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By Wendy Nilsen Pollitzer

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<a href="http://www.beaufortislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Wines-and-Beers-available.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-904" title="Wines and Beers available" src="http://www.beaufortislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Wines-and-Beers-available-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>The Lunch Bunch traveled to the Bistro at the Tooting Egret for Happy Hour last week. Located at 706 Craven Street next to the Beaufort Branch of the Beaufort County Library, the Bistro at the Tooting Egret resides in the Old Firehouse. Beautifully decorated by interior designer and owner Anne Parker Balance, the Bistro at the Tooting Egret serves breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. And now, they are offering a casual happy hour Tuesday-Saturday from 4-7 p.m.<!--more-->

The Happy Hour was just perfect.  Barry and his girlfriend, Aaryne Elias joined Pamela, Elizabeth, Kim, Terry, Lanier and me on the patio for a couple of glasses of wine and a delicious assortment of rare cheeses and meats.  The weather was enjoyable and the mood was relaxed. We listened to Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, sipped on beverages and had quite a time chatting about our week.

What a great spot for a peaceful glass of wine after a day of shopping downtown or just before a dinner date with that special someone.  The Bistro offers white and red wines by the glass or bottle, Prosecco and a variety of beers. On Wednesdays, referred to as ‘Wine Wednesdays,’ patrons can purchase bottles of wine for half off the regular price and remain open until 8 p.m. Now that’s a deal!

Everyone but Barry preferred white wine. He asked for beer. We all tasted a few from the Bistro’s wide selection. My personal favorite was the Riff Pinot Grigio.

The wines were paired impeccably with the meats and cheeses Matthew Pieper, our server, brought to the table.  Prosciutto and Summer Sausage accompanied a cheese tray that included a Shepherd’s Blend, Dante, Gran Queso, Cocoa Cadonna and Hooks Blue cheeses as well as walnuts and pickles.

We tasted and sipped, smiled and chatted, tasted and sipped and finally agreed that the Cocoa Cadonna was the favorite cheese of the table.

This American original has a big flavor that is mellow, surprisingly for goat and subtle yet pleasantly tangy, sweet and savory. The cocoa powder-rubbed rind accents the Cadonna, which is the reason why the cheese, created by Wisconsin cheese-master Sid Cook, took first place at the American Cheese Society Competition in Burlington, Vermont.

The ambiance of the Bistro at the Tooting Egret is desirable for tourists and locals. Jazz on the patio with an intense or medium-bodied glass of wine, comfortable spring weather, good company and delicious cheeses are ingredients for an ideal afternoon in Beaufort. So take my advice, please go to The Bistro at the Tooting Egret and take pleasure in their reasonably-priced and welcoming happy hour.

Thanks to Chapman Parker, the General Manager of the Tooting Egret for inviting the Lunch Bunch. You can be assured we will be back.

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