Local

restaurateurs holding their own

Since we

started the Dining Guide, the face of Fayette County's

restaurant scene has changed dramatically.

More and

more chains have set up shop, and many of the locally

owned restaurants are looking for innovative ways to

survive.

Two of the

best local establishments are worthy of a second look.

In

Peachtree City, chef Kevin Flaherty is packing them in at

Rosemary Cafe with excellent cooking. By the way,

Flaherty wants it made clear that he was not the subject

of the letter writer in last month's column.

"The

writer referred to the previous owner of the cafe. Not

me," Flaherty said.

Flaherty

has taken over ownership of the cafe and is simply

serving some of the best food on the south side. He has

daily specials and offers exceptional Italian dishes,

along with very fresh seafood specials.

In

Fayetteville, the Village Cafe is continually churning

out excellent items. Several recent visits to the

restaurant indicate the restaurant has not lost its

touch, while making subtle changes to the menu.

It's

heartening to see local establishments fighting against

chains. While chains do offer a sense of sameness for

people, it's in the smaller restaurants that the more

innovative cuisine is created.

In other

restaurant news:

- Schlotsky's Deli has opened for

business in Fayetteville. The restaurant features a

variety of sandwiches and soups and is ideal for the

lunch crowd.

- Honeybaked Ham in Banks Crossing in

Fayetteville is offering a complete lunch menu, featuring

its favorite ham as the backbone for many sandwiches.