WINTERVILLE, N.C. – Rebekah and I have several restaurants we love and go back to, but when the date is extra special – like our wedding anniversary (47-Years into this Epic Adventure) – it can be fun to try something new. Now we have another most excellent find to add to our list of favorites.

Main & Mill Oyster Bar & Tavern is one of those “this is a step up” eateries where the food is actually worth what you pay for it. Service, preparation, presentation and quality were all in the A+ range. The carefully restored building offered a positive – though noisy – ambience. Then I was especially impressed with the nuanced flavors in the sauces.

We started out with the flavorful “Pork belly and Brussels sprouts” appetizer, served over parmesan grits with a balsamic glaze (I had a few steamed oysters on the side).

Then Rebekah chose Lobster Ravioli with grilled asparagus, and I enjoyed a remarkable entrée, Chipotle Scallop Linguine. The scallops were perfectly seared and the chipotle cream sauce with bacon tasted pitch perfect.

Calories? Maybe a few!

Rebekah and I are not, traditionally, dessert people but this was our wedding anniversary so we shared – but could not finish – a sumptuous slice of Key lime cake! Then – and this is rare – the coffee was A) decent B) strong enough and C) actually hot!

Best of all is an evening where we could relax, not worry about cooking or cleaning up afterward, and simply enjoy one another’s company. Great 70’s music in the car both ways, amazing food, deep meaningful conversation and the best of company.

The day we were married (1979) we had no idea what being 35 together might possibly look like, let alone 70. Good grief my parents were still only 47 and 50! I think a better way to put it is, “This is what a lifetime of love looks like.”

We will take it. Sometimes just one day at a time. Aways, together.

Grateful – DEREK