*** Rate the Food- Up the Stairs- Apalachicola, 26 October, 14

Up the Stairs - Apalachicola

Even though I use energy gels while running long distances, and drink lots of sports drinks, a big meal is a necessity afterwards. It is still an odd feeling to be hungry during a run.

After finishing the Run for the Bay Ultra on this day (see my piece on this run) we walked around the small town trying to work out some lactic acid and looking for a good meal. We first went into Oyster City Brewing Company. Having tasted their beer at the Destin Beer Fest this year, we hoped they served a little food also. No luck, but maybe soon they will. A few other attempts were met by long lines, so we finally found Up the Stairs.

Even though it is on the main drag of the town, you will still need to look for it.

And yes, you have to go up a flight of stairs. But definitely worth the extra effort.

Beautiful dinning room and a bar that draws you in, urging you to warm a bar stool for a while and chat with your new friends there. The perch above the street allows diners to enjoy a sweeping view of the street below. I tend to prefer places that have something to hold my attention while waiting for food and drinks to be delivered.

You can find a link to their menu here. They also have an extensive list of specials. I have to say I was completely impressed when our server ran through the long list of specials as if she had been practicing. It was a very long list. They are happy to serve "small plates" at the bar (they call it a lounge), save the meals for a table.

My guests made a selection from the specials, a lobster and cream cheese omelette. Perfectly cooked, fluffy and stuffed with both lobster, cheese and herbs. I think I ate half of her plate. My meal of choice after a long run is something big and greasy, usually a burger. What was brought to me was big, delicious, and JUICY. Much better than greasy. Even though I was quite hungry, a large portion of the burger went back to the hotel with us.

Along with water, a couple of adult beverages. For her, a mimosa with freshly squeezed OJ. I had a Bloody Mary. Sipping my drink I had to rethink my position on some things.

I was a restaurant about 20 years ago and I do a lot of scratch-cooking from home. Like most "foodies" I still check out cooking shows on TV, for ideas and to learn things. Besides Julia, my favorites show was "Good Eats" with Alton Brown. During an episode Alton explored some mixed drinks and one feature of the program was how to make a good Bloody Mary.

Alton's opinion on the drink was that it did not need any extras, and up to this moment I agreed. But seeing the Bloody Mary delivered to me with olives and celery and lemon wedge, then tasting it- wow! Sorry Alton, you can call me a foo-foo BM drinker now and I won't care. (I still don't have any mono-taskers in my kitchen however).

Just a note, UTS is a 21 and over place. Nothing against your kids I'm sure, but they can't even come in with a parent. It's verboten. And isn't it kind of nice for a change?

If Cafe con Leche, Up the Stairs, and the Oyster City Brewing Company are true representative samples of the remaining food and drink in Apalachicola it is fast becoming a destination for people who want to good food and drink that doesn't come out of a freezer with the name of a chain restaurant stamped on it.

Food 7. Service 9. Cleanliness 8. Location 7.