For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
Here I am this morning writing another one of those, “We are so happy to be living here” posts, offering more evidence that Tarboro is one exceptionally cool small town
To be fair (and I hope our new local peeps will understand this), Rebekah and I have always been enthusiastic about where we have been privileged to live; it comes with the positive, intentional, grateful orientation we have to this gift that is life. Pensacola! Brandon! Wake Forest! And now Tarboro! What’s not to like?
So Friday afternoon we took Max for a walk through the center of town. It was cold and clear, but we kept up a brisk pace and didn’t freeze too badly. Being cold just made the hot cup of tea that much better when we got home.
Walking back down East Saint James Street. we passed the popular On the Square restaurant. “Think we can grab last-minute reservations for tonight?” I said. “If they have a table available then it’s meant to be,” Rebekah replied.
So at 6:25 – and this is what I love about living in the old section of town – we donned our jackets and scarves, stepped out onto the street and walked the 800 feet for our 6:30 reservation.
Did On the Square Deliver?
Readers know how I like to write about our “elevated” dining experiences (like Pooles in Raleigh), and 2023 was exceptional in that regard (especially with the help of the cruise – click here for food photos you will drool over!). But there are seldom more than a handful of such meals in the space of a year. Well, Friday night absolutely set my new standard for 2024.
On the Square hit all the right notes.
The restaurant is located in a beautifully restored downtown building that still drips with character. The atmosphere is classy but at the same time inviting; the service – hosting and wait staff – is exceptional; the menu is imaginative and offers great choices; and the food that we selected was some of the best we have enjoyed in a long time.
We started with Fried Brussel Sprouts in a Saigon Vinaigrette. Then Rebekah chose the Grilled Canadian Salmon with sautéed spinach, whipped potatoes, dill, and tomato concasse.
I ordered Shrimp and Scallop En Croute, with spinach, mushroom, scallion, and a white wine sauce. For desert we had a Carrot Cake that has to be experienced to be understood!
On the Square is well known for its wine list, but I simply ordered a glass of Lohr Cabernet from California; my selection was well priced and surprisingly good.
So here we are. Small town, amazing church, wonderful people, the best of hospitality, historic community – and now a world-class restaurant.
Have we landed on our feet? I’d say that’s a big “YES!” – DEREK
