I heart blarg: January 2008

The first candidate is "Corner Cafe", a small independently owned restaurant located in Lathemtown. Situated on the corner of Arbor Hill Road and Hwy. 20, the building housing Corner Cafe has undergone major transitions in ownership. The location began as a filling station, was then a sporting goods store and then made the jump to restaurant before falling into the hands of the current owner. The fare is american with a touch of tex-mex, Asian and Italian thrown in for good measure. $3 beers and killer burgers attract regular lunch and dinner guests as does the locally relevant equestrian-themed decor. Corner Cafe has gotten by for the past 15 years with one cook (who also happens to be the proprietor) and one waitress. Friendly, no-frills dining with plenty of variety keeps customers coming back week after week to one of the few places I know of that accepts payment in leftover vacation Euros.

Key words: reliable, casual, varied, friendly, clean

The second candidate is "Woodstock Coffeehouse" located off of Hwy. 120 in Hickory Flat. This coffeehouse has a mellow, laid back atmosphere with lots of mood lighting, original works of art and ambient music. The owner makes your latte while you chill on a couch, enjoying the free wi-fi. Proud brewers of their own house blends of coffee, the Woodstock Coffeehouse offers a full lunch menu of sandwiches made with BoarsHead deli meat and daily specials including the "red hot chili pepper soup." There is a second location on Towne Lake Parkway in Woodstock. Hardly having to compete with the Waffle House down the street, Woodstock also boasts a drive-thru to make fueling up on your favorite neighbor's daily brew that much more convenient.

Key words: Chill, comfortable, relaxing, welcoming, neighborly

Woodstock Coffeehouse

The final candidate is "Moxie", a gift and accessories shop also located off of Hwy. 120 in Hickory Flat. Moxie offers great gifts for all occasions, from weddings and baby showers to anniversaries and birthdays. There is also a great selection of unique jewelry and decorative items. Many great handmade and imported goods compliment Moxie's unique wares and boutique-esque environment. New to the area, Moxie brings a refreshingly urban flare to the development, sharing a parking lot with a tractor supply store. This shop is an unexpected find and is sure to bring customers back for the rare and eclectic selection at surprisingly affordable and non-boutique prices.

Key words: Eclectic, unique, personal, inviting, hip