I have had the special opportunity of “getting my grub on” recently at two Chinese bistros here in Greenville: Lieu’s and P. F. Chang’s. Aside from honing my chopstick skills to near adequacy, I savored the flavor of each restaurant’s take on the classic Kung Pao chicken.

Outside the mild afternoon rains continue to fall, while inside the relaxing whir of espresso machines fills Greenville’s latest Barnes & Noble bookstore and adjoining Starbucks coffee shop. I sit alone at a small circular table, burnt orange in hue, while reading Dostoevsky and soon resolving to write my own impressions of my immediate surroundings.