THE HISTORIC DACULA HOME that became Blessings Cottage was picked up and moved down the street last summer. With it came owners Bonnie Rasmussen and her daughter, Sonya Kee, who continue to serve their homemade fudge and lineup of salads and sandwiches that satisfy the "ladies who lunch" crowd (although we spotted some kids and men, too, during our visit).
NICE DISTRACTIONS: There's so much to see before reaching the counter to place an order. Walking from the front porch into the house, which was built in 1905, it's easy to get sidetracked, whether in the room filled with festive fall home décor items, or the one across the hall with baby gifts. The hallway also is filled with cards, decorative soaps and other items, making it tough to resist. Once you finally make it to another room where orders are taken, several types of fudge tempt you from the counter. That also may contribute to the wait we experienced in line. Once you've ordered, no name is needed — the staff says they'll find you, which adds to the eatery's homey feel. The main dining area is a sunny room with yellow and white striped walls, a beadboard ceiling, a brick fireplace and walls adorned with dainty tea cups. Patio seating is also available.
THE LUNCH BUNCH: The selection of sandwiches and salads, presented on clear glass plates, includes traditional offerings such as tuna salad, ham and cheese, club and BLT. The eatery, which opened in June 2004, creates fans with its take on such items as chicken salad and the Monte Cristo sandwich. The addition of a smooth and creamy raspberry dip combines with the powdered sugar topping the grilled sourdough bread, creating what we think could kick off the day well as a breakfast item, too. The owners won't say what's in the sauce, which somehow fits perfectly with the melted provolone cheese, turkey and ham. The chicken salad has a fruity flair — mandarin oranges and pineapples are mixed with diced chicken, almonds and celery. But both the chicken salad and tuna salad, which incorporates grape tomatoes, are a bit too runny. Fresh croissants, sourdough and wheat bread and a spinach wrap are the bread choices for cold and hot sandwiches. Sides include chips and smoky potato salad made with bacon and apple slices, which we used to enjoy the last of the raspberry sauce. The Blessings Cottage salad fills the plate with lettuce, feta cheese, pecans, diced apples and chicken. A breakfast menu includes cinnamon rolls, croissants and muffins.
FANCY SOME FUDGE? Blessings Cottage has eight to 10 fudges available daily. The peanut butter is like eating a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup from the inside out. The dulce de leche reminds us of a melted piece of caramel.
There's also a small selection of brownies and cookies. The chocolate chip cookie is made with chunks of chocolate, turning it into gooey treat when pulled apart.
HOURS: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, closed Sundays and Mondays
CREDIT CARDS: Mastercard, Visa
PRICES: Sandwiches and salads, $5.99-$6.79; sides, 59 cents-$2.59; desserts, $1.29-$1.39; fudge, $10.99 per pound
RESERVATIONS: No
RECOMMENDED DISHES: Monte Cristo sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, peanut butter fudge
PARKING: On site
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes
SMOKING POLICY: No
NOISE LEVEL: Moderate
TAKEOUT: Yes
VERDICT: A cozy cafe with a great Monte Cristo, and in an old-fashioned setting. Save room for fudge.
