| Let's Do Lunch on Limoges in Dade City |
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| February 23, 2009 |
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Let's do Lunch on Limoges. I'd heard about doing just that for years. Friends would get a dreamy look recalling their Lunch on Limoges. Now I know why.
Located on Courthouse Square in historic Dade City, Lunch on Limoges is inside the Williams Fashion Center. Phil Williams runs a clothing and collectibles business that has been in his family since 1908. His partner Skip Mize built the kitchen area 29 years ago right out on the floor of the store. It all happens right there, in front of customers, and Skip loves it that way. "I like interacting with the customers, it is my favorite thing," he says.
Lunch tables spread out into the Games area, the Gift area, even Woman's Clothes. The name Lunch on Limoges made me think of a tearoom and sandwiches on white bread with the crusts cut off. Banish the thought.
The first thing to arrive at your table is a small basket containing mini fruit muffins and a side of fruit butter. Your plate for the muffins is, of course, Limoges. There! They've done it. The muffins are wonderful.
Now, on to lunch. The day's offerings are written on a huge chalkboard that is placed by your table - hmmm, Rosemary Chicken, three different kinds of grouper, salads, other chicken offerings. The list went on. I went with Rosemary Chicken and the vegetable of the day, eggplant casserole. Foods change with the season and are always fresh.
Let me say right up front that this is a full-bodied meal, more like dinner than lunch and that is a problem. You see, on the kitchen counter are homemade cakes and pies and a smashing floating island dessert. You're wondering, will I have room for dessert? Or the ultimate question - can I come some time and just have dessert? Nope. Sorry.
"We have to be cost-effective so there has to be a lunch order," Skip said. "My advice is to have lunch and get dessert in a to-go box." Excellent advice.
Afterwards, walk around the lovely downtown area with its many antiques shops, fine restaurants and galleries. The Dade City Trolley Tours are a fun alternative to walking around. Tours are given daily Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dade City is close to Lakeland and Tampa.
Here's a plan: Walk or take the trolley tour around Dade City, a small town that still carries the flavor of Old Florida and experience Lunch on Limoges. Then you'll know what that dreamy look is all about. Enjoy.
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| Inside Lunch on Limoges in Dade City |
| Credit: Lucy Beebe Tobias, VISIT FLORIDA Authentic Florida Expert |
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