Being a Thomasville native, I often find myself going to the same restaurants, ordering the same coffee drinks and doing the same activities over and over again. I want to get out of my small town rut, so this summer, I’m challenging myself to go try new things at the same places I’ve been going to for nearly twenty years.

Whether it’s a seasonal coffee, a new exercise class or a staff favorite I’ve never tried off the menu, I’ll be reviewing it. This is the first entry of “Trying Thomasville.” 

Once a week, I’ll be trying different foods, beverages and activities in town. If you have any suggestions or know about any hidden gems, let me know! 

Grassroots Coffee

For the past weeks, Grassroots Coffee has been teasing new menu items on social media with censored photos of bowls and plates. This left me extremely curious, which is why I walked into Grassroots on 5/30 when this “mystery item” dropped and requested whatever it was that the independent coffee shop was hiding.

To my surprise, the barista told me there was not just one, but a whole menu of new and improved food items.

Ranging from breakfast sandwiches like the Bird Dog and Big Hunt Biscuit, to lunch items like the Big Oak Chicken Salad Wrap and Jett’s Quesadilla, there were over a dozen new options. I asked the barista what she recommended and she suggested the Pinetree Pesto Press and the T’ville Turkey Sandwich (which I was already eyeing). 

After a short wait in the rustic, wood-paneled shop, decorated with local artwork, I was presented with my sandwiches. 

T’ville Turkey Sandwich

First, I bit into the toasted turkey sandwich, which was dripping raspberry spread and melted cheese. It had a lot of flavor in one bite: sweet, tart, salty, crunchy. 

The sandwich is made up of oven roasted turkey, pepperjack, lettuce, mayo and raspberry mustard spread, on toasted sourdough. It might sound like a simple turkey sandwich, but it was bright and unique in flavor. 

Between the turkey, crunchy bread and fruit spread, it was like Thanksgiving in a sandwich. I enjoyed it, but at times, it was a bit sweet. The rest of the ingredients were fairly neutral, while the raspberry spread was slightly overpowering. While I still suggest ordering this sandwich, beware that the fruit flavor is strong.

At $12.99 and being a fairly large sandwich, I believe this is an okay deal. I do wish it came with an included side, such as fruit, chips or even a pickle spear, at this price point. 

Overall, I give the T’ville Turkey Sandwich a 7/10. Its fruity-savory flavor profile was right up my alley and it was a filling sandwich. Paired with an iced tea, it was a delicious lunch and I would eat it again. Though strong, I don’t think the spread is a deal-breaker on this sandwich, but I would be advised when ordering. 

Pinetree Pesto Press  

Next, I tried the pesto turkey sandwich, deemed the Pinetree Pesto Press. The first bite was everything! 

I loved the pesto, and that’s coming from someone who usually isn’t the biggest fan. The tomatoes were tender, but still flavorful, the bread was toasted perfectly, the meat and cheese paired perfectly—it was a perfect bite. 

The sandwich consists of oven roasted turkey, house made pesto, tomato, muenster cheese, mayo and balsamic reduction on pressed sourdough. It is an Italian-inspired blend of delicious ingredients.  

It was savory, with the fresh, herby taste of the pesto shining through in every bite. I found it slightly easier to eat than the T’ville turkey, just due to its ingredients meshing better. I would suggest this sandwich instead if you’re looking for savory or love pesto. 

I have no complaints about the flavor, whatsoever. The sandwich is perfect. 

My one complaint is the same. At $12.99, I feel like I shouldn’t have to pay an extra $2.99 for chips. While they offer a selection of more gourmet sides like pesto pasta and cucumber salad, I felt as though there should be a basic side included with the sandwich. 

Although it is filling on its own and a delicious sandwich, at that price point, I want more than just a sandwich.  

Overall, I give the Pinetree Pesto Press a 9.5/10. I deducted a half point for the side-situation, but otherwise, it is a perfect sandwich. I will definitely be ordering again and suggest you do the same if any of these ingredients appeal to you (heavy emphasis on the home made pesto). 

Grassroots is one of my go-to places in town and these surprise menu additions just reaffirmed that. If you liked their old menu or have never tried their food, I highly suggest stopping in for their sandwiches.