Pleasant Pondering by Tammy Gilbert

Nothing is quite as interesting and gives a person as much fodder for writing than hanging out in a small town coffee shop. It literally feeds all your senses. Of course, it's the place you go to receive the "Nectar of the Gods"...mine comes with whipped cream and sprinkles. And it's the place where I pop in and say "Hey ya'll, what's for lunch?" and it's always something warm and inviting...today just happened to be Steve's Famous Chili...it's amazing. It's the place for tasty coffee and good conversation. The most interesting part is the collection of folks that frequent the place. It's the "regulars" that come by to stay awhile, they are the most intriguing bunch. They tell the stories and pass the time playing cards, laughing and joking, and taking about the local news of the day. What a bunch of characters they are. They are as varied as the wintertime temperatures in the South. It's truly an eclectic bunch of folks. There's something about sitting there in that place with the exposed beams in the ceiling and the old brick walls, the sunlight streaming into the front windows, watching the people going up and down that old sidewalk...it'll beckon your mind back in time to visit a bygone era where Main Street was the place to be and "Mom & Pop" businesses were the norm and ever so vital for the local economy. You learn to genuinely care about the people there. That little group of folks in that little coffee shop somehow become extended family and before you realize it, that little coffee shop becomes home to you...kind of like a little oasis, a veritable haven. When you go in that door you are wrapped in the comfort of smiles and the smells of caffeinated heaven. This is a place to spend time, spin yarns and weave words. So, when people ask me why I love that little coffee shop so much, honey the coffee is good...but the people...the people are absolutely grand.

Some Better Ideas

OK, so you're really hungry and you still haven't had your lunch or dinner so you begin to think about your choices. You could go to the typical fast food burger joint. You know the type with the heat lamp sandwiches ready and waiting. Ready and waiting all day in some cases. You mark that one off and continue. Maybe a taco would be nice. Nope, soggy shell with a lump of processed "beef" and a few shreds of cheese just won't cut it. So if you're still confused (and hungrier) after all of this thoughtful contemplation, let me make a suggestion. Come to Monkeez Brew. You already know that we have the best cup of coffee in town but did you also know that we have great food as well? Jalapeno grilled cheese sandwiches are a must if you like peppers and spicy food. This is a great item on a cool evening especially with a hot bowl of Monkeez Brew's own, award winning, homemade chili. I like to tear the sandwich and dip it into the bowl (this is a leftover habit from elementary school but at our kid friendly coffee shop it's totally acceptable behavior). The chicken salads are delicious as well. There's traditional and craisin chicken salad (with dried cranberry raisins). I'm quite partial to the latter because of it's unique, slightly sweet taste. We also have ham, turkey and veggie sandwiches as well. Then to finish, have a muffin or homemade cookie for dessert and wash it all down with a cold Orange Crush or our great hot coffee. The pace is slow here and laid back so after you've finished your meal stay awhile and relax with us before going about the remainder of your day.