ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE more than enough but left not even a scrap the evening by singing Christmas carols (we brought our own Sandra Waldron to of lettuce on the plate. play the piano) and a prayer of gratitude to The following week, Lisa and I joined bless the restaurant and our hosts. our Sunday School class for the annual Christmas Party, which we’ve enjoyed at Two visits to the Whistle Stop in one week Whistle Stop for the last several years. For only made us want to return again soon. the price and the atmosphere, you can’t We, and the Lofstrum family are hoping beat the Lofstrum’s nighttime hospitality you will do the same. when they’re focused only on your group. Almost 50 of us enjoyed generous portions INFORMATION of chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, salad, veggie and cheese tray selections and Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee & of course, the famous cookies. Eatery
Photo by: Cheryl Johnston
WHISTLE STOP GOURMET COFFEE & EATERY R
What made the evening even more delightful was watching through the windows as the Lights of Love tree lit up and a $5 gift “swap match” that involved lots of laughs and a tiny bit of all-in-fun envy. Honestly, the Whistle Stop is the perfect place to host a group gathering. We ended
102 S. Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563-5530 (813) 752-7340 Open Tuesday - Saturday 10:30AM - 3:00PM Also: 1st & 3rd Saturdays (Car & Bike Shows) Open 5-9PM
WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON
echarge and be refreshed by a step We three friends met for lunch recently back in time when you dine at the Lisa Herrin, Amanda Furmage-Deck and Whistle Stop. myself - to eat in a charming place where we could hear ourselves talk as we updated Part of the eatery’s charm as you enter is each other on the news in our lives. And we the old-timey soda fountain area and the could and we did! Norman Rockwell era décor. And let’s don’t forget about the chance to watch a train From the easy-to-read menu, Lisa and racing by the rejuvenated depot in McCall Amanda ordered the house specialty Park or to have a friends and family photo sandwich, which combines both roast beef shoot at the old red phone booth on the and corned beef on homemade bread. They sidewalk out front. opted for the wheat and we’re obviously very satisfied with their side choice of the Along with generous portions of yummy potato bacon soup as well. food at affordable prices, it’s always a great experience to see friends and neighbors Lisa has been here often enough to know in historic downtown Plant City at the that you grab your cookie as soon as you’ve much-loved cafe. This is THE spot where ordered because if you wait too long, oh my, residents bring their out-of-town visitors it’s too bad and so sad. Each day, Whistle for a little authentic local flavor and history. Stop bakes only a certain amount of the chocolate-fudge filled chocolate chip or Hard-working owners Jerry and Marti the coconut-filled chocolate fudge cookies Lofstrum definitely know how to charm and when they’re gone, they’re gone - until hungry folks with happy hellos, hugs, the next day, that is. So regulars learn the homemade breads, belly-warming soups, cookie drill quickly. fresh salads, and deli-style sandwiches. Lunch served with a smile and topped off I wanted a little more crunch on this with the house-specialty cookies, hand- particular day, which made the Asian salad dipped ice cream and a cup of great coffee with ingredients purchased from local - what more can anyone ask? vendors the perfect choice. I was impressed with the freshness of the greens and Oh, and one more treat awaits diners - cranberries in particular. The combination pianists who play those old familiar songs of mandarin oranges, mushrooms and that remind us of the “good old days.” Chinese noodles is a tasty one indeed. I had
Fresh greens topped with cranberries, mandarin oranges, mushrooms and Chinese noodles make for a healthy and tasty lunch. Photo by: Cheryl Johnston
Photo by: Cheryl Johnston FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY DECEMBER 2012
101