Me and Mrs. Magpie

This was a very special week here at The Hut! For the longest time one of my favorite bloggers and I have been trying to get our schedules coordinated so that we could meet for lunch and that day finally arrived on Wednesday.

She is such a dear sweet soul and we've become quite good friends in the last year. As you know earlier this month my beloved dog, Sheldon passed away. Well, let me tell you that within five minutes of that announcement on my blog, she was on the phone calling with her condolences and provided a shoulder to cry on. She called several times that day to check on me and everyday after until I could finally lift my head and begin the healing process. I honestly don't know what I would have done without her to pour my grief out to. She is an amazing person and I am proud to call her my friend.

Some of you already know who I'm talking about, for those who don't, it was the Quintessential Magpie — Sheila! Yes, Sheila and I spent the afternoon in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Soon after I moved to Georgia, Sheila said she wanted to take me to lunch to welcome me to the Atlantic Coast. Isn't she just the sweetest?

Mrs. Magpie ask me to pick the place where we would "do" lunch. I thought and thought, but then decided we just had to go to my absolutely favorite place in Fernandina —

Kelley's Courtyard Cafe

I love the patio seating and on that hot, hot Florida day, Kelley's tree-lined, umbrella-covered courtyard provided relief from the heat.

I just adore the lime green umbrellas!

Now for those who know her, Sheila does not do photos, but I can show you what we had for lunch and in true Kelley's style, everything was delicious!

We started with a chilled Thai Watermelon Soup that was out of this world!

Mrs. Magpie had the Fried Chicken and Brie Salad with Pecans

I had the Portobello and Mozzarella Salad

This salad was fabulous! The mushroom and cheese were warm and gooey and just melted in my mouth. I savored every single bite.

Then the waiter ask it we would like dessert. Like dessert? I think it took about two seconds for us to answer in the affirmative. We gave our fabulous waiter, Devin, our order and now here's where the story gets good…

We had both ordered the same thing and when Devin returned he had one plate with two spoons? I just know a look of horror passed over both our faces! One? Why no dear Devin, we each want our own!

I know that sharing is a good thing, but when it comes to dessert that means you only get half! Honey, I'll share anything I have with you, but keep your paws off my dessert!

The table nearby laughed when I informed said dear waiter, that we each wanted our own. I told him that I was an old woman and I don't have to watch my girlish figure any more. (Doesn't mean I shouldn't, but after all, it's dessert we're talking about here.)

So Devin ran back to the kitchen to fetch another and we each ended up with one of these…

Granny Mutt's Blueberry Square

Vanilla ice cream and warm blueberry compote served over the tastiest pasty. It was one of those concoctions that you swear you'd died and gone to heaven! Every bite was sheer delight! I ask Devin if anyone was looking, because I so wanted to pick up that plate and lick up every last morsel. (I didn't, but if I had been home, trust me, I would have.)

Thank you Kelley's for another scrumptious meal! You guys are the best!

When you find yourself in our area, be sure to stop by Kelley's Courtyard Cafe located at 19 South 3rd Street (Just off Centre Street) in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Now Mrs. Magpie was so sweet and the conversation between two blogging friends was non-stop. After lunch we discovered that we both love Eight Flags Antique Market, so we quickly (well not too quickly, our bellies were full and it was hot) walked down Centre Street to this wonderful shopping experience. This place has so many wonderful things, but I will give you a quick peek at what I spotted in my favorite corner of the store…

I'd love to back up a truck and haul everything home with me!

Thank you for dropping by The Hut today and a BIG thank you and an even BIGGER hug to Sheila for lunch and for the "Shell Crazy" book. Every time I look at it I will remember what a wonderful day we shared and I look forward to many more!

Did you see that little book in the middle of table in the second to last photo? The title is "Shell Crazy" and Mrs. Magpie said that anybody who loves shells as much as I do just needed to own a book with that title. She is so sweet and so funny and I just adore her!

I'm linking up with Michael @ Designs By Gollum for Foodie Friday, so be sure to drop by for some fabulous recipes and more foodie photos. Michael is a busy gal with the deadline on her new book looming just over the horizon, but our foodie friends are still there carrying on in her absence!