The servant said, ‘Master, your instructions have been followed and there is still room.’ The master said to the servant, ‘Go to the highways and back alleys and urge people to come in so that my house will be filled. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’” – Luke 14:22-24

I hesitate to write this post because, selfishly, why would I want more people to show up at my favorite restaurant and potentially make us wait for a table?

Of course the answer is the same reason I invite people to church. “If you want to be fed, then this is the place.” Not just fed but offered the delicious and delectable creative best.

So if you have time for a good story I will tell you why Rebekah and I dined at On The Square Saturday evening. In fact it could be said that there is a direct cause and effect link between the cheesecake, the church and the renovation we’re involved with on St. Patrick Street.

(Note to the table who picked up our tab: may God continue to bless your generous hearts with grace and goodness and peace…)

Our Tarboro origin story:

Back in the fall of 2023 Rebekah was talking with the team responsible for finding an interim pastor here at HMPC. They graciously invited us for dinner in the church hall and somebody – I think it was Jim Winslow – picked up a cheesecake for desert.

Other than being a fabulous human being and a wonderful preacher, Rebekah’s other mission in life is her quest to find A) the world’s best lasagna and B) the world’s best cheesecake. The pastor search team may not have known this, but it’s possible the Holy Spirit tipped them off because – at least as regards the cheesecake – Rebekah’s search is over.

We have enjoyed world-class cuisine at On The Square a number of times since moving here but, alas, no cheesecake on the menu. So a few weeks ago I called to make a reservation, asked if there was any cheesecake that night, and canceled when they said “no.”

Apparently they put a note beside my name. Probably something like, “Grumpy old guy with a vaguely British accent really likes cheesecake.” A few days ago we had lunch there with friends and Paige – who was running front of shop – recognized me and said cheesecake was on the menu this weekend.

Paige not only made us a reservation on the spot but went out of her way to set aside a couple of slices before we arrived.

It was all beyond amazing!

So, the cheesecake was great, but for me the entrée and the appetizer were even better – possibly the best restaurant meal I have had this year.

For an appetizer we delighted in the Prosciutto Grilled Peaches, with Watermelon, Goat Cheese, Shiso, Jalapeno. The delicate balance of flavors, the way the peaches, wrapped in prosciutto, gave the palate a dance of sweet and savory along with the subtle textures of watermelon and goat cheese – it was brilliant.

Then Rebekah enjoyed the North Carolina Flounder with Summer Vegetables, Panko Crust, Caper Beurre Blanc and I had the rapturously delicious Sliced Shoulder Steak with Purple Potato Salad, Googootz & Eggs, Pesto, Red Wine.

I am a decent writer, but I cannot begin to do justice to how amazingly good my plate was. Tender, perfectly prepared, with a gravy I would have finished using my finger as a spatula had I not been in public. I paired it with an excellent Cabernet and challenge anyone to offer me something better in the way of beef.

Church and the Bread of Life

So, church. You could stay home and miss the goodness God has for you or you could meet me at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church and experience the delicious and delectable creative best.

Yes, Jesus offers “The Bread of Life” without exception. But – like our friends at On The Square – here at HMPC we want to make sure that what you are fed is the very best.

I hope to see you there. Peace – DEREK