by Jessica Pope
When members of the Christ the King Episcopal Church congregation decided in January 2002 to relocate to the Downtown Valdosta area, many in the community believed the decision to be a bold one. After all, the place of worship already had a seemingly ideal location on North Valdosta Road, where it had been “unleashing the human spirit for compassion, creativity and joy” since 1988.
Christ the King Episcopal Church began holding services on the first floor of Valdosta’s old McKey Building, which sits at the intersection of Central Avenue and Patterson Street, almost seven months later. The congregation continued to meet in this location while renovations were completed on the remaining areas of the building. And when all was said and done, the ground level became available for other endeavors, including, with time, a small restaurant of sorts.
Recognizing a need in the community, Christ the King Episcopal Church converted its first floor into a public gathering space for men and women of all ages and from all walks of life. In September 2004, Hildegard’s was born, becoming known as “a place of hospitality,” “a front porch” for the city and “a place for inspiring conversations, the exchange of ideas and a good cup of coffee.” It also became a place where creativity and diversity are honored, a place where local artists are welcome and others are encouraged to explore both their spirituality and their world.
Hildegard’s eventually evolved into a restaurant-type establishment, simultaneously maintaining its status as a nonprofit extension of Christ the King Episcopal Church. For those who have never taken the opportunity to venture inside, it boasts a host of windows on two sides that overlook the historic downtown area and, thus, the comings and goings of busy men and women on the go. With its book collection, wireless Internet, exposed brick, use of the color black, modern furnishings and artistic offerings, it might remind some of trendy coffee shops so often seen in places like New York City.
Hatcher described Hildegard’s as a “pressure-free environment,” one where students can bring their laptops and textbooks and enjoy unlimited cups of coffee while preparing for a final exam, one where best friends can catch up on the latest gossip while enjoying a piece of cake. It’s not a restaurant ... in the traditional sense. It’s more of a gathering place — one where people can just so happen to get a little something to eat and drink.
General Manager Zach Hatcher said that each and every individual who visits Hildegard’s is looked at as more than just a typical customer. He said they are part of something bigger, something capable of bringing about a powerful and positive change in the community.
When asked if he was amazed by Hildegard’s success, Hatcher said, “Tremendously. I cannot get over how the community has embraced us, been a part of us and continued to appreciate us. People really seem to get what we are all about.”
Hildegard’s features a variety of hot, pressed deli sandwiches, each garnished with red onion, green leaf lettuce and tomato and served with a side of either red skin potato salad, gourmet potato chips, fruit salad or pasta salad. One customer favorite is The Hildegard with grilled red onions, portabello mushroom caps, balsamic vinaigrette, mayonnaise and muenster cheese on grilled sourdough bread.
The menu at Hildegard’s also features a selection of kid-friendly items, like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches served with applesauce; snack items, like hummus served with toasted pita bread slices; soups of the day; and salads, like The Deli Salad, which contains smoked ham, turkey, portabello mushroom caps, provolone cheese, red onion and tomato on a bed of green leaf lettuce. Smoked ham and cheddar on a plain bagel can be ordered for breakfast. Blue Bell ice cream by the scoop can be ordered for dessert.
At press time, Hatcher was in the process of expanding the coffee and tea selections offered at Hildegard’s. He encouraged everyone to pop in from time to time to see what is new on the menu ... in terms of both food and entertainment.
Hildegard’s Fast Facts
• Hildegard’s is located in Downtown Valdosta at 101 East Central Avenue.
• Hildegard’s can be reached by calling (229) 247-6802.
• Hildegard’s is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays;
and from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
• Hildegard’s boasts a performance space for live concerts, free wireless Internet, a gallery type wall for monthly art exhibits, a small bookstore area and
workshops on everything from natural living to poetry writing.
• Dress is casual at Hildegard’s. The atmosphere is a kick-back-and-relax-with-friends one.
• Hildegard’s can be found on the World Wide Web at www.myspace.com/hildegards.
