Then there’s the monthly supper club ($35 for a multicourse dinner for two) and gourmet meals prepared daily for eat-in or takeout ($12.95-$16.95). Recipes are happily shared and special orders are welcome. “Sometimes people come in with their dishes and say ‘Make me look good,’ ” Hall says, “We don’t tell if they don’t.”

There’s also the cafe. The converted gas station sits on a quiet road just past the railroad tracks in Ashland where colorful checkered cloths drape over tables on the wooden deck under flapping American flags. Inside tables are surrounded by shelves of imported groceries like caperberries from Spain and Provencal herbs from France. Choose from daily specials — like the recent tomato, prosciutto and potato tart ($6.95) — or from the regular sandwich menu — curried chunky chicken salad with red grapes, pecans and toasted coconut ($6.95). All lunch items come with a side and “goodie.”

Plus, boxed lunches are available and cooking classes are held each semester.

Hall is a member of “Slow Foods,” a group of “culinarians” who are dedicated to old-fashioned preparation and traditional methods. She uses local produce and artisan cheeses from around the world. Come in Saturday morning and choose a cheese and have your omelet custom-made ($5.95) while you sip the Nigerian estate-grown coffee.

This winter, Medley Grove will be entering the Richmond market. They plan to take over the lobby of a new UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing) building on Fourth and Jackson streets in Jackson Ward where they’ll offer breakfast, lunch and takeout dinners.

— Carrie Nieman

Medley Grove Foods, Inc.

Corner of Thompson Street and

Henry Clay Road in Ashland

Lunch Tuesday, Wednesday

Lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday

Breakfast and lunch Saturdays

798-5632