What are some of the things that make small towns so doggone charming? Well, there are quaint streets which architecture harkens back to days of old, unique shops nothing like the big box stores, areas to sit outside and fun little cafés that are often housed in buildings that used to be something else.
So, what makes a café a café? In Comfort it seems to mean an intimate setting, fresh ingredients, friendly atmosphere, unique décor, outside space when the weather is amenable, live music at times and a welcoming place for groups to hang out! This month, we will focus on three such establishments: High’s Café & Store, Food for the Soul and Flamingo Street.
We will begin with the senior member of the trio, High’s Café and Store, located on High Street between Sixth and Seventh. The building, originally home to the Comfort Volunteer Fire Department, has been High’s Café since 2005, and it’s been going strong ever since. Just under a year ago, Daryn Petermann purchased the business from the original owners, Denise Rabalais and Brent Ault.
So how does the new owner of an iconic business make it her own? Daryn’s response is to keep everything that’s great about High’s, and little by little to add a few touches of her own. You will find the same eye-pleasing atmosphere and welcoming staff, much the same menu with new additions from time to time, everything made with fresh ingredients and an eye toward cleanliness and health safety. Who would want it any other way?
One post-pandemic addition is aptly called Happy High’s, and from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, you can enjoy special appetizers and drink pricing. Call it happy hour or early dinner and know that the regular menu of soups, salads and specials is offered Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m.
Another small-town feature you will find there are the regular groups that have a weekly day: Thursday school kids and moms, golf group, poetry lovers and Friday night beer guys. Pick your topic, pick your group and head on over.
The next stop is Food for the Soul. If nothing else, the name should entice you!
Owner Kathy Asher opened the first Food for the Soul in 2018 on Front Street at what is now the location of Flamingo Street. (More about that later.) And as often happens in small towns, a place on High Street became available in the same building as her husband Wade’s Just Chillin’ bar. So, in 2020, she relocated to the corner of High and Seventh streets.
Food for the Soul is open for lunch Tuesdays through Saturdays, and Kathy also offers a Friday steak night that allows you to enjoy a delicious dinner and then move through the doors that separate the café from Just Chillin’ and enjoy live music and more.
In response to the isolation of the pandemic, Food for the Soul initiated a Thursday night community potluck, and Kathy has continued that practice. It’s a great way to get to know the folks from around the area, and all are welcome.
A most interesting feature of Food for the Soul is the fact that the restaurant itself does not have a hot kitchen, other than the means to keep the soup warm. And yet the menu includes hot sandwiches, burgers, chicken and fish. Well, Kathy and Wade just happened to own a food truck, and it is conveniently parked just outside the café and serves as the hot kitchen. You can also enjoy cold sandwiches and a salad bar, Asian food on Wednesdays and don’t forget the homemade soup of the day.
The atmosphere is down home and relaxed and is served by a committed staff that makes Food for the Soul one big happy family!
Now for the newest kid on the block – Flamingo Street, located at 702 Front St. (Highway 27). The owner and chef is Debbi Low who hails from Alaska, believe it or not! For 11 years she was the executive chef at a high-end hunting lodge. Her sister moved to the Texas Hill Country and convinced Debbi to follow her. And here she is!
Flamingo Street is an intimate little place with a rustic yet classy design. The stamped tin ceiling is perfect, the bar is awesome and the décor is simple and integrated. I learned that in the bar, all the tables and the bench that runs pretty much the length of the room were all made by America Reclaimed, just down the road from Flamingo Street. Businesses working together is just another aspect of charming small towns!
Debbi prepares and serves food for lunch and dinner. (Check out her website at www.flamingo-street.com for hours and details.) She is waiting for approval of her liquor license. In the meantime, you may bring in your own favorite wine – no uncorking fee. The menu includes appetizers, salads, entrees, beverages and desserts. She offers a 16 ounce ribeye steak with pepper jack potatoes, and the catch of the day is served with lemon pepper sauce, just to give you an imaginary taste.
Debbie tells a great story about her time at the Alaska hunting lodge. George Strait took part in an exclusive bear hunt there, and Debbie oversaw his meals for 10 days. Now she is in Comfort, and he is not so far away. Maybe he will drop by Flamingo Street for dinner sometime. Now, wouldn’t that make the news?
Check out each of these delightful and appetizing cafés. You won’t regret finding even more of Comfort in Texas!
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