On the corner of 41st Street S. and 2nd Avenue S., just across from the rustic brick building of Avondale Brewing Co., sits the oh so quaint and charming grocery, Freshfully. Don't let "grocery" fool you, Freshfully rightfully sits in its own class.
The smoothness of the trumpet and high top in songs playing overhead like "I'm beginning to see the light," by Danny Williams is compatible with the creaminess of the locally made Bell Chevre goat cheese, High Road ice-cream, and Cantata's iced coffee. Other classic songs like "That's all" by Genesis is light and upbeat like the sound of the blender making pear, peach, and Greek yogurt smoothies in the back, the sliding of crates as fresh tomatoes, apples, and pears are restocked and sorted throughout the morning and afternoon, or the "tap, tap, ding" of the cash register.
Upon first entering the store, the sweet and tart smell of gala, red and golden delicious apples and orient pears in wooden boxes is complimented by the smokey and savory smell of Conecuh and Benton's bacon. Every morning, sitting by the large front windows, I watch customers stroll in, several proclaiming, "it smells so good!" or "it smells like bacon!"
Hazel Rig orchard, Owl's Hollow, Stone Oak, Sanctuary, Manna Market, Luddite, Heron Hollow are some of the local farmers. Red and yellow heirloom tomatoes the size of soft balls, red potatoes, sweet potatoes, purple and vidalia onions, peaches, spinach, cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, red bell peppers, okra, peas, watermelon, herbs, and so on and so forth. The bright reds and oranges and greens are enough to tickle the senses, but tasting the fresh produce and locally baked bread or ice cream you are shopping for is a cinch at the small cafe in the back.
A BLT using local red Heirloom tomatoes, Conecuh or Benton's bacon, mixed greens, and Zak's Green Zest- all on Crestline honey baked white bread- is a classic, and Freshfully does it well. Growing up in Monroeville, Al- neighbor and good friend to Conecuh county- Conecuh sausage or "Conecuh made sausage" as me and my mother have always said, is a breakfast staple, as well as the only way to cook peas and other vegetables, or to make sunny side up eggs. However- and I apologize for my short treason- I had the BLT with Benton's bacon and the juiciness of that tomato with the smokiness of that bacon was to die for. Gladly, I'd do it again. Another classic is the Tomato Sandwich, and what better way to eat a tomato sandwich than with fresh, local tomatoes? That question was ridiculous because there is no better way to eat a tomato sandwich than one made with "real" tomatoes as my mother calls them: A tomato one wipe and swipe away from the dirt. The Vegetable sandwich- though it could be assumed to be missing something with the absence of bacon- is tasty in its own right. Nothing beats fresh vegetables and Honey Bell Chevre goat cheese on toasted bread. Another favorite is the Peach and Chevre sandwich: a sweet and salty sandwich of peaches, Bell Chevre, and basil on toasted Crestline baked seeded bread.
Other items that can be found at Freshfully are grass fed beef, lamb, free range chicken, shrimp, yogurt, milk, and pantry items like yellow or white grits, corn meal, vinaigrettes, relishes, pickles, raw honey, coffee, and locally baked bread, bagel chips, granola, and cookies. The Crestline chocolate chip cookie made with whole grain flour is the most regular purchase: It's typical for just about every customer to walk out of the door, chocolate chip cookie in hand.
The customers and staff are as gracious and quaint as the store itself. I enjoy tapping my foot to classic 50's rock'n roll music like "Boogie Shoes" or familiar songs by Journey while chatting with customers on their purchases, where they come from, or where they're going, and sometimes, what they are cooking for dinner with their fresh foods.Then again, I also enjoy the view and my coffee while listening to more lazy tunes, and as many customers sit at the cafe style tables with their meals, coffee, or just a lap top, I assume they enjoy the music and smells as much as I do.
It's an easy going place. There's just something about Freshfully's mood and simplicity that appeals to me. As a Dietetic Intern at UAB, I appreciate the freshness, rawness, and health benefits of the foods sold here. As a student, I find it an easy place for writing or for eating a light lunch. However, as a Southern Monroeville girl, I love most that it takes me back to my Bigdaddy's garden: the sun, the dirt, and the way things "used to be."
Well Freshfully, you brought the old days and old ways back, and I love it.
Freshfully, yours
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