Merridee's Breadbasket

Posted By Michael Stern on December 1, 2006 12:05 PM

A wholesome bakery and restaurant in the charming town of Franklin, Merridee's is a source of fresh-baked rolls and breads to take home. It is also a place locals crowd for lunch. We could scarcely find a seat the day we stopped in with our Franklin friend Roger Waynick.

Place your order at the counter, and they call your name when it is ready, by which time, hopefully, you have found a table. It's a large menu that includes hot breakfasts and a vast array of oven-fresh rolls (almond swirl, cinnamon twist, sticky bun, muffins, biscuits, scones, etc.) as well as lunch of sandwiches, salads, and crescents ("No, not croissants!" says the menu), which are homemade bread doughs wrapped around turkey and honey mustard, spinach and feta cheese, or roast beef and Swiss.

The one sandwich Roger said was a must-eat is the Southern favorite, Pimiento cheese. Made of nice, soft white bread, it is an elegant mix of freshly grated white cheddar, pimientos, relish, and Hellman's mayonnaise.

For dessert: cake, pie, fudge brownies, and sugar tea cakes, available with espresso coffee drinks.

Pimiento Cheese Sandwich

Chess Pie

Sandwich Crescent

Biscuits and Gravy

Sausage Biscuit

Fruit turnover

Chocolate Pecan Pie