Menu
Menu

Light, Love, Hope

Light in the Darkness Surrounded by Love with Hope for those in need.

Restaurant Reviews

Your Perfect Day

, , 1

How would you describe your perfect day?

For me, any time spent with my family is perfect in my eyes.  Whether we’re going on an adventure in the RV, or lounging around the house watching movies … if I’m with my family, I’m extremely happy and content!

This weekend has been perfect in my eyes.

I love exploring places we’ve never been before.  Restaurants are no different.  While we have our “favorites,” it is nice to try new places.  Friday after work, I was mindlessly scrolling through Facebook when an article caught my eye.  It was about the oldest restaurant in Columbia.  Three generations have owned and operated it, with the current ones being the great grandchildren.  It was impressive enough for me to gather my family in the car and head that direction for a nice meal.  And, it did NOT disappoint either!  Villa Tronco was a quaint little restaurant in downtown Columbia that I’d never heard of before reading the article.  I can assure you that after Friday’s Italian meal, we will definitely be going back.  We also recommend this place to any one visiting in our area.  The food was so good that my youngest daughter actually wanted to lick the plate clean!  I didn’t let her, mind you, because we do have manners.  HA!

It’s been so hot here in the South where it is torture to ride with the top down in the convertible unless it’s later in the evening.  As we left the restaurant, I put the top down on my Volvo and enjoyed the ride back home with the music turned up and the wind blowing through my hair.

Saturday, we spent a great deal of time at home with my husband tending to the lawn while our horses grazed freely in our yard.  Then, as the day turned into evening, we took our horses for a sunset ride.  Although it threatened thunder off in the distance, the storm held off for us to ride for a good hour and a half.  I did not want to leave, it was that peaceful!  There was a refreshing breeze blowing, and it made for a most comfortable trail ride providing a break from the summer heat we felt earlier in the day.

Sunday was spent around the house watching movies, laughing and playing with my children, and loving on our dogs.  My husband finished cutting the front of our property, which with six acres is no small task.  An evening storm rolled in awakening me from my much appreciated nap I had taken earlier in the day.  Another movie, a short swim in the pool for my little one after the threat of the storm subsided, and that wrapped up a perfect weekend for me!

A Perfect Day

 

Michael’s Cafe & Catering

2

My husband and I had the pleasure of attending an event this week for the grand opening of Michael’s Cafe & Catering, located at 1620 Main Street in Columbia, South Carolina.  Michael’s Cafe & Catering has a contemporary atmosphere offering hot breakfast and even a Sunday brunch!   They offer daily specials, handcrafted signature sandwiches and salads, a fine selection of craft and imported beers as well as a wine list featuring international and domestic favorites if you’d like to partake of “spirits.”    And for those that would like to have a working lunch, they also offer free Wi-Fi.

We felt welcomed from the moment we walked in the door as Executive Chef Michael Fusco and friends greeted us.  We were immediately offered beverages of our choice upon our arrival and ushered over to where the food was so eloquently displayed.  We mixed and mingled with their staff and other bloggers at this event, and it was wonderful to socialize in this atmosphere with other “foodies.”

Michael

Chef Michael had a variety of salads on display.   I had a hard time deciding on a favorite between the Cobb Salad and a Greek Salad with Chef Michael’s homemade dressing to go with it.  My husband made a bee-line straight for the Shrimp Salad, and I’d say that one got his vote as he went back for seconds!   

Michael3

There were several sandwich choices from Philly Cheese Steak, Grilled Pimento Cheese, and Hummus & Veggie Wrap just to  name a few.  Although it was a toss up between the Philly Cheese Steak and the Grilled Pimento Cheese, I’d have to say that the Philly Cheese Steak won me over in the end.   Michael’s also offers Pimento Cheese Dip, so my taste buds were dancing with delight!  

Michael1

 

Also, while I am not a huge fan of Chicken Salad, I will have to say that Michael’s Chicken Salad had me going back for more!  It was delicious!

Cookies were brought out for dessert, and they were melt-in-your-mouth goodness.  Confession time:  I could not eat just one … or two.  (Don’t judge me! ~smile~)

Michael took us around to show off what is sure to be a gathering place for many!  There is a huge conference room which would be great for company meetings or after church gatherings!   It is big enough to accommodate any group!

Michael7

Michael showed us his prep room which is perfect for culinary classes!  He is, in fact, entertaining the idea of having classes here, and if he does, my husband said he would be among the first to sign up.  He was THAT impressed!

Michael4

Michael, then, took us into the kitchen where the meals are prepared.  It had such a nice feeling of home, though, that it felt only natural to gather in that area to converse.  

All in all, we had a wonderful dining experience.   We enjoyed wonderful food with a super group of people, and we highly recommend this restaurant to you!

Michael’s is currently open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.   Be sure to inquire about them catering your next event by calling 803-726-CAFE.

If you’re in the Columbia area or just passing through, be sure to check them out!  You will be so glad you did!

To learn more about Chef Michael, click here to go to their website! 

Michael2

Miller’s Bread Basket

, 12

My family and I discovered a little gem a few years back in Blackville, South Carolina called Miller’s Bread Basket. We stopped in for supper one Thursday evening, and our taste buds were delighted by the absolute best Amish-Mennoite cooking around! They had a variety of homemade cooking from fried chicken, Salisbury steak, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, rice and gravy, green beans, and broccoli and rice casserole just to name a few of our favorites! They also had different kinds of bread made fresh in their store. One knows that the meal isn’t complete without a fine dessert to top it off, and there were plenty of homemade desserts to choose from as well.

My nine year old daughter is always anxious to finish her meal so that she can set off to discover what treasures she will find this time in their little store. As you make your way through the restaurant, you will find racks of books that they offer for reasonable prices. I am, indeed, a bookworm, so I have to browse through all of the different titles to choose from. My ever so impatient daughter pulls at my arm as she says, “Mom, come on … this way!” More