After leaving the Lincoln Home we drove to Petersburg, where Lincoln's New Salem is located. Rather than have lunch there, we decided to take a chance and see what we might find locally.
Luck was with us as we neared the town square of the lovely little town of Petersburg.
Rounding the square we saw "The Peddlers Antiques" and so we, antiques shop lovers all, decided to stop.
Leaving the shop, the owner asked if we had lunch yet, and if not, be sure to try the cafe right next door.
We did and were absolutely delighted with what we found there....The Oaks on Seventh proved to be one of the most enjoyable lunches I have ever experienced. The cafe was simple, lovely, relaxing....a place I would spend time in often if it were in my own town...
The menu was fresh, creative...needless to say we had a very hard time deciding just what to order.....all offerings sounded delicious!
Mollie's Spinach and Strawberry Salad was delicious (thanks for the taste Mol!) and looked beautiful as well....
Bill and I ordered, and split, a delicious three cheese sandwich topped with sauteed pears and grilled on cinnamon bread, as well as a turkey, mozzarella sandwich topped with blackberry sauce and served on artisan bread. Such great flavor combinations....
The grand finale though was their signature dessert, which was a half banana, rolled in puff pastry, covered with cinnamon sugar and served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream....heaven on a plate....
We were ready to pack up and move to Petersburg just so that we would enjoy this lovely cafe, wonderful service, inventive food, and fabulous dessert, over and over again!
In fact, when I returned to the antiques shop to thank the owner for the recommendation I told her just that..and she promptly offered to find us a house there! Such nice, nice people in Petersburg.