Mr. Blogger and I were enjoying lunch at one of our local restaurant treasures this week and it occurred to me how much our restaurant choices have expanded in this community in the last year. We don’t go out that often but when we do it’s nice to have a variety of restaurant choices. We happened to be trying out a long-time favorite of the community (but our first time there) “Once upon a Thyme”.
The menu had lots of options, the food was fresh, delicious and focused on farm-fresh ingredients. The atmosphere was fun too. The restaurant has a homey “deli” atmosphere and boasts a small store in the back where you can purchase specialized ingredients for your home cooking. The price was about $10 each for lunch sandwiches. If you haven’t been to Once Upon a Thyme, it’s located at 1090 NW State Avenue in Chehalis.
Here are some other restaurant treasures and my taste-testing notes. Where possible I have included the link to their website or their menu so that you can take a look at what they offer. Have fun!
Berry Fields (201 S. Pearl St., Centralia): Website: CLICK HERE
A great place for breakfast or lunch. Their soup, sandwiches and salads are hearty and delicious. Recommend 1/2 sandwich with a side of soup or salad.
Boccata (405 N. Tower Ave., Centralia):
Delicious Mediterranean food that will delight your senses. Try the vegetarian Risotto. Never had a “less than delicious” meal here!
South Pacific Bistro (432 SW 13th St., Chehalis): Web Menu: CLICK HERE
Yummy Chinese and Thai. By appearances you would describe this restaurant as a “hole in the wall” but like most HITW places it will surprise you how delicious the food is.
Dawn’s Delectibles (204 N. Tower Ave., Centralia) Website: CLICK HERE
Exceptional soups, sandwiches and desserts. I dare you to eat there without being drawn into their focus on delicious sweet desserts.
Tiki Tap House (404 N. Tower Ave., Centralia) Website: CLICK HERE
They specialize in pizza but I can also attest to their amazing salads!
La Tarasca (1001 W. Main St., Centralia) Website: CLICK HERE
The best traditional Mexican food in town. No chips and salsa here!
Thai Dish (712 Harrison Ave., Centralia) Web Menu: CLICK HERE
Simply delicious and authentic Thai! Mr. Bloggers favorite is Chicken Pad Thai (noodles, chicken and vegetables with peanut sauce).
The Branch (202 W Centralia College Blvd, Centralia)
Located in the Centralia Square building (next door to Berry Fields) this is a fun option for a light dinner prior to going to a movie or FOX Theatre showing in downtown Centralia. Small plate options mixed and matched are delicious and the view is great.
O’Blarneys (221 N. Tower Ave., Centralia): Website: CLICK HERE
My favorite is the corned beef – several choices for that on the menu year-round. Their menu is huge and goes well beyond corned beef.
Chehalis Deli (355 NW Chehalis Ave., Chehalis) Website: CLICK HERE
Traditional (amazing sandwiches) Deli food and a long time favorite of locals.
Main Street Grill (719 W. Main St., Centralia):
Solid menu of traditional country cooking.
Judy’s Country Kitchen (3210 Galvin Rd., Centralia): Website: CLICK HERE
So popular you have to be strategic about when to go to get a place to park. They are known for their great breakfasts and lunch burgers. Only open for breakfast and lunch.
Bill and Bea’s Drive Inn (1215 Harrison Ave., Centralia): Website: CLICK HERE
For when you need a very good burger with exceptional fries!
New Restaurant: Los Agaves (Located at the Fairway Shopping Center on South Gold street where the El Dorado restaurant was last seen) Website: CLICK HERE
Recently opened and still working out their pattern of service but the food was VERY GOOD. Very tasty and the salsa was exceptional. Dinner for two was about $30.
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There are many other great places to eat in Lewis County so send me a note of your favorites and I will add them to my blog list!
Quote of the Week:
You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food. – Paul Prudhomme
Happenings This Week:
Check out the monthly calendar on the Stillwaters website HERE for the latest in the busy month of October.
Sunday, October 2nd: Thurston County Through the Decades – Sample pioneer life and take a stroll back through the early days of the Thurston County in the Oregon Territory. BBQ and music too. Tumwater Falls Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, October 5th: Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner will be here to answer questions about the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. They will be here at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 12th: Dianne Dorey, Lewis County Assessor, will be here at 1:00 p.m. to explain how the Senior/Disabled Exemption works for property taxes. Age and income limits apply.
A special note: Mr. Blogger and I are traveling the next two weeks – we are off to see the Danube on a Viking River Cruise. We look forward to seeing castles and museums, drinking yummy coffees and eating an array of different foods. The blogs for the next two weeks will be repeats of “Fall” favorites from the past. If time and internet allows we will also post a few notes and photos along the way. Enjoy the weeks ahead and Bon Voyage!
