Tag: food and drink

Posted in News and Features

Get Your Caffeine Fix at Little Ireland Coffee in Pacific

Posted on by Amanda

If you’re looking for a place to get your caffeine fix in Pacific, stop by Little Ireland Coffee. This adorable coffee shop features lots of windows to let in natural light, ample seating, a cozy nook at the back of the shop that has soft seating options as well as high-top tables perfect for group or solo work, book clubs, and study groups.

Although the shop offers a fair selection of teas and other drinks, I’m all about coffee. Here, and at all coffee shops, I typically get an iced latte, unless it’s really cold out. And the shop serves Park Avenue Coffee Roasters beans, which is one of my favorite regional coffee roasters as I find the flavor of their coffee to be smooth and never bitter.

Iced and hot lattes and a cinnamon roll. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

In addition to the drinks and the welcoming atmosphere at the coffee shop, I often like to treat myself to a little something to go along with my latte. One of my favorites are the cinnamon rolls, which are everything you want in such a treat: sweet, soft, and gooey, especially when you ask the barista to warm it slightly before serving.

Video credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
The cozy nook near the back of the coffee shop features a soft seating area.

There’s also a selection of pastries, muffins, scones, and cookies. If you’re looking for something a bit more filling, the shop offers a number of breakfast burritos, bagels, egg bites, and biscuits and gravy. And if you want to indulge a little, but still stay on track with your protein and healthy eating goals, pronuts, or protein donuts, which are made by The Kind Kitchen, are often available at Little Ireland Coffee.

The Socialite recommends Little Ireland Coffee!

The details:
125 N. 1st St., Pacific, MO.
littleirelandcoffeeshop.com
Follow Little Ireland on Facebook

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Feb. 24 – March 1, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

Here’s a list of what’s happening around Franklin County this week.

Tuesday, Feb. 25
Visit the Arby’s in Union to dine out and help a wonderful organization to raise money. When you mention Project Linus when ordering, a portion of the proceeds from your order made on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Arby’s in Union will benefit Project Linus of Franklin County. Projectlinus.org makes and collects NEW handmade blankets for kids in need.

Tuesday, Feb. 25
If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, Bad Beats Dance Class is an hour-long class that features a blend of music genres and decades such as music from the 90s to present day, with dance moves that encompass Latin, jive, country, hip-hop, and more. Register for the class.

Wednesday, Feb. 26
The Franklin County Silent Book Club is hosting its monthly meeting at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington. Bring your book of choice, order a beverage, and sit and read in companionable silence, followed by a short period dedication to conversation, or continued reading.

Photo via Franklin County Silent Book Club’s Facebook group

Thursday, Feb. 27
The Tipsy Keg will rearrange the tables in its dining area to make room for a dance floor. From 6 to 9 p.m. stop in to line dance, or just sit back with your drink of choice and watch others boogie. 
Find out more.

Saturday, March 1
Attend the 12th Annual Sip & Sample at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Sullivan to sample wines, beers, spirits, and hors d’oeuvres, enjoy live entertainment, partake in a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and more all while supporting an amazing cause. The event will benefit The Covering House, an organization that provides refuge and restoration for sexually exploited and trafficked children and teens.
Learn more and purchase tickets. 

Saturday, March 1
If you’re looking to acquire a few small animals to get started on building your homestead, or to expand your existing one, you may want to visit the Eastern MO Small Animal Swap & Farmers Market in Union.
Learn more and find out all the swap dates this season.

Sunday, March 2
There’s another animal swap and farmers market event on Sunday, in Beaufort. The Franklin/Gasconade County Poultry & Animal Swap features items like fresh eggs, hatching eggs, honey, and typical farmers market items.
Find the time, location, and additional swap dates.

Editorial note 2/25/25: this list of events has been updated to reflect a notice posted on Facebook by Legacy Leadership Foundation announcing the Legacy Gala scheduled for March 1 has been canceled.

Posted in News and Features, Updates

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: Find it All at Dahlia Cafe in Union

Posted on by Amanda

If you’re looking for a place that has it all: breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, without having to make a drive to Washington, you should stop by Dahlia Cafe in Union. I like to think of this establishment as a hidden gem that’s a bit under the radar, but I’m probably wrong about that. One trip to the cafe and you’ll find that it’s almost always bustling, and for good reason: because the food and the service are simply that good.

For starters, Dahlia Cafe has a diner-style feeling when you walk in, but with a diverse menu offering. There’s regular drip coffee as well as the iced variety, and you can even opt for Irish Coffee. In addition to those drinks, there’s juice, soft drinks, and a large selection of brunch-style cocktails to choose from.

Iced coffee. Photo via Dahlia Cafe’s Facebook

Breakfast and brunch selections range from skillets and omelets, to French toast and fluffy pancakes to eggs benedict (my favorite!) and crepes, (which I still haven’t tried because I love their eggs benny that much). I always order the eggs benedict with crispy hash browns, and the menu has two variations on the benedict, and both feature a generous amount of velvety Hollandaise. The classic version features Canadian bacon, while the vegetarian offering is loaded with spinach, tomato and mushrooms, but for me, it doesn’t get much better than the traditional benny.

Veggie benedict. Photo via Dahlia Cafe’s Facebook

Lunch includes tried and true favorites like burgers, try the patty melt! There’s also a large selection of wraps and sandwiches, like the chipotle chicken wrap, another favorite around here. The lunch menu also features hearty sandwiches like a pork tenderloin, ribeye, French dip, and Cordon Bleu, with sides that range from side salad or steamed broccoli to fries, or opt for fresh fruit or onion rings for a small upcharge.

Berry Bacon Spinach Salad. Photo via Dahlia Cafe’s Facebook

Dinner selections include tacos, build-your-own bowls, steaks and chops, chicken and seafood. There’s also a number of starters like shrimp scampi or spinach artichoke dip. Dinner side selections range from comforting options like mashed potatoes, to squash, steamed veggies or rice.

The Socialite recommends Dahlia Cafe!

The details:
1595 Denmark Road, Union, MO.
Visit their website
Follow Dahlia Cafe on Facebook
Find them on Instagram

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Feb. 17 – Feb. 23, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

Weather permitting, here’s what’s happening around Franklin County, Missouri this week.

Wednesday, Feb. 19
Explore your creative side and choose from making a St. Patrick’s themed Highlander cow or a Mardi Gras painting at a paint night held at Sip on Main in Union. Included in the ticket price is a pre-traced canvas, plus $5 off food/drink at Sip on Main for that evening.  *UPDATE* Due to snow, this event has been rescheduled to March, 5.
Find out more and register.

Thursday, Feb. 20
Learn how to make and use a sourdough starter, while also learning about sourdough’s amazing gut health benefits. 
Find out more and how to pay for the workshop.

Thursday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb. 23
Escape the ordinary at the area’s newest brewery and winery, Fugitive Bluff Brewery and Winery, located in Berger. The opening weekend festivities will include food, beer, and wine. *UPDATE* Due to snow, Fugitive Bluff has postponed its opening and may open Saturday and Sunday. It is expected to announce its opening plans on Facebook on Friday, Feb. 21.
Find out more.

Photo via Fugitive Bluff Brewery and Winery’s Facebook

Friday, Feb. 21
Do you write poetry, can you deliver a joke with impeccable comedic timing? Are you a singer or musician? All are welcome to share their talent at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Open Mic Night. Or, maybe sitting back with a coffee or tea in hand taking in the music or spoken word of the guests is more your thing. Either way, stop by the coffee shop for an entertaining evening. 
Learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 22
The same great food and music you’ve come to love at the summertime CajunFest is being held this year indoors in February. The Cajun Night event will feature live music from from Dennis Stroughmatt with Creole Stomp.
Find out more.