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>> BOUNTIFUL AND DELICIOUS OFFERINGS, FROM SOUPS ALL THE WAY TO DESSERTS

June 11, 2009 12:35 am

By LINDA SALISBURY

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

In a world of rapid changes, the new Iverson's Restaurant in Ladysmith, which opened in December 2008, morphed into a spring re-opening as The Timbers. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this family-friendly eatery is situated in the Ladysmith Business Park with an entrance from State Route 639.

My Dining Partner and I visited it with friends who enjoy eating adventures.

We all started with the homemade soup of the day ($3.25), despite the miscommunication from the kitchen to the person writing specials on a chalkboard. It was not "green soup," but "cream soup"--and one of the best we've had.

The soup base was tomato and was filled with chunks of ham and roasted red pepper. The soup was served piping hot, and its hearty flavor seemed especially appropriate on a gloomy, rainy day.

I decided to try the warm barbecue-chicken salad ($7.99), which comes with sauteed chunks of chicken breast, roasted peppers and mushrooms over greens. The greens were abundant, as was the chicken, but I missed the roasted peppers and was disappointed that the mushrooms were canned. MDP liked them, however. The house balsamic dressing was delicate.

One of our friends ordered grilled jumbo kosher hot dogs (two for $6.99), which are served with sauerkraut, onions and cheese, and large steak fries (served with all sandwiches). He was pleased with the portion and preparation.

Our other friend and I were ready for traditional comfort food: the grilled cheese sandwich with tomato ($6.25). She added bacon for 75 cents. The sandwich boasted two cheeses, Swiss and American. Hers was served hot, mine was lukewarm, but both filled the bill.

MDP was delighted with his Philly cheesesteak sandwich ($9.25). The meat was tender and not overcooked, and it had just enough cheese to hold it together without swamping the meat. The grilled onions and peppers added texture and pizzazz.

And then came the homemade desserts ($3.25)! MDP raved about his bread pudding, which was blocky, warm and rich with flavor. I had fresh strawberry shortcake made with real shortcake, broken into chunks and slathered with whipped cream.

One friend tried the carrot cake. She exclaimed with a smile that she, herself, makes the best carrot cake, but this was a close second. The thick frosting was creamy and not overly sweet.

The dinner menu looked enticing (steaks, fish, seafood, chicken and a grilled vegetable platter), beckoning us for a return visit at suppertime someday.

Linda Salisbury is the author of an award-winning adventure series for kids.