In an effort to continue to reach our residents, board members will write a monthly blog post. You will hear from each board member, once a month. This month, Lauren Pennisi shares her neighborhood favorites with you.
I love discovering hidden treasures, especially when they’re in walking distance of my house. As a long-time resident of this neighborhood, I have seen many changes but there are some constants and some new favs. What am I talking about? Food, of course! Well, mostly food, and a couple of other retail thrills.
Constants include Capri diner on Fairview near McDonald’s. The food is always good and hot but my personal favorite is the cornbread; it’s slightly sweet as though there’s a dash of honey. Best ever! Open daily 6am-3pm.
Then there’s soup. My main criteria is that it must be hot! Piping hot! Steam curls wafting off the top. Otherwise it goes back. Sushi Joy has the best wonton soup. Not only is it hot but includes veggies too. A quart makes a meal for me. (Btw, that location used to be a Denny’s way back when. Then some kind of dinosaur-themed diner, which didn’t last long, and then it became Sushi Joy. I those are the highlights of its history.) Open six days a week, 6am-3pm. Closed Monday.
For retail therapy, I always stop by Forget-Me-Not on State Street. You may pass by it because it’s sandwiched between the car wash and Capital Lumber. Great vintage finds, friendly staff. In fact, they’ve all become friends and I love to go and chat with them. Lots of laughs and connecting about mutual friends. Open Wed-Sat, 11-5pm.
New to the neighborhood and fast becoming a favorite is Press & Still. An expert blending scents and perfumes, Elisha is so creative with her blends of essential oils and teas. Another location that you may miss as you go buzzing down State Street. You’ll find her shop next to 27th Auto and the Barber Shop. Parking in back. Open Wed-Sat, 11-3pm.
All these treasures are right here in the West End. I hope you’ll take some time to explore and share any of your treasures with me!
Lauren
West End Neighborhood Association 