The Chicken Jerk Hoagie served at Mellow Mushroom in Auburn.
Way back on June 8, 1990, I received my master’s degree in english education from Auburn University. Around that time, Dr. Terry C. Ley, my professor, adviser, and the best teacher I have ever seen, told me that a Bette Whitley from a middle school in LaGrange, Georgia, had phoned him; she had teacher slots to fill at Lee’s Crossing Middle School and wanted to interview some new english education graduates.
Therefore, Dr. Ley gave me her number, and I called Mrs. Whitley for an interview. I had never been to LaGrange, so I asked her for directions from my hometown of Alexander City (“Eleck” City to the locals) to LaGrange.
Unbeknownst (I love that word, even though it’s probably considered archaic.) to me, Mrs. Whitley was, at that moment, interviewing a Mr. Mike Wallace, who was also soon to be a new teacher. In addition, he was to be my future husband.
Mike gave Mrs. Whitley the directions, and she gave them to me over the phone. Many years later, I thought that it was pretty cool that Mike was telling me how to get to him.
When August 1990 arrived, Mike and I were placed on the same eighth grade team, the Blue Angels. I’m certain that was a part of God’s plan for our lives.
Mike taught science, and I, of course, taught English. In Mike’s homeroom, there was a sweet, smart, slight (Remember, I love alliteration.) 13-year-old boy named Chad; he had the most beautiful blue eyes.
As I’ve said many times before, someone once said that teaching is the only profession in which you don’t get to see the finished product. Unfortunately, if we don’t run into former students at Target or Wal-Mart, we don’t know what they grew up to become.
Now, even though I was the least tech-savvy teacher in the Troup County School System, I have to admit that some technology is good. For example, back on May 4, “Star Wars Day,” Mike, my “Star Wars” nerd (I’m an original “Star Trek” nerd.), posted a picture of himself and some of his “Star Wars” memorabilia on Facebook.
Chad, our student from 33 years ago, saw the post and sent Mike a friend request, which Mike accepted.
Chad, who is now 46, lives in Argentina with his wife. There he teaches English online and sells light sabers on his website.
Chad recently came home to LaGrange to visit his family. He invited Mike to meet him for lunch in Auburn. Mike asked if I could come, too, and Chad said, “Of course.”
Therefore, Mike and I headed to downtown Auburn, excited to see Chad, but grumbling about wrestling with that kiosk in order to park. Unbelievably, parking was FREE that day; that was the second time this summer that this has happened. Thank You, Heavenly Father.
We walked to the Mellow Mushroom at 128 N. College St. When Mike and I entered the restaurant, an attractive, tall, bearded man with glasses came up to meet us. I gave Chad a hug, amazed at the dramatic change which 33 years had wrought. After all, Mike and I still look 30 and 27, respectively, as we did in 1990. All right, if you’ve read this far, quit laughing.
When we sat down in our booth, Chad said, “I know you aren’t used to seeing me wear glasses.” When he removed them, those beautiful blue eyes were still the same, 33 years later.
I admired the colorful walls of Mellow Mushroom. I especially loved the drawing of the rolled oak trees at Toomer’s Corner.
Areonna, our server, was a complete delight. She was sweet, helpful and patient, making us feel right at home.
Chad ordered a whole jerk chicken hoagie. It was huge, so he planned to take half of it home.
I ordered a Greek salad, which was really fresh and tasty. Mike and I shared a mighty, meaty stone-baked pizza with pepperoni, Italian sausage and ground beef with Mellow red sauce and mozzarella. Oh, my two times. Our pizza was outstanding, as was Chad’s hoagie.
Mellow Mushroom is locally owned by Adam Nemeroff. Trust me, run and do not walk to Mellow Mushroom to enjoy some delicious dishes.
Besides our delectable choices, Mellow Mushroom offers diners great appetizers or “munchies,” wings, salads, hoagies, sandwiches and burgers.
Dr. Ley, this review was for you. Thanks for unknowingly sending me to my sweet future husband. Love to you and Mrs. Ley, who was an excellent government teacher at Opelika High School.
Mellow Mushroom is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mellow Mushroom makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized people” NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear every other week in The Observer. Wallace may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020.com.