<strong>By Pamela Brownstein</strong>

On a beautiful fall afternoon, the Lunch Bunch gathered outside on the porch at Magnolia Bakery Cafe.

[caption id="attachment_8382" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0576.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-8382" title="DSC_0576" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0576-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Smoked salmon cream cheese with homemade bread; Lowcountry Pate in the background flanked by two mimosas.[/caption]

We sipped mimosas as we chatted and indulged in several amazing appetizers including Terrine de Campagne, the chef’s Lowcountry pork pate on house made bread;

[caption id="attachment_8384" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0589.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-8384" title="DSC_0589" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0589-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a> Ham sandwich with side pasta salad.[/caption]

the house smoked salmon cheese cake served with artisan bread; and the mini crab cakes, which were fresh and absolutely outstanding.

Nikki liked the crab cakes so much, that she also ordered one for lunch. The 5 oz. all lump true Maryland crab cake was served over a bed of field greens.

Most of the group chose sandwiches from the lunch menu. Kim had a BLT with applewood smoked bacon and mayo that was really good, while Buck enjoyed the Sweet

[caption id="attachment_8383" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0581.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-8383" title="DSC_0581" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0581-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Crab cake appetizers.[/caption]

Slice Ham Salad on oatmeal molasses bread with a side of the famous pasta salad. David liked his Chicken Panino, a warm sandwich made with sliced chicken breast, bacon, Provolone cheese and Dijonnaise on herb bread.

[caption id="attachment_8385" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_05832.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-8385" title="DSC_0583" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_05832-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Strata with a side salad.[/caption]

I loved my ham and cheese strata, which is similar to a quiche, but it’s a layered casserole made with fresh eggs, milk, bread, spices, ham and cheese.

Of course, we had to sample their delicious desserts. The red velvet cake, carrot cake and pumpkin pie were good, but we all agreed that the pumpkin cheese cake, which is only made during the fall season, was a must-have.

Husband and wife owners Evangaline and Dana Jing make a great team — she serves and greets customers while he cooks and manages the kitchen.

The restaurant now offers full service breakfast as well as daily pasta specials. If you crave homemade baked goods,

[caption id="attachment_8386" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0594.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-8386" title="DSC_0594" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0594-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Dessert plate with pumpkin pie, carrot cake, pumpkin cheese cake and red velvet cake.[/caption]

you can stop by anytime and purchase breads, cookies, cakes, pies and more. Magnolia’s also carries a wide selection of whimsical gifts such as baskets, soap, bird houses and yard decorations. They also have WiFi, so you can bring your laptop and sit outside and admire the view of Bellamy Curve while enjoying a fabulous meal.

Magnolia Bakery Cafe &amp; Garden Gift Gallery is located at 703 Congress Street, Beaufort, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 843-524-1961 or visit www.magnoliacafebeaufort.com.