Posted July 3, 2009

Rebecca J's Fudge Shoppe and the Red Ribbon

A friend called and said, "I've heard from a friend about a restaurant in Cleveland, TN called Rebecca J's Fudge Shoppe and it's beneath the Red Ribbon gift shop. Be ready at 11:00 - I'm taking you to lunch."

Have I mentioned before that I have incredible friends?

Always up for lunch, I figured I could revise a manuscript later and pulled on some clothes.

Once there, we walked through the door and spotted a "Believe" sign. Immediately, we were greeted by Carrie Green and Mitchell, her husband, wearing aprons that said
"Cookies" and "It's chocolate that's a girl's best friend." You can't help but love people who think along those lines. At once, I started believing for a scrumptious meal because from looking at the menu, it looked like a place I wanted to visit every chance I could get.

In the renovated basement of a white house trimmed in red, we were served up tomato pie - my first - and an oriental chicken salad that was so huge it had to be shared. I had eaten tomato sandwiches all of my life, but tomato pie? Made with herbs and a blend of cheeses, the pie crust was to die for. Pacing myself, I decided I'd go back another time for cherry cobbler with pineapple and coconut - with some Fudge Overboard to sneak home.

I'd have to hide it from Jasper and Tootie. Then eat every crumb. (Don't want any more garbage raids.)

It was later, and full to the gills, my friend and I waddled up to the Red Ribbon. Nancy Casson's all-year Christmas store carried a little bit of everything. My favorite was a man's apron with a picture of a blazing grill. It said, "Men Like To Barbeque" - (Men Like To Cook If There's Danger Involved). Then there was a cute powder room hand towel that said, "Guests of a Guest Cannot Bring a Guest."

Nancy caught us up on what she was reading and of course, we had to make a drive-by to the local used book store to try to find a copy. No luck. However, we'll be waiting like vultures until it hits the shelf.

Until then, it's back to working on my own story.

In the meantime, while I'm waiting for my agent to call with good news, gotta remember to: