Satterfield's

If barbecue is on your mind, then make a lunch stop at Satterfield's in downtown Macon. Tucked away at 120 New St, this down home BBQ restaurant is a friendly place to take a break and enjoy a tasty lunch from a menu with plenty of choices. Satterfield's doesn't do a dinner service and isn't open on the weekend, but does offer catering and special events in the restaurant in the evenings and on weekends.

I enjoyed the Monday special this week; BBQ pulled pork with three sides - I chose slaw, potato salad, and green beans. This is good, simple, tasty Southern food. It hits the spot and has enough variety for various appetites. Their sandwiches are pretty tasty too. I've enjoyed the pimento cheese sandwich and the Litter of Piglets (pulled pork on three wheat rolls) in recent months.

Sit inside the restaurant or out in the screened-in porch. If you feel like you're being watched, you are - numerous pigs and piglets in all shapes and forms are watching you from vantage points all around the restaurant. I didn't let it make feel guilty about eating their relatives though. I mean, we're all on the food chain somewhere, right? Life is just better nearer the top!

Emilio's Cuban Cafe

Things were swingin' at Emilio's Cuban Cafe in Bonaire Saturday night. Located in the strip mall at 402 GA Highway 247, Suite 300, this welcoming Cuban cafe-restaurant is well worth a visit if you're in the area. When we arrived just after 7pm, the live music was cranked up and the atmosphere was buzzing. The main dining area was full and people were enjoying the entertainment. We were seated in a booth in the bar area and our server took time to explain some of the less-familiar items on the menu.

Emilio's menu offers a variety of authentic Cuban dishes ranging from sandwiches to full entrées. We chose the Lechon Asado (Mojo marinated roast pork) and the Ropa Vieja (slow-cooked shredded beef in a creole sauce). The entrées include sides with a choice of red or black beans; white or yellow rice; sweet or green plantains; and fried or boiled yuca.

Other than being a tad salty, the meats were delicious and the sides added a great variety of flavors and textures to the meal. The food arrived quickly and the portions were generous. We were well satisfied. Emilio's is a place to enjoy good food and hospitality, which are closely related in Cuban culture. Combining the food and the atmosphere, I felt in no hurry to eat and run. This was my first time eating Cuban cuisine and I'm definitely ready to try more. I noted that Emilio's is also open for breakfast, so maybe I'll stop by there one morning.

Between the Bread Cafe

Between the Bread Cafe, located at 588 Mulberry St., Macon, is an intimate downtown dining location in an historic building. Good service and atmosphere make the experience enjoyable before the food even hits the table. The menu offers a nice variety of light to medium lunches to suit many tastes. Pastas, salads, sandwiches, hobbit-worthy loaded potatoes, and interesting specials are sure to delight.

This Friday lunch I eventually managed to decide on a slice of quiche from the Specials board with a side of fresh fruit salad. Wow, it's been a while since I had quiche, but this was one of the best I ever remember eating. The fruit salad was so fresh, I could smell it as it arrived at the table. The loaded potatoes looked really good too. I would have eaten one of those as well, but I had to go back to work and remain awake and productive for the afternoon, so I refrained.

An interesting concept, Between the Bread Cafe becomes Michaels on Mulberry for the dinner service. I'll check it out one evening before a show at The Grand Opera House.

Adriana's

It is only fitting that my first post about a great dining experience be about my all-time favorite lunchtime eatery. Adriana's Cafe in downtown Macon (359 3rd St) is a delightful Italian cafe with a bustling atmosphere. It's really popular so I've learned to try to get there before the lunchtime rush. That said, it's always been worth the wait!

On Friday last, I enjoyed their salmon pasta with a Greek salad for lunch. It was flavorful, light, and satisfying. Their Greek salad really rocks. It is laced with garlic and filled with Mediterranean flavor. They also feature a sun-dried tomato soup with walnuts which is rich, tasty, and downright moreish. The spell-checker doesn't recognize the important culinary term "moreish." It's not rocket science - it means one bowl is never enough!

I've often gazed longingly at the delicious-looking cakes that they display in the dessert bar. I'll be sure to let you know when I try one. I'll pair it with a good espresso or cappuccino.

Middle Georgia: My Shire

Ever since I first hung my hat in Middle Georgia, I've been enjoying a great variety of culinary experiences. When I interviewed for my job here, I got to experience one of my all-time favorite lunchtime eateries to-date. When I relocated here, I was furnished with a list of good restaurants by my colleagues. Food is definitely on people's minds here in Middle Georgia, and that's a good thing in my book!

The places at which I have paused to enjoy a meal vary greatly - from fast food joints to restaurant chains; from family-run specialty eateries to formal restaurants - but most of them have had one thing in common: I'd be happy to tell my friends to go there and try it for themselves. And I do. Sure, I have my favorites which I frequent but I'm always on the lookout for something new.

This blog is a record of the memorable places I'd like to share with y'all.