Wedding Cakes Not a Problem for Ms. Colleen's Cafe in Brundidge, Alabama

Becky Linguiti's mother was a beauty queen once. Her name was Colleen, and everyone in Bogalusa, Louisiana might remember her as being crowned Paper Queen many decades ago. Back then, she was petite and beautiful by most standards. She still is although not quite as young. Her portrait occupies the foyer of Mrs. Linguiti's cafe and antique shop located in one of the Victorian homes in Brundidge, Alabama. Mrs. Linguiti named the cafe - Ms. Colleen's.

Serving lunch and selling antiques and gifts are just a few of Mrs. Linguiti talents. She's a caterer, a cake decorator and an artist. She's quite interesting to talk to as well. Even on busy days, she's not too busy in the kitchen to interact with customers.

Ms. Colleen is one of Becky's helpers. So is Peggy Wilkins, a relative who "helps with the stirring." The Linguiti family moved to the area when Becky's husband, a physician, was stationed at Fort Rucker.

Ms. Colleen's serves nine different sandwiches on four types of bread. Linguiti is about to add a new sandwich to her understated menu. The cafe serves soup and four different salads, homemade desserts, soft drinks, coffee, bottled water and freshly brewed iced cold tea.

Ms. Colleen's has been open since the last Saturday in October last year. Linguiti's opening the restaurant coincided with the annual Peanut Butter Festival the city of Brundidge has every year.

Ms. Colleen's is a meeting place for small groups as well. The old house maintains its late 19th century Victorian flair with high ceilings, wood floors, wooden paneled walls and finely detailed fretwork. There are a total of four rooms to shop or meet in. The original fireplaces are still intact in each of the four rooms. Christian worship music may emanate from the restaurants' stereo while guests eat, shop or conduct business. Valuable antiques clutter the walls and shelves. Yet the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting.

My first experience with Ms. Colleen's was a few Wednesdays ago when I parked in their parking lot with plans to visit the library next door. The green and white sign out front immediately caught me and pulled me into the building that used to be a floral arts and gift shop. Mrs. Wilkins gave me a warm welcome and invited me to stay and eat. Although she and I and one other person were the only people in the cafe, the place had this busy feel to it, probably because of all the antiques and collectibles surrounding us. I asked a couple of questions, acquired a menu and promised to return soon for lunch.

True to my word, I returned the very next day. Mrs. Linguiti welcomed me and told me to sit where I'd like. I seated myself at one of the four tables in the dining room nearest the kitchen. The built-in shelf behind me was filled with exquisite milk glass china and serving dishes. The menu itself was just a plain sheet of typing paper with Ms. Colleen's offerings listed. I asked Mrs. Linguiti to recommend a sandwich, and settled on ordering half a Chuck Wagon Club on wheatberry bread and a cup of Potato Soup.

The half sandwich was juicy and filling, with ham, turkey, bacon, two cheeses, lettuce and tomato between two thin slices of toasted bread. It was a meat lover's rave. I could taste fresh cream in the potato soup, which reminded me of eating a loaded baked potato with cheese and bacon bits on it.

To finish off my eating adventure, I ordered the dessert of the day - bread pudding. Mrs. Wilkins had made a fresh pan of it. When she brought it to my table, it was piping hot. It was like no other I'd eaten. The pudding was light and fluffy and not too sweet. The glaze made up for what the pudding lacked in sweetness. The pudding was created from a secret family recipe.

While I dined at Ms. Colleen's, Mrs. Linguiti and Mrs. Wilkins took the time to talk to me. It wasn't because they had nothing to do, as Ms. Colleen's was catering a wedding and making wedding cakes. Mrs. Linguiti met with a bride's mother while visitors browsed the different rooms and just enjoyed the quaint atmosphere.

If you are ever in southeast Alabama, you should visit Ms. Colleen's. There you will find history, antique charm, good people and delicious food. It will be worth your visit.

How to Get There
Take U.S. Highway 231 north or south to Brundidge, make a turn onto Alabama Highway 10 (a left if you're headed south, and a right if you're headed north). Make a right at the first traffic light at the intersection of Highway 10 (S.A. Graham Boulevard) and Main Street. Ms. Colleen's is located on the right at the corner of Main and Oak streets in a white Victorian home trimmed in blue. Parking is on Oak Street.