Here's a post I wrote while on the road driving up to Massachusetts a couple of days ago.
Today we visited a gem of a town well off the beaten path - Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Driving into town, you see two and three story buildings of brick, white painted stone and wood originally built during colonial times.
We parked and then took in our first views of a tasteful selection of boutiques, coffee shops and cafes. For us, it was lunch time, so we sought the right lunch place. Several places looked okay, but the menu choices at Stone Soup Bistro drew us in.
Our host said no seats were available inside, but would we care to sit outside? We agreed to take a look. He led me down A stone path which led to an open garden with several tables. We were alone save for blooming flowers, a wooden trestle and sunshine. We were off to a fine start.
My son stepped out to make a phone call and I relaxed in our private alcove. Our waiter came with menus and explained the specials. My son ordered an herb tea to go with steak sandwich and I opted for their lamb gyro.
We bathed in the sun and reveled in the petite garden. Soon the tea arrived, an infusion of hot water and herbs imbued with scents of chocolate and leather. We drank the tea after steeping and it measured up to the aromatic prelude -- yum.
Next, the main event. My gyro featured tender shoulder of lamb and fresh greens in a whole wheat wrap - updating this Greek comfort food in spectacular fashion. My son had steak and cheese on a
baguette; the morsel I tasted was tender and had a subtle hint of marinade.
After lunch we walked along German Street -- the main drag -- stopping in at shops that struck our fancy. We browsed the bookstore next to the restaurant, which offered an eclectic assortment of new and used books, including works about the local area. Across the street is a cooking goods store of astounding quality. My son caught a photo of me by their wine nook.