Opinion

Bad choices will make things worse

BY STEVE WALL G UEST COLUMNIST T here are over 200 cases of coronavirus that have appeared in Italy, with three deaths as of Feb. 21. It’s possible patient one had symptoms for five days before seeking help.

Currently, there are over 500,000 people in North Carolina who have no medical insurance, and several thousand are here in the mountains. Careful health surveys by the Kaiser Family Foundation show that people with no medical insurance delay seeing a medical provider for financial reasons. Is it inconceivable that someone with a highly contagious disease could remain under the radar, and without knowing it, spread the infection, because a visit to the ER and lab test could cost them $300 or more out of pocket.

If so, why do Republican politicians like Sen. Tom Tillis, R-N.C., and state Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, sabotage the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina that would help protect public health? Why does President Trump continue to attack the Affordable Care Act that has given over 20 million people access to care? The reason is as obvious as it is outrageous — because these programs to safeguard our nation’s health have President Obama’s name attached to them. And these Democratic initiated programs must be socialist or communist, as state House candidate Mike Clampitt from Bryson City recently declared, conveniently forgetting that Medicare and Social Security were also called socialist or even communist when they were first proposed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson.

As late as 1954, paralytic polio claimed 50,000 victims every year in the U.S. As late as 1999, measles killed 2 million children worldwide. These plagues have stopped because of vaccine development and improved medical access. About 23 million children have been spared death from measles worldwide since 1960.

In 1918, we didn’t have the kind of medical research and technology that developed in the second half of the 20th century. No one really knows how many people died from the Spanish Flu, but estimates range from 30 to 40 million worldwide. And the oceans didn’t protect the U.S., where out of population of 105 million approximately 400,000 to 500,000 died, including my wife’s great-grandfather.

This is not fake news, Mr. President. Xi Jinping, president of China, is not doing “A great job … totally under control ….” as you foolishly stated before having any real intelligence (perhaps from one of the 17 intelligence agencies you have stated you don’t trust as much as you trust Vladimir Putin).

So while we are talking about this, ask yourself why Mr. Trump is calling for a $5 billion cut in the budget for the National Institute of Health. I think I know why — because our president encouraged by his obedient, irresponsible followers like Sen. Tillis and Rep. Mark Meadows and thinks he knows more than anyone, whether it’s about Syria (sorry Kurds, you’re on your own, I know more than the generals), vaccines (they cause autism, bad doctors!), climate (he knows its all a Chinese trick), etc., etc.

I’m glad the stock market is up and job creation in the past 36 months is almost as good as it was in the last 36 months of the Obama administration. I’m glad there will never be another recession, and that Trump’s federal deficit that’s now over a trillion dollars — for the first time in our history — won’t ever come back to bite us. Because the really good news, in spite of any worries about epidemics or economics or our standing in the world with no allies is what Trump said to his wealthy campaign contributors during a dinner at Mar-aLago after the 2017 passage of the budget busting tax give away: “I just made you all a lot richer.” See you in November.

(Steve Wall is a retired pediatrician who spent his career in Haywood County.)

Thanks for the reminder To the Editor:

I want to thank Scott McLeod for his encouragement to all of us in his “From the Publisher” portion of the Friday Xtra digital newsletter last Friday morning. With us not knowing what others are going through, it is a wonderful reminder to be kind and compassionate as well as always treating people like we want to be treated. Thanks again!

Sheriff Greg Christopher Haywood County Sheriff

Some political ads are not helpful To the Editor:

One of the blessings or curses of too many philosophy classes at university is an appreciation for critical thinking skills. Many of these skills are becoming less and less prevalent in modern discourse. Applying those skills to politics is critical to making sound judgements in the voting booth.

Over the last several weeks I have noted political ads in the news and have been using them to help make my voting decisions. Specifically, three ads caught my attention. Two are Republican and one is Democratic. I am registered as unaffiliated. One ad is for the 11th Congressional District race, one ad is for the N.C. House and one ad is for District Court Judge. The first two are objective statements of qualifications for the office and clearly state who paid for the ad.

The third (for District Court judge), I consider to be deficient in that it lacks objectivity (cherry picked topics with no supporting evidence) some of which to my mine are not really reasons to vote for or against a candidate. Example: “Was Not Always a Lawyer” says nothing as I imagine none of the three candidates was always a lawyer. It does not carry a “paid for” statement.

I intend to pay attention to ads that give real information about a candidate, their endorsements, and their positions and not ads that offer little or no helpful information. Such ads only inform my opinion about the candidate running the ad.

Richard Gould Waynesville LETTERS

Democracy hits the mat To the Editor:

Just when I thought it was safe to be optimistic about the trajectory of our country, I came up from my crouch and took a double gut punch. That one-two punch left me reeling from what I’d just seen and felt.

When the Senate voted not to allow any witnesses or additional evidence to be admitted during their hurried impeachment proceedings, I dropped a tear of anger and loss. How can one even hope to find the truth and offer transparency without hearing from those directly involved on the front lines? Blocking testimony from the highest-ranking staffers in the field is the most blatant way to insure that the facts are never heard.

This comes after weeks of the president specifically instructing government employees to ignore congressionally issued subpoenas to testify before recognized bipartisan committees, giving our Constitution a swift right hook, busting the collective lip of truthfulness.

Even before the trial began, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed that he’d not only be in the President’s corner with the stool and a pep talk between rounds, but also with the assurance that he would fix the fight from the beginning with help from his complicit cohorts in the chamber to hamstring the opponent — transparency. The truth and any unbiased hearing would be buried under the canvas cover along with another piece of our democracy.

Shock and disbelief fell across many American faces as our long-held faith and belief in the sacred process of fair and equal justice and our national character were thrown into the ropes with a little fancy footwork by those whose job it is to defend those very ideals. This is not how our systems of checks and balances and due process work, this is how thugs, gangs, dictators and mob bosses operate. The only thing missing here was the sound of kneecaps breaking.

I couldn’t watch any of the proceeding that followed, knowing that a complete sham and cover-up was taking place, and all the world had a ring-side seat, our Constitution reduced to bookies bet sheets and birdcage liner. The pre-arranged acquittal followed, not because of our unbiased, equally applied system of government, but in spite of it.

An emboldened lightweight emerged, eager to retaliate against his critics, knowing that his spineless backers in the Senate, including our own Sen. Tom Tillis, were giving him the green light and freeing him from any accountability going forward, regardless of rules, law or sense of decency.

He celebrated by throwing Purple Heart recipient Lt. Col.Vindman and his fellow soldier brother, along with world-respected US Ambassadors Gordon Sondland (EU) and Marie Yovanovitch (Ukraine) out on their asses for providing information and testimony as requested by investigators, and required by law (incidentally!).

In the meantime, he disgraces previous recipients of the Medal of Freedom by awarding it to his ass-kissing, bigoted pal Rush Limbaugh with a bare-knuckled jab into American honor. He followed with his appointed lapdog Attorney General William Barr directed to intervene in a presiding judge’s sentence for his long-time dirtbag buddy Roger Stone in yet another flagrant abuse of power, usurping the distinct separation between the judicial and executive branches of government.

Now, officially above the law and given free rein to re-make our legal system to his benefit, the most recent series of punches that landed on America’s face make a mockery of our institutions and those who sacrificed and died to defend and protect them.

My 2020 hope is that the nation can gather the collective courage and conviction to get up off the floor and come back swinging with the conjoined political punches of Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammed Ali. It’s imperative that voters deliver the needed knock-out blow to this blatant assault on our democracy. We want our nation back.

We don’t want to hear the ref count to three and await our democracy’s final bell sounding. It’s up to us in November to land that massive punch, sending the dirty fighter and his backers to the locker room defeated, marking a win for America’s future as the real democracy champions.

John Beckman Cullowhee

Lessons learned from a bird of prey I t was a crisp and cold morning. The lake was still, like a mirror. The sun had just risen. Every few seconds the bald eagle would glide through the sky and then swoop down to catch a fish in the water. If he missed, he would start over. Glide, swoop. Glide, swoop.

Until finally, he was rewarded by his efforts.

When my boyfriend, Matthew, finished with a recent early morning run, this is the story he told me. He and three friends do a six- to ninemile run each weekend. These runs usually begin at 5:30 a.m. and end around 7 a.m.

But when Matthew finished this particular run, he didn’t report their conversations about kids or work or their random guy banter about this or that. No, he told me this story about the elegant bald eagle at Lake Junaluska. The scene was a visual that resonated with both of us. Even though I didn’t see it play out in person, his retelling was so descriptive it affected me just the same.

As humans we can give up easily. Our frail senses of diligence and perseverance can wane quickly. Our attention spans are easily manipulated. We tend to rely on comfort zones and routines as opposed to stretching our talents. In contrast, animals lack the ability to reflect and reason and are therefore driven by survival.

One time I saw a graphic that depicted a tiny circle with the words “comfort zone” inside. The neighboring circle was huge by comparison with the words “best life.” It was a simple black and white graphic with a powerful message. When we remain in the same place, growth is nearly impossible. When we stretch ourselves, try new things and live with an open mind, growth is everywhere.

With my children’s book publishing this past November, I’ve experienced a number of things outside my comfort zone. I’ve been asked to speak at schools, rotary clubs and bookstores. I’ve gone to conferences and book festivals and stood alongside authors with many more titles and accolades than I. Going into each of these events, I felt anxiety and fear of the unknown. I forged ahead anyway and each time, I felt myself change and evolve in the best ways.

This week introduces the season of Lent. Columnist Susanna Shetley

From Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, individuals worldwide will embrace the 40 days in between. It’s meant to be a time of waiting, preparation and fasting.

Sometime in early adulthood, I began honoring this season. I’ve given up things such as gum, gluten, alcohol, caffeine and other luxuries. I’ve also taken on challenges such as running every day or reading a certain number of books. I’ve put some thought to what I want to embrace this year.

For me personally, giving up something like a food or beverage doesn’t do a lot for my psyche or well being. I’m generally a very healthy, active person and do a good job of moderating consumables that are bad for me. Emotionally, I’ve experienced significant loss over the past four years so taking on something good helps to fill some of that void.

Matthew and I have decided that we’re going to take on the challenge of getting up at a certain time each morning to ensure we start the day in the right mind frame. We’ve learned that at least 30 minutes of quiet time reading, praying or journaling does wonders for the soul, especially before diving headlong into a day of stimulation. The aim is to get up by 5:15 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekend, and we plan to hold one another accountable.

I’ve always loved those hours before dawn. Back when I was teaching, I had a dream to be a writer. Every morning I woke up early and worked on my writing career before getting ready for school. Once I had my first child, I woke up even earlier because as parents know, babies are on their own schedule and I knew I had to get my own stuff accomplished to be a happy, clear-headed mom.

During these early morning hours, I obtained a journalism add-on degree, started a mom blog, wrote numerous articles and columns, and finished writing four books, one of which has been published. Now, even though I’m not teaching, I have similar goals. I get up early and work on my own writing goals before arriving at The Smoky Mountain News for the day.

With all of that being said, there are days where I just don’t feel like getting up or I hit the snooze button one too many time. It’s especially hard to get up early on the weekends. I’m hopeful during this Lenten season these new wake-up times will become a disciplined habit like they once were.

Perhaps it’s a bald eagle gliding and swooping to find his breakfast or a mom waking up before daybreak to accomplish goals and dreams. The purpose is the same. Whether human or beast, we’re all on the same path, a path to live our absolute best lives and embrace those tentative parts of us that, if left alone, will never catch a fish.

(Susanna Shetley is writer, editor and digital media specialist for The Smoky Mountain News, Smoky Mountain Living and Mountain South Media. susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com)

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Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251

AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville. 828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years. Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available.

BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY 50 N Main Street, Waynesville. 828.246.0350. Taproom Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gem Bar Open Tuesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks at Boojum’s Downtown Waynesville restaurant & bar. Choose from 16 taps of our fresh, delicious & ever rotating Boojum Beer plus cider, wine & craft cocktails. The taproom features seasonal pub faire including tasty burgers, sandwiches, shareables and daily specials that pair perfectly with our beer. Cozy up inside or take in the mountain air on our back deck."

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191 . Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner nightly at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Wine Down Wednesday’s: ½ off wine by the bottle. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks from local farms, incredible burgers, and other classic american comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available.

CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville. 828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot.

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT 3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley. 828.926.1820 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

EVERETT HOTEL & BISTRO 16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934. Open daily for dinner at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Serving fresh and delicious weekday morning lite fare, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Freshly prepared menu offerings range from house-made soups & salads, lite fare & tapas, crepes, specialty sandwiches and burgers. Be sure not to miss the bold flavors and creative combinations that make up the daily Chef Supper Specials. Followed by a tempting selection of desserts prepared daily by our chefs and other local bakers. Enjoy craft beers on tap, as well as our full bar and eclectic wine list.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde. 828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery. Check out our daily lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95.

FIREFLY TAPS & GRILL 128 N. Main St., Waynesville 828.454.5400. Simple, delicious food. A must experience in WNC. Located in down

EVERYTHING IS DELICIOUS! SOUTH PHILLY ITALIAN PASTAS

Sub $9 50 only 2768 ASHEVILLE HWY, CANTON, NC | 828-593-3580 HOURS | MON-THU: 11AM-8PM, FRI-SAT: 11AM-10PM, SUN: 12PM-8PM ICE COLD COCA-COLA, DIET COKE, SPRITE, FANTA ORANGE Curbside service and Delivery by Door Dash • jumbo hot dog Meatball Call In Orders Encouraged 828-593-3580 • Xtra-lg slice of cheesecake $5 50 only $3 00 only • Pasta with meat sauce $8.50 • Pasta with 2 meatballs $9.50 • Other pastas! Pastas w/ marinara sauce, fettuccini Alfredo, red & white linguini w/ clam sauce $7.50 • Steak & cheese sub, chicken breast sub, Italian hoagie $9.50

Award-winning BBQ, brisket, and ribs, all with sides made fresh daily. DINE-IN, TAKEOUT, OR CATERING!

town Waynesville with an atmosphere that will warm your heart and your belly! Local and regional beers on tap. Full bar, vegetarian options, kids menu, and more. Reservations accepted. Daily specials. Live music every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. Open Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA 1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley. 828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. Reservations accepted. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

HARMON’S DEN BISTRO 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville 828.456.6322. Harmon’s Den is located in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART. Open 5:30- 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (Bistro closes at 7:30 p.m. on nights when there is a show in the Fangmeyer Theater) with Sunday brunch at 11 a.m. that includes breakfast and lunch items. Harmon’s Den offers a complete menu with cocktails, wine list, and area beers on tap. Enjoy casual dining with the guarantee of making it to the performance in time, then rub shoulders with the cast afterward with post-show food and beverage service. Reservations recommended. www.harmonsden.harttheatre.org

HAZELWOOD FARMACY & SODA FOUNTAIN 429 Hazelwood Avenue, Waynesville. 828.246.6996. Open six days a week, closed Wednesday. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast until noon, old-fashioned luncheonette and diner comfort food. Historic full service soda fountain.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley. 828.926.0212. Open seven days a week! 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Joey’s is a family-friendly restaurant that has been serving breakfast to locals and visitors of Western North Carolina for decades. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey's is sure to please all appetites. Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

KANINI’S 1196 N. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.5187. Lunch Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., eat in or carry out. Closed Sunday. A made-from-scratch kitchen using fresh ingredients. Offering a variety of meals to go from frozen meals to be stored and cooked later to “Dinners to Go” that are made fresh and ready to enjoyed that day. We also specialize in catering any event from from corporate lunches to weddings. kaninis.com

MAD BATTER KITCHEN 617 W. Main St, Downtown Sylva. 828.586.3555. In collaboration with Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. Open 7 days a week; Saturday & Sunday Brunch until 2 p.m. Hand-tossed pizza, local grass-fed beef and rice bowls. Scratch-made and beer inspired menu with lots of vegetarian, vegan & gluten free options. Free live music and movies. Visit madbatterkitchen.net for this week’s events.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB 1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine. Open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT 2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. 828.926.0425. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Daily specials including soups, sandwiches and southern dishes along with featured dishes such as fresh fried chicken, rainbow trout, country ham, pork chops and more. Breakfast all day including omelets, pancakes, biscuits & gravy. facebook.com/carversmvr; instagram @carvers_mvr.

MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561. Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections. Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

NEWFOUND LODGE RESTAURANT 1303 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee (Located on 441 North at entrance to GSMNP). 828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily. Established in 1946 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Family style dining for adults and children.

PIGEON RIVER GRILLE 101 Park St., Canton. 828.492.1422. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Southerninspired restaurant serving simply prepared, fresh food sourced from top purveyors. Located riverside at Bearwaters Brewing, enjoy daily specials, sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more. Be sure to save room for a slice of the delicious house made cake. Relaxing inside/outside dining and spacious gathering areas for large groups.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska. Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano. Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95. Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com

SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive, Canton 828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available. Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs.

SOUTH PHILLY ITALIAN PASTA & SUBS 2768 Asheville Hwy., Canton. 828.593.3580. Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Pick-up or carryout only. Call in orders. Pasta and subs. Large portions!

SPEEDY’S PIZZA 285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800. Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for 30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza made to order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, calzones and seafood.

TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville. 828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com.

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin. 828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito.

WATAMI SUSHI AND NOODLES RESTAURANT 33 S. Main Street, Waynesville. 828.231.3476. Open 7 days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on Monday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11:30 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday. Healthy, fresh, delicious and high-quality Asian food such as Sushi and Sashimi, Hibachi and Teriyaki, Pad Thai, Wok Lo Men and Thai Coconut Noodle Soup. Sushi, Hibachi and Teriyaki lunch specials every day. Gluten free options available. Full sushi bar and new chocolate wine bar. New party room available for weddings, birthdays or special occasions. Live bluegrass Sundays from 6-9 p.m. with Sons of Ralph. Reservations and online ordering available. www.watamisushinoodles.com

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville. 828.246.0927. Open Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Opened in May 2016, The Waynesville Pizza Company has earned a reputation for having the best hand-tossed pizza in the area. Featuring a custom bar with more than 20 beers and a rustic, family friendly dining room. Menu includes salads, burgers, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade desserts, and a loaded salad bar. The Cuban sandwich is considered by most to be the best in town.

watamisushinoodles.com · 828.246.6888 33 S. Main St. #101 · Waynesville OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK New Party Room Available Book Us for Your Next Event We Accept Reservations & Offer Online Ordering Join us Sundays 6-9PM LIVE MUSIC! Bluegrass: Sons of Ralph Gluten Free Options Available ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ORDER CATERING ONLINE No Lines No Waiting! CityLightsCafe.com 828.587.2233 3 E JACKSON ST • SYLVA, NC

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT Daily Specials: Soups, Sandwiches & Southern Dishes Featured Dishes: Fresh Fried Chicken, Rainbow Trout, Country Ham, Pork-chops & more Breakfast : Omelets, Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy! Carver ' s

since 1952

828.926.0425 • Facebook.com/carversmvr Instagram- @carvers_mvr 2804 SOCO RD. • MAGGIE VALLEY OPEN DAILY 7 A.M. TO 8 P.M. SUNDAY 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M. C LOSED TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY Breakfast served all day!

Mon/Wed/Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Tuesday

Friday/Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday 12-9 p.m.

32 Felmet Street (828) 246-0927 Sandwiches • Burgers • Wraps February 26-March 3, 2020