craigdailypress.com

As Chanelle Bowlds bopped back and forth between the kitchen and dining area Thursday night, the Serendipity Coffee Shop waitress turned to an observer and dropped an English accent worthy of a BBC actress.

"Don't go getting cheeky on me, dawling," said Bowlds with a sassy British brogue more reminiscent of Liz Hurley than Queen Elizabeth.

She wasn't the only Craig resident turning redcoat, either.

Holly Firestone, a senior at Moffat County High School, before leaving the kitchen while balancing several plates of apple pie and vanilla ice cream on each arm, paused and turned sassy.

"Gosh, I've got to hurry," she said and then dipped into a slight curtsy.

Craig, territory belonging to Uncle Sam since its founding 117 years ago, gave way to Union Jack and Queen and Country on Thursday as the coffee shop hosted "A Night in the UK" dinner event. And, as the accents of the waitresses attest, the event lived up to its billing of offering everything British.

The 48 or so customers that reserved seats in advance were served a dinner of shepherd's pie, potato leek soup, peas, carrots and dessert.

"It's a very hearty meal," Serendipity owner Susan Stone said. "Very British."

According to diners who'd just polished off their meals, the cuisine did not disappoint.

Craig residents Denise Williams and Dorothy Hazel--baker ate dinner together Thursday night.

"We couldn't get the husbands to come," Williams said.

"They don't do different," Hazelbaker said.

Nonetheless, they enjoyed the food native to Stone's former home, England.

"Everything has been very good," Williams said. "It's a neat thing to have."

Craig resident Donna Fleet--wood, who dined with her husband, Otis, offered similar praise.

"I thought it was wonderful," Fleetwood said. "It's nice to see something like this in Craig."

"A Night in the UK" is the coffee shop's first foray into bringing cultures of foreign lands to the local community. Stone said the idea is to give the good people of Craig "a chance to experience some culture."

Theme nights will take place on the third Thursday of each month. Next month, the coffee shop will offer Indian food; plans for future dinners call for Thai and Korean dishes.

Reservations are required for theme night. For information, call the coffee shop at 824-5149.

Joshua Roberts can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 210, or jroberts@craigdailypress.com.