Chez Pierre

Chez, as they like to call it, is a French American restaurant located in the Midtown area on Thomasville Rd. The yellow awnings that cover the climate controlled deck are canopied by large oak trees making Chez hard not to spot from the street.

That night there was heat lamps scattered about the outdoor seating area. It was chilly and damp and the heaters made sitting outdoors optional but Christine and I decided to sit inside because, well... I am perpetually cold and an unpleasant internal temperature can greatly affect the enjoyment of a meal!

There are many different dining areas with in the restaurant making it a good place to throw a birthday or other large gathering. If your party is large enough there is definitely a chance that you'll have a room to yourself. Christine and I were seated in a smallish room near the bar and main entrance. Our table sat next to a window with plantation shutters blocking our view of the outside. I began to hear the rain fall on the sill and felt a sense of cozy comfort dining in the warm shelter of the restaurant. The only thing that would have made this better was a glass of red wine. Unfortunately, it was a just 10 days shy of my 21st birthday!

Scanning the menu, I knew I wanted a few appetizers. Christine did too so we ordered a plethora of items!

First we ordered the border snacks which is a French version of chips and salsa. On the plate was fresh guacamole, nopalitos salad, which is a pickled olive and green bean salad, charred tomato salsa & salsa verde with a big bowl of red, white and blue corn chips. Then I spotted the smoked salmon tartines (caper, dill, olive Tapenade, herbed crème fraiche). It was fantastic especially if you are a fan of smoked salmon like moi! Finally, we ordered two French classics french onion soup and escargot. Top all that off with crusty warm bread and soft butter and you can see why this was the perfect French feast!

Chez is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch! Bon appetit!

Hopkins Eatery

I am always eating but it has been so long since I have eaten at a place worth blogging about! Hopkins Eatery has really impressed me and I have eaten there numerous times throughout this semester. It's casual, quick, and reasonably priced. I also think that if you want hearty, homemade tasting food that is slightly gourmet, Hopkins Eatery is definitely something you should try.

There is something about the word "eatery" that is so inviting. It always reminds me of a gathering of people eating (of course), laughing, and being in the moment with their food. Whether it's just a 30 minute lunch break or a Holiday luncheon Hopkins can take your mind away from the daily grind and allow you to focus on the simplicity of good food in a comfortable atmosphere.

There menu is complete with a variety of salads, over 25 sandwiches, homemade soups, sinful sweets, and fountain drinks. When I walked in for the first time the line was out the door. It moved fast however and I was able to really scan the menu before ordering at the counter. The first time I went, I ordered the Salad Nicoise- peas, carrots, potatoes, eggs, onion, lettuce, and tomato, topped with a fresh scoop of tuna salad, not to heavy on the mayo and bright, crisp and creamy! I also had the soup of the day which was Thai Chicken Noodle. I sat with some friends and waited about 10 minutes before they called my name. The salad was chilled and the soup was hot. I got the house dressing on my salad- a Parmesan vinaigrette. It was a friendly, enjoyable first time.

Since then I have gone at least once every couple of weeks. I am a fan of the Cracked Wheat, Fruit and Cheese Salad-- Bulgar wheat, Granny Smith apples, dates, toasted almonds, green onions, grated mozzarella cheese. Served on Romaine with a yogurt, honey and lemon dressing and a piece of banana bread! Mediterranean Tuna Salad- fresh lettuce, white beans, black
olives, feta cheese, tuna, onion, tomato, and bell pepper. Served with a Light Olive Oil and Lemon dressing. And, The Garden Sandwich- A hot cheese and veggie combo on a Pumpernickel bun. Layers of spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, sprouts, sunflower seeds, green pepper, green onion, Swiss, provolone, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise make this sandwich crunchy, smooth, and satisfying! I've also had there Congo Bar which is a rich dessert with a grahm cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk filling, coconut, and chocolate chips. To die for!

Don't forget about there decadent cakes that can be specially ordered for any occasion!

Hopkins had two locations: North Monroe & Market Street and they are open Monday-Saturday!