CityView Magazine

40 December 2022 "Food is my favorite love language. So, when I want to share time with people I care about, nine times out of 10 food will be involved. If I want to make sure visitors get a great taste of Fayetteville, I have a couple of go-to restaurants that highlight some of our city's best flavors and dining experiences. Fowler's Southern Gourmet is always on the list. Brisket to-die-for, hand-cut french fries, generous salads (with the best house-made Caesar dressing I've ever had), plus my favorite black cherry cola. Fowler's never disappoints. If I want to show off our fancy pants a little bit, then it has to be Circa 1800 in the historic Cool Spring Downtown District. Whether it's dinner or brunch, Circa's seasonal menu is always fresh, flavorful and playful with ingredients that pay homage to Southern flavors. Paired with cra cocktails that are inventive and complementary to the cuisine, a meal at Circa 1800 always delights. Lastly, friends, family and visitors are definitely going to find themselves at what I think of as my "local place": Latitude 35 Bar & Grill. A mile from my home, Latitude is my go-to for perfectly battered fish and chips, flavorful shrimp tacos and hearty breakfast bowls for brunch with my favorite tropical mimosa. e staff is always fun and friendly and willing to entertain my occasional not-quite-on- the-menu requests with a generous, "Sure, we can do that!" or a gra- cious "no" with a smile. is list is by no means exhaustive but rather a tasting menu of the good eats that abound in our community. Bon appétit!" — Ashanti Bennett, director of special projects, Cool Spring Downtown District "I would say breakfast at MaryBill's Cafe in Eutaw Shopping Center. Amazing breakfast that won't break the bank. So much to choose from. ey also have weekday lunch specials. Lunch is also great at George Garden in the shopping center at George Owen and Hope Mills roads. A one-man show (really!), he makes fantastic sandwiches, gyros, wings, you name it. Guy works so hard there and never fails to produce tasty food. Dinner at Elizabeth's Pizza on Hope Mills Road is a nice dining experience with a full bar, big menu and fantastic des- serts. Best New York-style pizza in town. Salads, Italian dishes, etc., are on point every time. ese are nice, local, family restaurants that really care about their customers. Nothing super-fancy or frou-frou about them — and you can treat your family to breakfast, lunch or dinner affordably." — Mark Parsons, retired from Cumberland County Schools, currently a mentor for beginning teachers "I fell in love with Shish House in Greensboro. ey have amazing bread. So happy they now have locations in Hope Mills and Fayetteville. e food is homemade mom's dishes, which in my opinion is better than that of celebrity chefs. I like the lentil soup, chicken Gallabah and everything I have tried. For Chinese food, my family loves China One off Fisher Road in Fayetteville. Operated by a small family, the place is super-clean, the food is always hot and fresh, and the customer service is amazing." — Helal "Leo" Dur, co-owner, Afghan Kabob Circa 1800 is in the historic Cool Spring Downtown District. Elizabeth's Pizza offers fantastic desserts. Two thumbs up for the savory Gallabah at Shish House. Choose from chicken, beef, lamb or seafood. The Halal restaurant serves Lebanese and Yemeni cuisine.. Photo by Janet Gibson

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