Caffe Rel in Franklin, NC: A Mountain Drive Worth Taking
We just drove to the mountains to celebrate our 19th anniversary with Kit and Brad, and our lunch destination did not disappoint.
Henry had heard and read about Caffe Rel in Franklin, North Carolina, so we decided this was the perfect time to try it. Caffe Rel is a French café located inside the Hot Spot service station in downtown Franklin at 459 East Main Street. Yes, inside a service station. That is part of what makes it so memorable.
From the Walhalla and West Union area, the drive to Franklin is a beautiful mountain trip. It is the kind of ride that reminds you why living near the mountains is such a gift.
We started with fresh bread and the café marinara sauce. Then we shared the pan-sautéed Monterey calamari, lightly fried and full of flavor.
For lunch, Kit ordered the Charleston Shrimp and Cheesy Grits, with Gulf shrimp, leeks, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, garlic, a splash of hot sauce, cheesy grits, and crispy bacon.
Brad ordered the Caffe Bleu Dinner, a lightly breaded chicken breast layered with ham and Swiss cheese. His sides were garlic potatoes and broccoli sautéed with peppers and onions.
Henry and I shared the Crawfish Cognac & Cream, made with Louisiana crawfish tails, butter, shallots, garlic, lobster fumé, fresh cream, French cognac, and bowtie pasta.
We ended the celebration with Italian Wedding Cake and Crème Brûlée for Kit and Brad.
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