By DAVID EPPS
Pastor

A few weeks ago, in a previous column, I offered my opinion on some of the better places to eat in Coweta and Fayette counties. As I mentioned then, I am certainly not a food critic, nor do I have an educated palate, whatever that is.

My wife has an educated palate, I think. She recently successfully defended her dissertation for her Ph.D. in nursing from Georgia State University so she is now officially a highly educated woman. I imagine that qualifies her palate to be considered educated, too.

A couple of years ago, during a particularly grueling semester, my wife looked up from her mountain of books and papers and said, "If I ever finish this program, I want to be called 'doctor.'" I readily agreed. "No," she said, "you don't understand. I want to be called 'doctor' even in bed!"

At the time, I was finishing up a master's degree in biblical literature, so I replied, "That's okay with me but when I finish this degree, I want to be called 'master.' Even in bed." Since that time, I have called her "doctor" but, thus far, she has refused to call me "master." Go figure.

Anyway, back to places to eat. Here's my additional selections for "the best of" in certain categories using the best method available to me my uneducated palate.

Best fast-food restaurant. Some would argue that there is no such thing but we Americans keep spending billions of dollars at these places. But, hands down, the winner has to be Chick-fil-A in both counties. The key, as far as I am concerned is the staff and management.

Even this week, I stopped at the establishment in Peachtree City and, at 12:30 p.m., was about twelve cars back in the drive-thru line. As always, I was in and out in just a few minutes. The voice in the order box took my order with a smile in her voice, greeted me at the window with that same smile, took my money promptly and sent me to the pickup window. I barely slowed down before the order was in the car.

I don't know why most of the other fast-food joints seem to hire people who can't talk, don't listen, act sullen, and barely move. They need to take a lesson from Chick-fil-A. A class act with pretty darn good food.

Best Mexican. In an area overrun with Mexican food fare, my personal fav is El Parian in Fayetteville. Portions and ample, service is good, and the price is right. The place is much larger than it looks like from the outside and seating is plentiful. My wife and I visited recently on a Friday night, had a table in moments, and were well attended to by the server. The total bill was about $15 before tips. And we couldn't even eat all they brought us.

Best Chinese. This category I have to divide into subcategories.

Best Chinese "go in and sit down to be served" category goes to Dragon Lady in Peachtree City. Another good sit-down place is Dynasty on Bullsboro in Newnan. Both have good atmosphere, good food, and good prices, especially at lunchtime.

Best Take-out kudos to Chin-Chin's in Peachtree City. I visited a family in our church just at dinnertime (you have to know how to time these things) and they invited me to share there food from Chin-Chin. Mmmmmmmm! If they deliver to my area, they might replace pizza at my house.

Best out-of-the-way place, Dynasty (not the one above), at the outskirts of Newnan in the older part of town, is a place I like to go when I just want to eat, read, and not be bothered. A simple place with a limited but tasty buffet. I am not, at the moment, prepared to name my Best Chinese Buffet selection. One more place I want to check out first.

Best hot dog. While they were open, the little place next to Classic Cue in Fayetteville offered the best dogs. Alas, they have closed. Currently, Fuddruckers in Peachtree City has the biggest, the best, and the greatest selection. But, for those in a hurry, the local Dairy Queen will serve up a wonderfully messy chili, cheese, and slaw dog.

Best oysters on the half-shell. Back before my wife told me I couldn't go back there a few years ago, Hooter's offered this tasty delight (or disgusting dish, depending on your point of view). Since she won't let me go anymore, I'm not sure they still have it on the menu. I miss my oysters. Sigh.

Best place for beer. I do not drink beer. Okay, I had fourteen beers in one sitting a few days before my wedding back when I served with Uncle Sam's Marine Corps. I was still sick at my wedding and I think I was sick for two decades. It's a wonder I didn't die. In my drunken state, I did climb a telephone pole in my underwear and, when the captain wanted to know what the (deleted) I was doing, I replied, "Guarding my post, Sir!" I saluted and fell down the pole. I bet I haven't had a six pack since that day over 30 years ago.

Best place for hard liquor. I don't drink liquor, either. I had been married a couple of years when, at the Marine Corps Ball, I sauntered over to the bar, picked up a bottle of Old Crow and, in John Wayne fashion, took a long swig. I thought for sure that someone had stuck a flame-thrower down my throat. The barkeep said, "Bet you don't do that again." He was right. I never said Marines were smart. But, still, if "you mess with the best, you die like the rest." Ooorah!

Best place for wine. This one is easy. I do drink wine at least weekly, more often at times. My favorite time and place for this delightful beverage is every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Church. You can even get bread with your wine from the Table that is prepared and offered free of charge each week!

Well, that's it for now. I hope this work in progress helps to guide you toward tasty delights in these two counties south of Atlanta. As for me, I will keep searching for restaurants to recommend. It's a dirty, greasy job, but somebody's gotta do it!

[David Epps is Rector of Christ the King Church in Peachtree City He may be contacted at FatherDavidEpps@aol.com or at www.ChristTheKingCEC.com.]

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