Aug. 20--Since I live in Cullman, I rarely leave the city limits when I'm looking for somewhere to eat.

With everything from Rumor's Deli and Carltons within just a few miles, I've never had much of a reason to drive any further for a meal (unless I go to Huntsville with the wife for some Olive Garden).

But, I have some friends who live in West Point and I've heard them rave about the Brandin' Iron Steakhouse located in the town. I've driven past the restaurant a few times, but never really took enough time to actually stop in and have a meal.

I've never been a huge fan of small-town restaurants, likely because my father drug me to about a thousand of them during my younger years -- many of which were of dubious quality.

This weekend, the wife and I took the time to try the place out and I was pleasantly surprised.

The food was great (steak and shrimp for only $9.99? Yes, please.) and the service was top-notch.

So, this experience reminded me to take the time, every once and a while, and stretch beyond my usual cuisine habits. Plus, it's always great to support local restaurants -- they are a huge part of the local economy.

There's some really good stuff out there, you just have to take the time to see (and eat) it.

New bakery now open...

A ribbon cutting was recently held for Cesia's Bakery. The bakery features homemade wedding cakes, birthday cakes, cookies, doughnuts, breads, custards, flavored snow cones, Mexican-style desserts and complimentary coffee. The bakery is located at 505 Main Avenue SW across from the Cullman Post Office.

The Loft...

I took the time this week to check out The Loft (which I mentioned last week was a new thrift store-style shopping spot in downtown) and I must say it is a neat concept. The racks were a little bare when I visited, but I'm sure when the place is fully stocked it can be a great experience. Plus, Starbucks Coffee. Yum.

Small business counseling...

The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Women's Business Center of North Alabama small business counseling seminar on August 20. The service is free and covers a wide variety of topics.

Like tea?

The Salada Tea company recently dropped off a press release at The Times office, so I wanted to pass on that they have recently introduced new flavors pomegranate berry, strawberry, soothing mint and classic lemon. More information about the products can be found online at http://www.greentea.com.

CEMS to host meeting

There are still seats available for today's Cullman Regional Medical Center seminar on the CEMS Ambulance Service. Director Jerry Sellers will share info on new technology from 11:30 to 1 p.m. today in the Col. Cullmann room in CRMC's POB II. Cost is $5 for WomenFirst and SeniorChoice members; $8 for all others. To make reservations call 737-2600 or register online at www.crmchhospital.com.

-- Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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