C
entral Perk has been a staple in Hamilton County dining now for ten years. Renovated in 2008 to become a local healthy eatery, the restaurant is located in a historic house in the county seat of Hamilton. Dripping with charm, this local eatery has a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere with its picturesque views and gargantuan wraparound porch. Cleverly named, Central Perk plays up its Friends origins decorating the dining area with vintage Friends posters. Most of the delicatessen’s sandwiches, paninis and wraps take on their own character persona from the hit sitcom. For example, the “Phoebe” is, rightfully, a veggie panini with eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, onion and provolone cheese. Blanca Sepolio, owner, can be found daily in-house preparing dishes, answering the phone, taking orders at the window, and anything else she needs to do to make things
12 Our Hometowns | Fall 2019
Be sure and check out Central Perk’s show stopping homemade pies and desserts, but be prompt! Blanca’s desserts are much-loved and sell out quickly. Central Perk’s autograph wall, with a special autograph from none other than Mike Wolfe of American Pickers Central Perk’s famous stuffed avocados are fame, is another notable feature on anyone’s favorites for good reason. Blanca serves up, list when stopping in. always fresh, perfectly ripened large Hass avocados, stuffed with her signature chicken The charming dining space quickly fills to the salad, cranberries and walnuts. All dishes are brim with patrons, spilling out onto the gorserved with a choice of chips, soup, salad or geous, and sizeable, wraparound porch that provides a beautiful dining backdrop during seasonal fruit. favorable Texas weather. Perhaps more noA personal favorite, the “Janice”, comes with table, Central Perk is also dog friendly. Bring apple wood smoked bacon, turkey, Monterey along your fuzzy friends and dine together. jack cheese, baby arugula, romaine lettuce, and tomato, drizzled with mayo and honey Any time you’re driving down 281, make sure mustard and wrapped in a fresh spinach to make a stop at Central Perk, a place where tortilla. The “Janice” wrap pairs well with all friends gather. Delicious food and a warm sides and has a sweet and tangy twist which, and welcome environment make this restauin my opinion, perfectly embodies the theme rant an ace for any friend’s visit. of the café. runs smoothly. The blackboard menu is located over the order window and specials are served every day. A plethora of choices await, as well as, salads and their famous stuffed avocados.