As we walked across the parking lot toward the entrance, we could see a little covered bandstand outdoors where some live music was already underway. We entered the building and knew immediately that we had made a good decision. We appreciated the funky, homespun vibe that we picked up all around us.

This easy-to-assemble salad can be a meal in itself on those hot summer nights when you just don’t want to turn on the oven. It can be made in advance, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving.

The first edition of Food and Fun appeared in the spring 2024 edition of the East Texan. I had no plan of making it a series, but there was also no plan, so here we are. . . . The first stop was in Burke, just south of Lufkin, where His and Hers Mercantile sits.