OPINION —
My husband, Mike, and I are two blissfully happy nerds, and we are both voracious readers. We read every night before going to bed unless we’re sick or exhausted.
We both have loved to read since the first grade. While Mike loves to read mainly science fiction and Clive Cussler books, I prefer historical and realistic fiction.
A while back, my good friend Leigh Ann let me borrow a novel, and it was so good, I was blown away by it. In fact, I urged Mike to read it too, but he insisted on reading the books he already had. I gave Leigh Ann back her book, apologized for keeping it so long (Leigh Ann didn’t mind at all because she is wonderful.) and ordered a copy of the book for Mike.
This outstanding book is titled “Theo of Golden” and is author Allen Levi’s first novel; it has been a runaway bestseller. Levi is from Georgia, and he based the book on Columbus. And I could certainly see the city of Columbus in this novel.
Levi’s characterization of Theo, the book’s protagonist, is very powerful. Theo seems like a real person whom you’d love to meet. Trust me, if you love great fiction, get on Amazon and order “Theo of Golden” today. This retired English teacher gives it an A+. I can’t wait for “Ellen of Golden,” its sequel, to be published. But, I digress.
Recently, Mike and I traveled to 1000 Broadway in Columbus, Georgia, to dine at The Fountain City Coffee Co., the inspiration for the coffee shop mentioned in the novel.
When we entered the coffee shop, which opened in 2003, I loved the casual, funky atmosphere of the place. And the drawings of people were on the walls, just like in the novel.
Mike and I met two really sweet ladies who had come from Prattville to see the coffee shop, too. Also, I overheard one lady say that she had come from Ohio. I was pretty sure that she had come there because of “Theo of Golden,” too.
The Fountain City Coffee Co., which is amazing in its own right, has gained a lot of new customers because of the novel’s popularity.
Jiair, the young man who took our orders, was so sweet, helpful and patient. Mike chose the grown up grilled cheese sandwich with chips, and I selected the ham and cheese melt with chips. Our lunch was very tasty.
Besides our great choices, The Fountain City Coffee Co. serves diners Build-A-Breakfast Sandwiches, where you choose your bread, protein, cheese and veggies.
Hot sandwiches include: grilled chicken pesto, grilled club, roasted shroom and the mater. Cold sandwiches include: rotisserie chicken salad, tuna salad, cold club and a B.L.T.
The Fountain City Coffee Co. has an extensive drink menu, which includes espressos, teas and more; Jud’s Specials; and espresso lattes. Trust me; go to this iconic coffee shop whether you read Theo of Golden or not; you’ll love it.
While Mike and I were driving to find The Fountain City Coffee Co., I noticed a donut shop on Broadway. That was my first mistake. The second one was when we walked to Veri Best Donuts at 1115 Broadway. Veri Best Donuts opened in 1954, and its donuts are always fresh. Lynn Hudson, my outstanding endocrinologist, I know that I shouldn’t have done this because a week or two later, my A1c had only dropped .2. I will try to do better.
However, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are very challenging times to be a diabetic. Who wants to sit there eating a salad while everyone else is scarfing down candy, dressing, pecan pie, etc.? No one, that’s who.
At Veri Best Donuts, I ordered a buttercream chocolate donut and ate it on an outside table. I also ordered a gigantic cinnamon roll; we took that one home to Auburn, nuked it in the microwave because warm rolls are even more delicious and split it.
Oh, my. That donut and cinnamon roll were slap your Grandma three times good.
Too bad I can’t have them again for several months. Run and do not walk to Veri Best Donuts; they are outstanding.
Besides our amazing choices, Veri Best Donuts serves customers glazed donuts, a cinnamon twist donut, croissant rolls, a maple log and buttercream strawberry, among others.
The Fountain City Coffee Co. is open on Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; on Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. All times are ET.
Veri Best Donuts is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET and is closed on Monday.
The Fountain City Coffee Co. and Veri Best Donuts both make the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people nev 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 in The Observer every other week. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.
