First need in the reform of hospital(ity) management? That’s easy! The death of all dietitians, and the resurrection of a French chef! – Martin H. Fischer

One of the advantages of living in a small town is the opportunity it affords to create a running list of items we can’t get here, then saving them up as an excuse for an excursion and a restaurant at a nearby city. Raleigh, Greenville, even Rocky Mount!

So this week we headed to Greenville for Staples, Trader Joe’s and dinner at a one-of-a-kind eatery. “Native Fine Diner” is located in the historic Dickinson Avenue Arts District, utilizing the rehabbed iconic Carolina Grill Diner that first opened in 1903.

Rebekah and I always enjoy the experience of a “chef-driven” restaurant, where the food and the flavors are locally sourced, unique and creative. This place also checks the box of being in the heart of Greenville’s revitalization project, and we deeply appreciate entrepreneurs involved in rebuilding community – investing not just financial resources but their commitment and imagination and creativity.

After sharing a remarkable appetizer – house farmer’s cheese, honeycomb, sumac roasted hazelnuts, crispy mint, grilled sourdough – I enjoyed the chef’s flavorful Beef Pastrami Sandwich and Rebekah had the chicken.

The star of the show, however, was the restaurant’s house fries with truffle, gruyere and herbs. There is a delicate balance at play when including truffle, and Native Fine Diner got it just right.

After dinner we found what we needed at Staples then picked up supplies at Trader Joe’s. Having a Trader’s inside a 30-mile radius is, I believe, critically important if we are going to make this small town life work!

Not a Food Snob but an Artisan Fan!

I once described myself as a “food snob” – but that is not true. I’m an “artisan appreciater” and a “connoisseur of creative imagination and passion in the kitchen.”

In other words, I really, really love great food and I value those who care about their work.

It’s how we should all approach living every day, and faith, and health, and family – nurturing and valuing and respecting this beautiful gift that is life. – DEREK