Smithfield Gourmet Bakery & Beanery serves dinner on Friday and Saturday night and it's definitely worth arranging your weekend to try Smithfield ham in inventive ways. Touches of Asia, France, Italy, and the good ol' South abound with chef Leon Buenviaje's creative touches.
It's a come as you are place with local art on the walls. The casual feeling -- but gourmet flavors -- make it a great date night locale.
The pork dim sum features ribs, Smithfield ham and smoked ham with marinated cukes and an Asian presentation. It's an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the flavors of the area!
Even in Smithfield, folks don't live by ham alone: the goat cheese onion tart is rich, custardy, flavorful and would make a great light dinner with a salad.
Salmon has a Southern flare with a pecan crust and cherry glaze. It's perfectly cooked, too -- tricky for a thick portion that retains its complete moisture and tenderness through the fish.
They have a nice selection of wines to go with your meal, too.
What's a bakery without dessert? Locals go for various pumpkin tarts, etc., that are very rich and smooth, without that ubiquitous "pumpkin pie" flavor. It could be served year round. You will know you are in Dixie with the generous Red Velvet cake and its cream cheese icing. Everything is made on site.
Like the Boy Scout's motto, why not be prepared for the morning after? The bakery has all kinds of fresh breads that you can buy for making a little pan perdu for breakfast. Or, join them for brunch on Sunday, starting at 9 am!
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