Hanover in the spring – who doesn’t enjoy a drive enjoy a drive in the country? How about a cozy spot to stop for lunch, and browse for antiques at the same time?
That’s where Black Creek Country Store and Café comes in. This is the Hanover of your imagination. Somehow, time seems to slow down upon entering the cozy early 1900s building from the front porch. Built in 1907, the historic Black Creek Country Store opened seven years ago, initially as an antiques and gift shop. The café opened a year ago.
The atmosphere is everything you’d expect an old time country store should be, welcoming and inviting, none of the hustle and bustle common to places catering to lunch business.
Café tables dot the entry, local folks mix with grandparents and toddlers, out for an afternoon. We approached the counter, ready to place our order, and appreciated feedback from the friendly regulars dining nearby. We helped ourselves to long neck sodas out of the cooler, and proceeded to the more subdued dining area in the far end of the room. We found ourselves wandering away from our table as we waited for our order, perusing the varied antiques, candles, funky signs, old fashioned candy etc. The styling of the place was very thoughtful and inspirationally presented.
When lunch arrived, our shopping interest was diverted, the food too delicious to abandon.
First, a cup of hearty, creamy broccoli and cheddar soup, ($1.99) full bodied and satisfying . The barbecue and slaw ($3.99) was the best of what you’d expect from North Carolina style barbecue. Nicely seasoned, with a bite to it, it was served on a soft Kaiser roll.
The very generously endowed Black Creek club sandwich, ($5.25) included your choice of meat. Ours was created with ham, and cheddar, lightly grilled pannini style, with a thick slice of tomato, like you’d make at home, only better. The crab cake sandwich ($6.95) was light and delicate, the crab cake itself extended far beyond the borders of the soft roll it was served in, along withfresh lettuce and tomato.
Lunch itself would have been perfectly satisfying, but the desserts alone are reason enough to make the trip. All desserts are created by the former baker from Thalhimers, a long time local tradition.
We shared outstanding chocolate chess pie, – so good we bought an entire pie to take home. We also tried the coconut custard pie, though couldn’t decide if it was more custard, or coconut, it was so perfectly balanced w/both. We especially enjoyed the French apple pie. Double crusted, the pie included apple slices and raisins with a layer of white frosting on top. The pecan pie was classic – crunchy, subtle, and sweet. All pies slices are $1.95. The cheesecake ($2.95) was dense and creamy, with a surprising crumble topping, adding a nice texture counterbalance to the smoothness of the cheesecake itself.
This is the place to go to catch up with a friend, take the in-laws when they’re in town, or take yourself with a book for a bit of downtime, and maybe something sweet.
As we left, we noted the mix of pickups parked next to the Mercedes in the lot. We knew we’d found a place that had something special, something authentic. Someone from across the lot waved and called out to us – we swore it was something that sounded like “Ya’ll come back now, O’Hara?” We knew of course, we would.
Black Creek County Store and Café
4348 Fox Hunter Lane
Mech, Va. 23111
804 781 1786
Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m .– 5 p.m.
