<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

The Lunch Bunch was fortunate to dine at one of the Beaufort’s most happening eateries, Wren Bistro and Bar, conveniently located across the street from The Island News’ office.

[caption id="attachment_10754" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0433.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-10754" alt="Lowcountry Cobb salad." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0433-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> Lowcountry Cobb salad.[/caption]

What sets Wren apart from other restaurants is the attention to detail. From fresh bread to local seafood to homemade dressings and aiolis, the quality of each dish is enhanced by these special ingredients.

Buck ventured from his usual, the Famous Toasted and Pecan and Cranberry Chicken Salad Sandwich (which is famous for a reason because it is excellent) to try the 210 Burger. This amazing specimen is made with a giant 12 oz. patty of cattleman ranch beef, lettuce, tomato, onion and a choice of cheese. Buck was impressed with the juicy goodness behind each big bite.

Nikki chose the Muffalati — mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, Provolone, olive tapanade and house herbs on ciabatta bread — and it was excellent.

Kim had no trouble deciding what she wanted because she ordered her favorite, the Southern Tier. The fried

[caption id="attachment_10755" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0437.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-10755" alt="210 Burger." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0437-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> 210 Burger.[/caption]

green tomatoes were stacked high between pieces of sourdough bread with goat cheese, bacon, mayo and charred tomato relish in between, making for one mouth-watering sandwich.

Elizabeth also selected one of her favorite sandwiches, the Bella, made with portobello mushroom, roasted tomato, roasted pepper, Italian cheese and roasted artichoke garlic aioli on ciabatta bread. And although she loved the Bella, she also loved the shoestring bistro fries and ate the whole bowl.

[caption id="attachment_10756" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0436.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-10756" alt="Bella sandwich" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/DSC_0436-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Bella sandwich[/caption]

I had trouble deciding between the Tomato Mozzarella and the Uptown BLT sandwiches, but at the last minute I switched to the Lowcountry Cobb salad. The combination of local grilled shrimp, chopped egg, tomato, red onion, pieces of applewood bacon and hot bacon vinaigrette served over greens was hypnotic and I couldn’t stop eating. The smoky bacon and grilled shrimp flavor made this outstanding dish a must-have.

Wren Bistro and Bar is located at 210 Carteret Street, Beaufort, and is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For reservations, call 843-524-9463.