LUNCH- al fresco, please!

 We have been busy this summer. Between less than reliable weather and mega packed schedules, we have barely had enough time to enjoy the sunny days as they come. With September sneaking up on us, I feel like I have to make an extra effort to enjoy the good weather as it comes.

So yesterday, I made time. My kids are currently obsessed with the "bumpy slide" at Sam Benn Park so I surprised them with an impromptu picnic. We grabbed lunch at LUNCH and hopped up the hill to bask in the beautiful weather.

I chose the Chicken Bacon Avocado with a salad this time around. Did you know pretty much everything is made-from-scratch at Lunch? Even the little things you wouldn't expect. Like the vinaigrette. My pallette isn't refined enough to be sure if it was finely chopped onions or shallots in the dressing, but even an "unfoodie" would notice the difference in freshness. It's the little things that really make the difference.

It's not always easy to get away for lunch time, but having to sit down and to eat a meal is a good excuse to take some time out and make sure I don't miss the last rays of Summer. Maybe if I keep paying attention and appreciating the sun (like I should have been all summer!) Mother Nature will take notice and keep on shining through, oh, say November?

We'll see. But worst case scenario, the word on the street is Erin is conspiring to dust off some hearty, seasonal, and satisfying fall menu items. And Lunch's dining room has plenty of chairs and giant windows I can sit behind and admire autumn.

I would like to point out the proper distribution of bacon.

But I can worry about that in November. Now is the time to notice it's still summer.

Wonderful food awaits at LUNCH Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4pm. 

Call (360) 537-6095 to reserve a large table or just stop by 1006 North H Street in Aberdeen. Don't forget your picnic blanket!

(The Kids and) I Do LUNCH

I feel like some magical cosmic convergence happened yesterday. I left my house exactly on schedule with both kids in tow (probably a miracle) just in time to stew in a line of cars waiting to drive over freshly pressed oil. Some time during those extra 30 minutes of waiting to eat, my brain had fainted dramatically and refused to make any productive decisions because it-was-probably-going-to-die. Like. Any second. I started believing it was right until I was beckoned by a friendly navy blue logo shouting "LUNCH customers only. Park here." Thank you, sign.

You know how they say "Never go grocery shopping hungry"? They should said "Never pass up LUNCH when you are hungry". Erin (Owner. Sandwich Chef. Server. Cacti enthusiast.) knows how to feed people. I rushed through the inviting dining room and stood in wonderment before the giant menu board filled with food descriptions. I'm not really sure I actually read anything. I just trusted my eyes to directly connect to my gut and followed it's orders. There is no wrong answer on that board. With power words like BACON in multiple menu items, I did not feel worried. I felt like I should high-five that massive menu. I didn't because I've never met Erin before and didn't want to give her the wrong impression.

My belly chose the Turkey and Swiss with Cucumbers and Sprouts, and a cup of Aunt Bev's Wild Mushroom soup. I'm glad it was in control, because if I had been in a more stable state I would have stood in front of that menu for far to long. Everything sounded great. I do wish I could've stopped to think about taking a photo of the tower of a sandwich and well coiffed soup placed before me. Unfortunately, I didn't remember to document it until I finished a good bit of my sandwich. That, and my 2 year old heartily volunteered to slurp up my soup, whether I gave him my spoon or not. This is not a normal cold-cut sandwich. There is real, quality flaked turkey on wheat with at least half of a cucumber embraced by a generous cloud of fresh and lightly peppery sprouts. And mayo? Not normal mayo. I am pretty sure there was something special in there. Mustard? Sunbeams? It was delightful, summery and satisfying. The mushroom soup was not what I expected, but exactly what I needed. The broth is very light and refreshing, but still creamy and filling. It was well seasoned and hearty chunks of different mushroom shapes were tender, meaty, and earthy. Just how a mushroom should taste.
 

I learned a few things while I devoured each crumb of my meal. I learned that Erin has traveled, studied, worked and eaten her way through some impressive places and then found her way back to Aberdeen to build a restaurant around a sense of community and thoughtful, seasonal dishes. I learned that each recipe on the menu can be traced to a beloved family member. And I learned that Erin is ridiculously patient with prying and redundant questions posed by my four-year old. Thank you for talking about cacti for 15 minutes while I shoved a sandwich in my face. You are a life saver.

If you are looking for a quiet place away from the office, I recommend stopping into LUNCH to savor your sandwich, salad, or soup in peace. The dining room is spacious but Sam Benn Park is right outside the window and would be a great place for a picnic. If you are simply too busy to slip out for a break, LUNCH is open at 7:30am. Grab your coffee from their full espresso bar, munch on a pastry, oatmeal or other breakfast goodie and ask them nicely to pack your lunch for later. Nothing says "Productive Morning" like knowing what you'll be eating before noon! OR, are you currently reading this from work? (We won't tell) Feel free to salivate over their online menu with your coworkers and have Lunch deliver to you. There is a $45 minimum order, but once these menus start circulating, you'll find someone to split the bill. If your commute does not bring you through Aberdeen, fear not! LUNCH now offers a selection of pre-crafted gourmet sandwiches at the Tully's in downtown Hoquiam, Tinderbox Coffee Roasters in Westport, and Central Station Espresso in Central Park. Wherever you find LUNCH, be sure to share it with friends and enjoy the rest of your afternoon with a full belly

Wonderful food awaits at LUNCH Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4pm. Call

(360) 537-6095 to reserve a large table or just stop by 1006 North H Street in Aberdeen. Your tummy will be glad you did.

Hey There, Harborite: Erin Worth

Name/Age:  Erin Worth, 29

Where do you live: Aberdeen ,WA

Profession/Day job: Chef/Owner of Lunch

Loyal to: I bleed blue and gold baby....Bobcat all the way

Best Harbor Moment:  I was sitting in Starbucks with Callie Pratt and Krister Lile talking about the harbor and how we should change it or even if it was worth sticking around.  Suddenly we were talking about what we wanted on the harbor and within two hours I had been talked in to starting my own cafe.  It was the seed that over the course of six months turned in to my place Lunch.  It all started with a simple hypothetical question.

Favorite Coffee Stand: When I was younger I was very loyal to Coffee Cat.  But I have worked at the local Starbucks and now I serve Batdorf and Bronson coffee and Lunch so I just drink my own espresso when I get to work in the morning.

Favorite Local Business:  There are several.  I love Waughs because Trent is there and he keeps me informed about all the latest and greatest Washington Wines, but I'm alway pleasantly surprised when I go in the Country Closet.  The owner has so many cute items along with the season/holiday trend and I can't wait to see what she has for Valentine's Day.

Grunge, Metal or Country: I'm a little Country I have to say.  I was lost when Big D and Bubba left the air but now they are on the Big Foot County on the Harbor and they are the only people I can tolerate in the morning because they play quite a bit of music too.

Beach, Forest or River:  Beach.  I love the beach in the middle of a storm and I love the beach in the summer.  Westport is diverse with many things to see.  You can go to the Jetty and watch the surfers and then go walk the docks and buy fresh seafood right off the boats.  I wish more businesses were open year round but it's a nice afternoon adventure.

Favorite outdoor adventure or day trip:  I love the drive up the Quinault and walking the Big tree loop and then either having lunch in the Roosevelt room at Lake Quinault Lodge or driving over to the coast and having lunch at Ocean Crest or in Seabrook.  It's a nice loop even in the winter with newly paved roads and very little traffic.  When I have people come to town who have never been to the harbor I always do this with them.

Best way to stay dry on rainy days:  Stay at home with a good book and a fire or drive up to Walter Dacon in Shelton and see if there are any new wines and developments and have a chat about small business with Andy.

Define the Harbor in one word: supportive

If you could change one thing about the area, what would it be:  I want to revive downtown.  We all talk about wanting independent stores and a beautiful downtown area that we can be proud of but when we look at our bank statements and in this economy we all flock to the super stores like Walmart for the discount products and best deals.  We watched so many great places close over the years due to the fact that they can not compete with the slashed prices.  It's devastating to see 75% of the down town un-occupied and torn up.

Grays Harbor's best kept secret:  My Place!!! Lunch is growing but I'm still looking for more.  Once the spring hits there will be outdoor seating and homemade gelato.  I'm excited for the future of Lunch and everything it has to offer the public.

Lunch at Lunch

Since I recently moved back to Aberdeen after living in the big city, I've been dying for a hip cafe within walking distance from my house, so you can imagine my excitement when I heard about Aberdeen's newest eatery, Lunch.

I figured the food would be excellent since chef and owner, Erin Worth, was trained in Portland, Oregon (foodie capital of the world) and I was right! I had the chicken noodle soup which was so good. I only wish I could have tried everything on the menu... especially that mac and cheese, my guilty pleasure.


I was also thrilled to learn that they serve coffee and espresso drinks... and if I hadn't recently given up caffeine (dang it) I would probably be there every day.


This summer, Erin plans to add outdoor seating. I can see me now: a good book, an iced coffee (I mean, how long can I last without caffeine?) and my sunglasses sitting out front. Can't wait! And in other good news, she's planning special BYOB dinner events very soon, so all of you who typically work during her open hours get a chance to get some tasty tasty food with your can of budweiser glass of pinot noir.


Lunch is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4pm at 1006 N H Street, Aberdeen.