish I had been hungrier! I would most deﬁnitely recommend Mary Mac for any visit to Atlanta, but go when you are hungry for some amazing southern soul food. Mary Mac has been around for over 70 years, and the walls are covered with photos and signatures of famous politicians, musicians, actors, etc that have eaten there since. In 2011, Mary Mac was declared “Atlanta’s Dining Room” by the Georgia House of Representatives. It’s a pretty special place. We were able to be seated right away without reservations. Our server was kind, helpful, and prompt. Apparently there is always a basket of bread brought out in the beginning of your meal that features hot sourdough rolls, cornbread, and cinnamon rolls, but since it was our ﬁrst time visiting Mary Mac, our server also brought out a Mary Mac specialty of greens and cornbread. It was melt-in-your-mouth, delectable comfort food. By that time I was already full, but I had to try the food, so I ordered Chicken and Dumplins, with a side of fried green tomatoes and squash casserole. Seriously the best I’ve had of all three of those dishes. They have perfected southern comfort food.

After lunch, we headed over to the Little Five Points area near Candler Park to explore some of the places Allie likes to go when she is in Atlanta. We shopped at Rag-O-Rama, a hip little thrift store she likes to visit. I think it is like “the place to go” for young people right now, but the prices weren’t all that thrifty. We walked for awhile and just enjoyed the beautiful weather and unique homes and yards in the area, before we arrived at Dr. Bombay’s for our high tea reservations. Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Room is very cool and eccentric and uniquely decorated. It’s another “hot spot” for young people in the area. It’s funky and fun. But our service left a lot to be desired. I had made reservations online over a week ago, and had received email conﬁrmation so I know it was done, but the staff didn’t seem to have any record of it. The place is small but it was full of people, so there was hardly room to move. Allie and I stood against the wall and waited for over 20 minutes between the time we alerted the staff that we were there for our high tea reservations, and the time we were seated. Since our reservations had apparently been forgotten, we were seated at the end of a long table with another party, in a tight little corner by the bathrooms. Our server brought us our tea, then brought us our sandwiches and cookies, and we didn’t see her again until we were done an hour later. The tea was average. The food was delicious. The decor and dining were funky and fun. The service was pretty bad. I think if I went again, I would just go to grab a cup of tea and look around for a few minutes, with no expectation of good service. But, Allie and I had a good time and great conversation in spite of it.

By this time it was starting to be late afternoon, and I really wanted to get out of Atlanta before dark. Allie showed me a bridal shop just down from Dr. Bombay’s, then we headed over to Cafe Intermezzo before getting back to the Stanley House. Cafe Intermezzo was busy, so we had to just sit at the bar, but our server was good and the appetizer we shared of Naam and Lox was good, too. I think Cafe Intermezzo would be great if you could plan to go there for lunch and sit by the window, watching people buzz by in the heart of downtown Atlanta.

We spent another very comfortable night in the Stanley House and woke up to bacon, eggs, and biscuits for breakfast. I was very pleased with the accommodations and hospitality at the Stanley House. I dropped Allie off at her church and headed home. It was a relaxing weekend of quality time and enjoyment for both of us.

(To recap, Julie gave 2 thumbs up to Stanley House Inn, Taqueria Tsunami, Mary Mac Tea Room, and Espresso Theory. She had reviews “with suggestions/cautions” for Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Room and Cafe Intermezzo. She mentioned Crave Pie but didn’t actually get to try it. She has definitely put some places on my must-try list. )

THANK YOU, JULIE!

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