Taste of Eden Deli and Bakery in Hot Springs, Arkansas - A Little Taste of Heaven

Step into Taste of Eden Deli and Bakery and you'll instantly feel like you're at home. Located in the courthouse area of Hot Springs Arkansas, just minutes from Oaklawn Racetrack and a mere 6 blocks from beautiful downtown, this downhome country goodness has been around for 5 years. But in it's current location for only 5 months. Owners Grant and Debbie Geurin strive to make each customer feel like you're part of their family. That's because Taste of Eden is a Family Affair! You'll often see Debbie's Mom Kay, serving up homemade apple pie, or sons Brandon and Drew waiting tables and making deliveries. Once you've tasted Debbie's meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, or Grant's signature sandwiches, you'll think you've been transported back to Grandma's kitchen. And wait until you've tasted their cakes.

Located at 432 Ouachita Avenue, directly across the street from the Garland County Courthouse, lunchtime will often find the small dining room full and people waiting out on the sidewalk for a table. This is definitely the first indication that the food is worth waiting for. Each sandwich is made to order, no heat lamps here! Never fear though, Mrs. Barbara will keep your tea glass full as Lauren tempts your taste buds delivering hot bowls of Loaded Baked Potato Soup and thick Club Sandwiches to the next table over.

So what makes Taste of Eden different from the rest...and what do you order when you get there? You could start at the top of the menu and work your way down like my daughter Kristen is doing. Or, you could take the advice of her sister Lauren and try the daily lunch special. Since there are so many wonderful choices, We've tried to put together a few suggestions along with the prices.

For breakfast, I recommend the Omelets. The meat lover can get a 3-egg omelet with bacon, ham and sausage loaded with cheese and served with toast and hashbrowns for only $5.95. Kristen on the other hand prefers something lighter and likes the fruit plate. For $5.50, you get a plate loaded with fresh, in-season fruit along with one of Debbie's made from scratch muffins. French toast is Lauren's favorite: and the Geurin's serve up 6 fluffy slices, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with warm maple syrup. Add a side of bacon and you're all set to start your morning for only $6.70.

Lunchtime offers a wide variety of tempting dishes. My personal favorite is Grants creation. It's called a Razorback Burger. ($7.95) 1/3 pound of lean Angus Beef, grilled to perfection and topped with smoked ham, bacon, choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato and sweet purple onion. Smother the whole thing in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Oh and make sure you get a side of Sweet Potato Fries. Dipped in Debbie's special sauce, these easily make a meal by themselves. Kristen loves the Chicken Salad Plate. ($6.95) A flaky croissant layered with a generous helping of tender chicken, and cubes of apples, walnuts, celery and raisins in a creamy dressing. Or take Laurens advice and build your own sandwich for just $6.50. Choose from turkey, ham, roast beef, tuna, chicken salad or corned beef, then add either American, Pepper Jack or Baby Swiss Cheese to freshly baked slices of Sourdough, Wheatberry, or Marble Rye bread, or choose a Kaiser Roll.

Daily specials include ole-fashioned plate lunch specials with items such as lasagna and chicken casserole, with scrumptious veggies like tender green beans or turnip greens. Get a cup or a crock of homemade soups including broccoli-cheese or loaded baked potato Or take a walk on the wild side with Grants new low-cal menu. Did I mention that he's lost 37 pounds on his menu creations? He's done it with the help of things like the Turkey and Swiss wrap served with a cup of tropical fruit salad and a bag of baked Lays ($4.95)

But what about the Bakery? In addition to out of this world lemon meringue and chocolate pies, melt in your mouth chocolate chip and peppermint cookies, and gooey cinnamon rolls and pastries, there's the cakes. The thing that started it all and what has everyone talking. Italian Creme, Carrot, or just plain vanilla with Debbies' special touch in the decorations, you can't go wrong. Grant is becoming an expert at cutting, building and designing special shapes and character cakes. Like every good Arkansas Razorback Fan, he loves his Hogs. What better way to show that than in a cake? And what better way to do that than to have him sitting on the elephant from Alabama?

For more information, you can check out their website at tasteofedenbakeryandcafe.com/default.aspx

One final note of interest...when the ABC hit show Extreme Makeover Home Edition spent a week in Arkansas last year, it was Taste of Eden and The Geurin's who were called to design a cake to look like the new house being built and have it delivered for the final taping.