Brings a Trendy Dining Experience to Timberlake Road
PHOTOS BY Lindsay Carico, Capture Photography

After working as a contractor for 30 years, Ralph Palmisano decided to put all of his focus on what really matters to him: food and family. He began the process of building and branding Carmela’s at the Loft seven years ago and finally celebrated opening night on October 8, 2018.

Since then, the Timberlake Road restaurant has been busy serving up a completely house made menu. The restaurant staff proudly grows their own herbs—such as basil, oregano, parsley, mint, chives, and thyme—to add flavor to the food. Many of their recipes have been passed down through Ralph’s family for generations and are truly original and authentic. A few dishes have started to stand out as customer favorites such as the Bolognese Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Seafood Risotto and Spaghetti with Meatballs.

Unlike many traditional restaurant structures, Carmela’s does not have an executive chef; instead, several experienced chefs share the ownership, responsibility, and outcomes for the executive chef role. Evan Hill, a graduate of Central Virginia Community College’s Culinary Arts program, shares the lead role with Eugene Robinson. Eugene started cooking with his full-blooded Italian grandmother when he was 10 and later attended Johnson and Wales. “I want people to enjoy my food, the atmosphere, and to feel as if they are at home,” said Eugene.

Roger Whorley and Jacob Pribble assist with operations and round out the kitchen team. Katelyn Foster is the restaurant’s pastry chef and Palmisano says she is a magician when it comes to desserts. She is best known for her bourbon-infused, salted caramel glazed, New York Italian–style cheesecake with praline pecans.

A sophisticated Sunday brunch can be hard to come by in the Timberlake area but Carmela’s is steadily building a big brunch business thanks to word of mouth and social media. The goal is to eventually serve brunch on Saturdays and utilize their outdoor patio as the weather warms.

The restaurant’s wine list nicely complements the menu with a variety of California wines in addition to Italian wines. Carmela’s also is stocked with a variety of craft beers and popular generic beers—the beer selection is growing as a result of customer feedback. Customers can also enjoy a specialty cocktail from the restaurant’s full bar.

Carmela’s is a dream that’s been decades in the making for Ralph. Now, as he starts to see his hard work pay off, he thanks those in the community who eagerly awaited the opening of the restaurant and have become regular customers.

“I am so appreciative for their loyal support and following. Their feedback is what I depend on for continuous improvement,” he said. “I want this restaurant to be a unique dining experience where customers are wowed with exceptional service, wowed with the quality of the food, and wowed with the overall experience.”

Since opening the summer of 2018, Tahini’s Mediterranean Grill has been busy from open to close. Located in the heart of Downtown Lynchburg at 912 Main Street, co-owner Nour Da’as Elkhamra proudly shares that if it were not for Lynchburg locals, they would not be here.

“Everyone has been so positive, encouraging, and extremely supportive,” Nour says.

Nour was born in Kuwait and lived half of her life in Jordan before moving to Canada. She hopped around to a few U.S. cities before landing in Lynchburg with her husband five years ago.

When Nour realized the recipes she cooked and craved were not represented anywhere in town, the idea of Tahini’s was born. Now, everyone can enjoy the flavors, spices, and textures that make up their unique menu.

Although none of the owners have restaurant experience, their diverse backgrounds bring a wide variety of flavors to the table from all over the Mediterranean… literally. Flavors from Greece, Spain, Egypt, and Palestine are all discernible and make their way onto your plate in a fast-casual environment.

While Nour says they have regulars who appear weekly and even daily, the staff is happy to help Mediterranean cuisine neophytes navigate their menu that features wraps, rice and salad bowls. She says the Beef Shawarma on the spit is always a huge hit; it’s only offered once a week, either Thursday or Friday. The Chicken Shawarma wrap is also very popular. They can satisfy vegetarian, vegan as well as gluten- and dairy-free diets.

Everything at Tahini’s is house-made, from the pickled turnips to the perfectly spiced hummus to the creamy baba ganoush. All sauces, dips, sides, and even their mayo is proudly made by hand.

Wash your tasty food down with a Stubborn Soda. Tahini’s is one of only two places in Virginia to sell the stuff (the other is in Richmond). Stubborn Soda has 90-100 calories, is made with all natural flavors, no dyes, no high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners.

Tahini’s has homemade (of course) baklava and also offers date bars and snickerdoodles from Harry’s Bakery just down the road. They also have recently implemented an online ordering system to make things more efficient and are now offer a catering menu for large events.

Even though this downtown eatery is only six months old, talks of an expansion are already in the works. So don’t miss out—head downtown to open your mind and your palate to a world of flavor at Tahini’s.

PHOTOS BY Lindsay Carico, Capture Photography

The sweet and savory creations at Cinn City are turning heads (and taste buds.)

By Rachel Dalton | Photos By Ashlee Glen

Lemony Snicket may have said it best in A Series of Unfortunate Events: “Anyone who gives you a cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven is a friend for life.”

If that’s truly the case, then we all have lifelong friends at cinnamon roll and beignet shop Cinn City, one of Downtown Lynchburg’s newest additions.

Co-owner Alex Richardson, who has a long-standing history on the Lynchburg restaurant scene, describes Cinn City as “a happy little place” where he is laser-focused on the quality of ingredients as well as the customer service provided to all who enter.

Richardson has a passion for all things local, organic and sustainable. He loves working with area farmers and producers within the community and, with that in mind, the concept at Cinn City is simple. “A soft, sweet yeast dough bread whether baked or fried is a great starting point that you can do so much with,” he explains.

Inspired by his travels to cafés and bakeries all over, he wanted to take the concept a step further here on his home turf. “The best way to describe Cinn City is as a Quick Serve Bakery cafe set up for you to get a hand rolled bun, sweet or savory, right out of the oven and build your own custom masterpiece from a wide array of frostings, spreads, sauces, toppings, fresh fruit compotes and veggie blends,” he says.

The combinations are endless, even more so this holiday season. But don’t feel as though you have to pick something wild to get the full experience. On a recent visit, I kept it simple and had a made-to-order, steaming hot cinnamon roll covered with traditional cream cheese frosting—it was the best cinnamon roll I have ever had.

Don’t miss the opportunity to try the rolled out, hand-cut, flash fried, powder sugar dusted beignets while you’re there. Add a dipping sauce of your choice. I added two (chocolate and raspberry) and had no regrets.

If you’re craving something for lunch or don’t have much of sweet tooth, order a savory bun that’s made with the same scratch-made dough as the cinnamon rolls but is filled with fresh garlic, olive oil and herbs. These serve as the perfect vehicle for Boursin cream cheese, gourmet sauces, sautéed veggies or a variety of meats.

Enjoy your delights with fresh ground fair trade coffee, espresso drinks, sodas, juice, or even Virginia craft beer and wine. There are gluten-free and vegan options available, weekly and holiday specials, ice cream and specialty desserts. They also offer large to-go orders so you can be the office hero with your delivery of rolls and beignets.

New Restaurant Boasts Vibe and Variety

By Rachel Dalton | Photos by Ashlee Glen

Lynchburg natives and seasoned restaurant industry pros Shawn Merrow and Nathan Hall were presented with the opportunity to lease the space at 512 5th Street in August of 2017.

No strangers to opening a restaurant, the restaurateurs were drawn to what is now Grey’s for a number of reasons, including the building itself, the courtyard, and the parking lot.

Why the name Grey’s? A quick history lesson: the space used to house Lynchburg’s original Greyhound bus station. Merrow and Hall liked the idea of the name being non-descriptive and one word. Hall tells me, “Heather grey is a crucial color” to the restaurant’s vibe and feel.

The restaurant opened in February featuring an eclectic, comfortable vibe that is casual and cool. It has quickly become one of Lynchburg’s favorites because of the knowledgeable staff, the ever-changing menu, the music, and the energy one feels immediately upon entering.

Grey’s is a great place to grab a drink from the full bar or plan a dinner with friends from the rotating menu. Speaking of drinks, most of the signature cocktails are the creation of Kathleen Elliott of Blackwater Bitters, Lynchburg’s locally, women-owned bitters’ company.

Having enjoyed Grey’s many, many times, I cannot refuse the burrata salad and the shrimp and grits on repeat visits. The owners tell me the trout cakes and ribs have quickly become customer favorites as well. They use local produce when in season and available.

Depending on the night, the menu often highlights varying features. Inventive tacos, empanadas, tostadas, and posole are only available Tuesday nights. Try the unique, evolving prix fixe menu for Wine Wednesday. Most Thursdays Merrow and Hall graciously donate 10 percent of sales to a local charity.

Check out Grey’s for lunch Tuesday-Friday when you can find fresh salads and sandwiches with imaginative ingredient combinations. The Saturday and Sunday brunch menu is unique and delicious, highlighted by avocado toast with bacon and the fried chicken biscuit with white cheddar gravy. If you can get Merrow to pour the white cheddar gravy on your entire plate, do.

Stay up to date with special events and food specials by following them on Facebook and Instagram at greysonfifth.

Grey’s
512 Fifth St, Lynchburg
(434) 616-4939
Find them on
Facebook & Instagram

Why This Bright Orange Spice Is Not Just Another Flash in the Pan

If you pay attention to any of the healthy buzzwords cycling around on the internet, you may have heard about adaptagens, superfoods, ayurvedics… the list goes on and on. Also a part of that group—turmeric.

With so much information available, a large amount conflicting, it can be hard to know what to incorporate into our daily routines and why. The great news about turmeric is it appears to be more than just a fad.

“As a physician, patients are constantly asking me about the latest health trends and turmeric is something that is not going to trend out, for very good reasons,” says Dr. Alexandra Cope, a licensed Naturopathic Physician in Lynchburg.

Still not sure where to start? We have answers to your top turmeric questions.

What is turmeric, exactly?

Turmeric is a spice derived from the turmeric plant with curcumin as its most active ingredient. It requires moderate temperatures and considerable rainfall to grow and thrive. While the spice may seem relatively new to hit the American food scene, it has been used in Asia and India for thousands of years.

You may have seen fresh turmeric in the produce section of the grocery store—it closely resembles fresh ginger. More accessible, though, is the ground, bright orange turmeric powder available on any spice aisle. Once predominantly found in Indian cooking, turmeric is now crossing over into a much wider territory.

How does it help my body?

Another big buzzword in the health and fitness world is inflammation—specifically, how to fight it. Inflammation of the body can play a role in a number of health issues from heart disease to Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that curcumin can inhibit many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation.

“Curcuma Longa (turmeric) is related to ginger, another anti-inflammatory herb. It has long been used in Vedic & Chinese Medicine to alleviate pain and as a blood mover,” says Dr. Cope. “It is balancing to all types of people in both of these traditions, which makes it a great daily health food addition for most people.”

Dr. Cope also explains how turmeric has become a popular alternative to over-the-counter painkillers.

“[Many of those painkillers] can have serious side effects such as liver-failure, hormone disruption, and GI bleeding. Many of these NSAIDs also block our body’s ability to release anti-inflammatory constituents, or slow the body’s ability to heal,” says Dr. Cope.

Also, while a glass of red wine or a piece of dark chocolate is a great way to up our antioxidant intake, turmeric can help with that too. Because of curcumin’s chemical structure, it is a super powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. (Those are the damaging bad guys.)

Turmeric’s powers don’t stop there. It has been cited to improve brain function, lower risk of brain and heart disease, treat and prevent cancer, lesson arthritic symptoms, delay the aging process, and fight depression.

How should I incorporate turmeric into my diet?

First, you should always speak to a doctor before starting any sort of new supplement. According to Rachel Sanders MPH, RD, Liberty University’s campus dietitian, the FDA has approved curcumin as a “generally recognized safe” compound up to eight grams a day.

What’s great about turmeric is it can be easily added to most dishes you are already preparing for your family. Sprinkle it on rice or quinoa, roasted vegetables, chicken or fish entrees, and soups and stews. You can also add it into your morning smoothie.

Sanders also shares that curcumin is lipophilic, meaning it “loves fat,” so in order to improve absorption in the body it should be consumed with fat. She includes such examples as olive oil, nuts and seeds. Until more research is done, Sanders encourages her patients to enjoy turmeric for its unique flavor and what it can add to a dish flavor-wise first and with the knowledge that it may also help with inflammation if absorbed.

Where can I find it?

Stone Spice Company
Lynchburg Community Market
Health Nut Nutrition
Kroger
The Fresh Market
Amazon

Iced Golden Milk

A Tasty Turmeric Recipe
You Should Try Today
2 cups unsweetened
non-dairy milk of choice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A sprinkle of cardamom
Pink salt and ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients up to the cardamom in a glass and mix well with ice. Garnish with a sprinkle of cardamom, pink salt, and black pepper to taste.

With a Pit Stop at Calle Cruz Miami

Editor’s Note: A few days before this issue went to press, the owners of Calle Cruz Miami announced they would be closing the truck until further notice. Their SUV was damaged in a storm, which made transportation for two food trucks very difficult. We hope they can reopen very soon. (Their UpRooted truck is still open for business.)

No strangers to the food truck life, you may recognize Jessica and Jonathan Gonzalez from their original venture, Uprooted. While you can still see that red food truck from time to time, the couple has decided to go back to Jonathan’s roots for their newest mobile eatery—Calle Cruz Miami.

How It All Began

Born in Nicaragua and raised in Miami, Jonathan came to Lynchburg by way of Smith Mountain Lake. After vacationing there with his family, he fell in love with the area and married Jessica, a Lynchburg native. They decided to put down roots in the Hill City.

While both have strong backgrounds in the restaurant industry, they chose to go in the direction of a Central American cuisine food truck “because it’s us on a plate,” Jessica says. “We eat these foods every day.”

What’s in a Name?

A lot.

Calle Cruz Miami has a very special meaning to the couple. “Calle is the Spanish word for ‘street.’ Cruz is the middle name of our son, Joziah Cruz Gonzalez, who passed away due to a car accident in 2013. Miami is where our food inspiration comes from, but is also where most of our family resides now,” Jessica explains. “In Spanish, it would be translated to ‘Cruz Street, Miami.’ Our food should be like taking a trip to Miami and trying the different cultures all on one street. It just comes out of one little Lynchburg trailer.”

Pick Your Poison Protein

Jessica and Jonathan make everything from scratch and consider Calle Cruz Miami a “fritanga”-style truck. Fritanga refers to a Nicaraguan-style cafeteria where you choose your protein and it’s served with rice, beans, yucca or plantains. While some of their ingredients can’t be found here—such as plantains and yucca—they source all bread, vegetables, chicken and ground beef locally.

The choices of protein on the fritanga-style menu include: Mojo Pork, Ropa Vieja, or Coconut Chicken served on a banana leaf bed of rice with a side of Cuban-style black beans, ensalada, and a choice of fried yucca, plantain chips with mango salsa, or maduros, which are fried sweet plantains.

So far, the Mojo Pork seems to be a Lynchburg favorite. They also serve Cubanos, Elotes and two drinks—Tamarindo and Horchata.

Collectively, the couple has eight children so they know plenty about feeding discerning palates and potentially picky eaters. They will also work with any customers who have food allergies—just let them know.

On the Move

Calle Cruz Miami has been following in Uprooted’s footsteps from the beginning, but they also team up with other local food trucks such as Nomad Coffee Co., Action Gyro, MayLynn’s Creamery, and T&E Catering for local food truck round ups. Just keep tabs on their Facebook page to learn where they will be each week. Jessica says they are also very open to invitations for private events.

If you’re apprehensive to new cuisine or not familiar with this style of food, Jessica and Jonathan won’t let that hold you back from their unique, bold flavors.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most of our food is in Spanish… we are happy to help you out!” she says. “We want people to feel like they’re in Florida with Bachata music playing, a Miami-vice looking logo, and eating foods that originated in Nicaragua, Cuba, El Salvador.”

Our Favorite Snacks at Six Local Restaurants

Summer is finally here and as the days get longer, the nights get later. Happy hour turns into dinner, dinner into drinks, drinks into live music and dancing. By that time, it seems everyone is ready to eat again.

But—is there anywhere to go for good food late at night here in Lynchburg? You bet there is. We have compiled a list of some old favorites and new hot spots to fuel you up no matter what time is on the clock.

The Water Dog, one of the newer additions to the downtown scene, is a go-to spot for icy cold beer and equally chilled oysters just about any time of day. But when the sun goes down and you’re out late with friends, sometimes you need a snack with a bit more staying power.

MUNCH ON THIS: We recommend their beer battered pickle spears that are made in house and fried to order. The crispy, crunchy lightly fried outside encases the briny, salty pickle inside. Give them a dip in the spicy aioli served alongside and you will quickly gain your second wind.

Jimmy’s on the James is a Lynchburg staple. Some people tend to go for the innovative dinner menu and others pay them a visit after dinner for bartender Bobby’s hand squeezed, freshly shaken martinis. No matter which category you fall into, everyone stays for the live music that changes each week. Jimmy’s late night menu won’t ruin your waistline either.

MUNCH ON THIS: On a recent visit, their seared tuna hit the spot. The delicately seared Ahi tuna is light and succulent and is topped with shaved zucchini, Brussels sprouts, and carrots dressed with a sesame poke sauce. Just because it’s late doesn’t mean you can’t get your greens.
Don’t think all of the best after-hours action is only happening downtown. Bräuburgers in Forest is serving up their entire menu each weekend until they close their doors at midnight. If you aren’t quite hungry enough for a second dinner featuring one of their fabulous burgers, they have plenty of appetizers and snacks to choose from.

MUNCH ON THIS: Our recommendation is to really go for it and choose from the Pommes Frites section of the elaborate menu. If you are looking for options, you’ll find them here. Waffle cut sweet potato fries sprinkled with cinnamon sugar will satisfy any sweet tooth or enjoy the haus frites with a special seasoning blend. There is even a gluten-free rosemary dusted option if you please.

Benny’s is the one place downtown you can eat late seven nights a week. Pop in anytime before midnight during the week, but if you are out on the weekend, enjoy their pizza until 2:30 a.m.

MUNCH ON THIS: We tend to order whatever the monthly special is (the breakfast pizza, when available, is always worth the order) but know you can never go wrong with a massive slice of pepperoni. Order up a whole pie to go if you have enough people in your group to carry the enormous box out the door.

The Emerald Stone Grille has a select late night bar menu available on the weekends from 10 p.m. until close. While traditional favorites such as Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips can be found on the dinner menu, the special menu has a dish we can’t pass up when we find ourselves there late.

MUNCH ON THIS: Our favorite late night bite is the pimento cheese fritters. Get a twist of the south at this Irish pub with the house made, lightly fried crispy treats. Served alongside a sweet and spicy pepper sauce, make sure to give your fritters a dip before grabbing your next Guinness.

The Texas Inn, or “the T Room” as it’s affectionately known to locals, rounds out our list as the one late night spot most of us have probably been to at least once or twice. The menu and the staff doesn’t change very often and you always know what you’re going to get.

MUNCH ON THIS: We suggest the obvious choices, but make sure you’re doing it right: a cheesy western—their famous burger topped with egg, cheese, and relish— and a bowl topped with cheese, more relish and onions. (If you’re really, really hungry, add “a dog” all the way too.) Hey, it’s late, go crazy!

Fill Up on Familiar Favorites with a Chilean Flair

Owners Pablo Cifuentes and his wife Elen Yaupi

Hippo’s is what you might describe as off the radar for now and its growing group of die-hard regulars are probably hoping it stays that way.

But we have a feeling it won’t.

The cozy vibe you feel immediately upon entering the location on Enterprise Drive in Wyndhurst is comforting and inviting—and the unique Chilean concept is authentic.

Owners Pablo Cifuentes and his wife Elen Yaupi are originally from Chile but have been in Lynchburg for over a decade. During this time they have been serving up their favorite dishes to family and friends who encouraged them to finally open a restaurant. Last summer, Elen decided she truly wanted to share her passion and cuisine with Lynchburg natives when she opened Hippo’s.

Speaking of their menu, Pablo says “it exposes several types of empanadas, baked and fried, as well as sandwiches from Chile. Our now famous steak and green bean and chicken and green bean sandwiches are another proof the delicious food from Chile.”

The steak and green bean sandwich is one of Hippo’s most highly rated items. In the words of one customer on Facebook: “WOW! From the marshmallow-soft bread to the hint of cilantro shining through, it was simply awesome and left me wanting another!”

Empanadas Made Fresh Daily!

The owners hope Lynchburg locals will appreciate the flavors of the empanadas, sandwiches, homemade salsas and desserts.

There are American options on the menu for those who aren’t feeling as adventurous. On a recent visit with a picky toddler, two ham and cheese Hippo’s were gone in a matter of seconds with the child looking around for more. It’s that good—from the soft fried dough encasing the delicate ingredients to the homemade salsa that is served as an accompaniment.

You must save room for the homemade sweets Elen proudly serves. The cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies are just two of the customer favorites. Take them on top of a scoop ice cream from the local Homestead Creamery.

Elen and Pablo are very grateful to their customers for their continued support. They love people and want everyone to enjoy their food with a touch of love and a feeling of home—as well as their home country.

Experience a menu that’s animal-free…but full of taste!

When you step inside the cozy space that is home to Urbavore on Church Street, you may see some familiar faces. Elizabeth Russell and Matthew Kaplan owned the Cheesy Rider food truck prior to opening their vegan brick and mortar restaurant at the end of 2017.

While the food truck was always vegetarian, the idea of opening a permanent space serving only vegan food has been the long-term goal. Both Elizabeth and Matthew are vegans who love to cook but also enjoy dining out. They realized the lack of options for vegans in Lynchburg and wanted to fill that void. The twosome chooses not to consume or purchase products made from animals out of concern for the environment, animal rights and their personal health.

However, regardless of your beliefs about the vegan lifestyle, there is something for everyone at Urbavore.

On a recent visit I enjoyed the Diner Burger with “cheese” (they use a vegan brand called Follow Your Heart), diner sauce, and sweet potato chips. My meal was prepared fresh, tasted delicious and was loaded with flavor.

The menu appeals to all palates—even if you think you don’t like vegan food. It is full of dishes that meat and dairy eaters love, just substituted with plant-based alternatives. With the exception of a few items, everything is made in-house including the burger, the sweet potato chips and the soups.

But they’ll admit when someone else can make it better. For example, the cheesecake comes from a vegan bakery in New Jersey that Elizabeth tells me came after a failed attempt to make the dessert themselves. After that, “we found someone who knows what they’re doing,” she says.

Their bread comes from local favorite Lorraine’s Bakery at the Lynchburg Community Market. Urbavore’s Reuben Burger is topped with “curtido,” which is an El Salvadoran ferment made by Gathered Threads in Roseland. When the temperatures warm up, the goal is to source more produce from farms around Lynchburg as well.

The husband and wife team love their downtown location and are excited to be part of its revitalization. Dinner service is in full swing, and they have applied for an ABC license. Elizabeth’s next plan is to get a retro scooter and deliver to downtown businesses. Long-term goals include fine dining in a larger space.

At Urbavore you can order waffles any time of day, enjoy crab cakes without eating seafood, or try the “eggs” on toast for dinner. Wash it all down with a Virginia-made Kombucha if you like. Finish feeling full and satisfied without the guilt; so you’ll never feel bad about grabbing a slice of that cheesecake or some chocolate pudding on your way out!

Before you start that New Year’s Resolution, check out these 4 locally-made desserts that we’re sweet on

Tis the season for overindulging, pouring another one, excessive eating—and definitely ordering dessert. These days almost everywhere you turn there is a bakery, pastry shop or food truck ready to supply whatever your sweet tooth desires. Check out these top local treats—just don’t ask us to pick a favorite!

Holiday Macarons
at Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely
Fabulous Treats

Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats has gained national attention due to the lovely owner Mrs. Joy, who won Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge in 2015. Her cookies are certainly tops, but they’re just a tiny sampling of all that she has to offer at the cozy Commerce Street business.

I was most interested in hearing about the treat Mrs. Joy has a love/hate relationship with—the delicate macaron. Even if every intricate step is followed the exact same way each time the macaron is prepared, outside factors such as the weather can prove disastrous to the final product. “They are the most finicky treat that I make and every time they go into the oven I pray they grow feet and look like they are supposed to,” she explained.

The good news is Mrs. Joy has perfected her macaron-making technique. The peppermint flavor macarons (made in the shape of an actual peppermint) are perfect for a hostess gift this holiday season. Or scoop up a few Christmas ornament macarons to take to a family dinner. Call ahead to make your order today.

Key Lime Bites
at Simply Irresistible Bakery

Sometimes the best treats are inspired by a “need” in the kitchen. Loretta Toulon, owner of Simply Irresistible Bakery on Jefferson Street, can make just about anything. But people swoon over her Key Lime bites.

“When I worked at Depot Grille, one of the managers was obsessed with my Key Lime pie. He asked if there was a bite-sized version he could just pop in his mouth whenever he wanted and this recipe was what I came up with,” she explained.

Her Key Lime bites have a lime sugar cookie crust with a Key Lime pie filling; we are sure you won’t be able to just have one.

The Jefferson
at Ice Cream Dream

Years ago, Bobby Walker used to dream of having an ice cream shop. Now, his ice cream dream is a reality on Jefferson Street, where he runs a hip, well designed, and unique sweet shop.

You’ll find all of your favorites on the menu, plus something you may not expect—Belgian waffles.

“I like the waffle idea because you can have so much fun creating different options using waffles, ice cream, and various toppings,” said Bobby. “Our ‘Classic Waffle’—a house favorite—comes with a golden brown Belgian-style waffle topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, a dash of powdered sugar, and a honey drizzle. It’s kinda like cake and ice cream. How can you resist?”

Oh Bobby, we can’t.

The waffles are scratch made in house each day and seem to be most popular for weekend brunch or even a late-night snack. The top seller waffle (and my personal favorite) is “The Jefferson,” which is topped with strawberries, bananas, whipped cream and Nutella, and a honey drizzle.

PSL
at Rookie’s

Rookie’s in Forest, previously known as Mookie’s, is the genius brain child of Jordan Nickerson and his wife Holly. They opened their “windows” in March and have been cranking out handcrafted ice cream sandwiches from their charming food trailer ever since. Jordan says for him, baking is therapeutic and gives him the freedom to do something he enjoys. But it’s also challenging and he’s constantly learning.

While the best seller for the husband wife duo is the Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie with Vanilla Ice Cream, there are plenty of seasonal treats to enjoy this time of year. Pumpkin Spice lovers can rejoice over the PSL, which is a Snickerdoodle Cookie with Pumpkin Ice Cream. They make the cookie from scratch and the ice cream comes from local favorite, Homestead Creamery.

When asked how he comes up with new flavors, Jordan tells me, “We just test and try until we find something that is awesome!”