Coming out of The Secret Life of Bees, I was actually hungry for southern cooking, but my friends weren’t up for it. We decided to walk a few blocks to a favorite, Café Amusé.

Getting there shortly before the kitchen closed, the server was bubbly and energetic and said of course they could accommodate us.

We did listen to the specials, but instead went with items on the regular menu. Crab cake, Beef Stroganoff and Strip Steak. All were prepared well and served to us very quickly. The flavors of the stroganoff were wonderful with lavendar scent and the sauce and French fries with the strip steak excellent.

Dessert was a shared Banana Bread Pudding with Chantilly Cream and Chocolate Sauce. Yum

Recently reopened after their summer hiatus, Café Amusé is the perfect place for lunch. (Brunch was great too; the last time I was there.)

Located across from the Spa Hotel this casual restaurant provides French-influenced American cuisine for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Currently, Wednesday through Friday, for lunch they have a special of three “mini” bites for $10 that includes both salads and sandwiches. Each of the three of us went for this idea.

I had the Caesar salad, Rare Roast Beef Sandwich with Irish Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Heirloom Tomatoes, Romaine, Horseradish Mayo, Pommery Mustard on Sourdough, and the Andalusian Sandwich with Paquillo Peppers, Manchego Cheese, Grilled Eggplant, Zucchini, Fennel, Roasted Garlic, Basil Aioli, Picholine Olive Tapenade, Arugula on Ciabata.

My other two friends had "The Wilker” salad (Pine Nut Crusted Goat Cheese, served warm, with Baby Spinach, Pickled Red Onions, Fresh Blackberries and White Balsamic Vinaigrette), mini-burger and the Andalusian sandwich.

We also shared a (small) bowl of Vichyssoise that came with some nice herbs and olive oil on top. We also considered the Carrot Cake, but at the last minute decided our lunch had been just right.