<strong>By Pamela Brownstein</strong>

As a self-described coffee connoisseur, I am a frequent customer familiar with the variety of drink options offered at City Java &amp; News on Carteret Street in downtown Beaufort. But, I am almost embarrassed to admit, before last week I had never been there for lunch.

[caption id="attachment_9551" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0058.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9551" title="DSC_0058" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0058-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a> Louisa and Woody, two of the friendly baristas and servers at City Java &amp; News.[/caption]

That all changed when Lunch Bunch gathered in the back conference room for an awesome meal. Our servers Woody and Louisa were helpful and attentive — and they both make a mean latte.

Buck ordered the H/C made with ham, avocado, lettuce, cucumber, sprouts, Provolone cheese and mustard vinaigrette.

I was jealous of Nikki’s Caprese sandwich made with tomato, Mozzarella and basil on toasted Ciabatta bread; she said it was excellent. Nikki’s son, Dalton, joined us again and ate every bite of The Turkey, a sandwich on Ciabatta made with roasted turkey breast, Muenster cheese, herb mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato.

[caption id="attachment_9554" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0054.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-9554" title="DSC_0054" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0054-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Pimento Cheese sandwich.[/caption]

Peggy tried the Pimento Cheese sandwich. It is traditionally served on white or Focaccia bread, but she chose sourdough bread instead. The homemade cheese was oozing out of the slightly toasted

[caption id="attachment_9552" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0051.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-9552" title="DSC_0051" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0051-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> The Turkey sandwich.[/caption]

bread, and it looked so good that Buck even had to trade her half of his sandwich for half of the Pimento.

I had a hard time choosing, everything sounded so good, but I couldn’t pass up the Veggie Sandwich — avocado, lettuce, cucumber, sprouts, Provolone cheese and mustard vinaigrette — but I added turkey on toasted wheat bread.

[caption id="attachment_9553" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0047.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-9553" title="DSC_0047" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0047-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> The Veggie (with turkey).[/caption]

All the sandwiches were plentiful and prepared with fresh, quality ingredients. Owners Matt and Laura McAlhaney also make sure that the items on the menu are available pre-packaged for those on the go.

Just as we all were declaring how full we felt after our meal, Louisa brought out a plate of warm cookies. I could barely look at them at first, but then Dalton tried one and raved about the delicious peanut butter-caramel-chocolate chip flavor. I had to see for myself what the

[caption id="attachment_9555" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0057.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-9555" title="DSC_0057" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/DSC_0057-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> A plate of delicious peanut butter-caramel-chocolate chip cookies.[/caption]

fuss was about, and after one bite of gooey goodness, I was hooked (and even took home all the leftovers!).

City Java &amp; News is located at 301 Carteret Street as part of City Loft Hotel, which was recently ranked as one of the Top 25 Small Hotels in the U.S. by Tripadvisor.com. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the coffee shop is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 843-379-JAVA (5282) or visit www.citylofthotel.com.