It has been said that the senses of smell and taste are the most powerful senses that humans possess for sparking old memories. All of us, at one time or another, has encountered the aroma of good food and been transported back in time to a seat at their grandmother�s kitchen table. Something very similar happened to us as we first entered Le Petite Bistro in Cookeville. The smells and flavors we found sent us back to the wonderful bakeries and sandwich shops of Paris or Rome that we have visited during past travels. The restaurant felt like home from the first moments.
     Le Petite Bistro is located at 208 E. 8th Street, near the Tennessee Tech campus. Owners Gary and Sherron Luhn have opened the new restaurant that brings the first real example of the classic French bakery and bistro experience to the Upper Cumberland. You absolutely must pay them a visit�soon.
     When you visit, we highly recommend you try one of their Signature Sandwiches. Brittany, Normandy, Provence, Alsace, Riviera, and Gascony are all named for regions of France and are beautifully made gourmet sandwiches. We sampled the Riviera during our visit and it was great. It contains slices of Smoked Turkey, thinly sliced Smoked Ham, Gruyere Cheese, Red Onion, Hickory Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo, and Dijon Mustard served on three slices of rustic homemade French Bread. It is a marvelous creation. Even the pickle which is served with each sandwich is outstanding. Maybe the best pickle we have ever tasted.
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    You may also want to sample one of the Hot Panini Sandwiches which are served on the Grilled Ciabatta Bread. The Italiano, Champagnolo, Tuscany, and Roma are fine examples of Italian sandwich making at its best. Other sandwiches available include Roast Beef, Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, and a great Reuben.
  If salads are what you crave, Le Petite Bistro will not disappoint. They offer a large selection including Caesar Salads, Greek Salads, Caf� Classic Salad, and Pasta Salad. We personally recommend the Bistro Salad, which contains Grilled Chicken, Mandarin Orange Slices, Toasted Almonds, and Romaine Lettuce with a Sesame-Ginger dressing and the Panzanella Salad, which contains diced pieces of rustic French Bread roasted in Olive Oil tossed with fresh vegetables and basil.
  Le Petite Bistro also offers some fabulous soups. You will find Cream of Potato, Clam Chowder, Tomato Florentine, Chicken Gumbo, Cream of Broccoli, Classic Chili, and some of the best French Onion Soup we have ever tasted. All of these soups can be served inside a hollowed-out loaf of French Bread.
    We also hope you take home some of the wonderful homemade Breads, Muffins, Cookies, Danish, Scones, Biscotti, and Bagels. The selection of Bagels is world-class. They offer Blueberry, Sesame Seed, Cinnamon Raisin, Onion, Poppy Seed, Asiago Cheese, and Sun-Dried Tomato. Stop by and pick up a baker�s dozen ASAP. While you are there, you may want to sample one of the Specialty Coffee drinks and a Chocolate Croissant. You will be thanking us afterward! This restaurant is a must stop on your culinary travels, one that you will return to again and again.
    Le Petite Bistro delivers to businesses in Cookeville and is also available to cater breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They accept all major credit cards, except Discover. They are open Mondays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed on Sunday. You can contact them at 931-526-BAKE (2253). Go by and see Gary and Sherron soon, and don�t forget to tell them that the guys from Eating Tennessee sent you.
     We want to continue to thank everyone for reading this column. We are so pleased that you enjoy it. We absolutely love bringing it to you. As always, you can contact us at [email protected] or write to us at P.O. Box 3393, Cookeville, TN, 38502-3393. We love reading your messages.
                          We wish you health, wealth, and a good appetite!
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