Colin wants you to eat your vegetables. Indeed, he insists that you not only consume them but relish every bite. Hailing from Britain and honing his skills in a refined French restaurant on the European continent, he brings quality cuisine to the residents of Cornelia, served with a generous side of his signature dish, cheeky banter.
Food Philosophy
Upon entering FWS, a customer anticipates a prompt welcome, complete with jaunty wave and a warm greeting. Yet, within moments one’s attention is captivated by the enticing dessert display case, and the visitor finds himself on the receiving end of a culinary education. Colin, the owner, doesn’t just serve pastries; he indulges in them. With each bite of an ordered confection, he not only desires his guest to relish the experience but also to understand and appreciate why they enjoy it.
His culinary repertoire boasts genuine Belgian chocolate, directly imported from the continent, along with fresh vegetables, artisanal oils made from scratch, and bread meticulously crafted from just flour, water, and salt. While perusing the menu, some patrons may feel a bit overwhelmed, but Colin is readily available to guide them, providing a reassuring hand and elucidating the impact of each individual ingredient when harmoniously combined in a specific profile.
In short, this ain’t no deli meat sandwich on sliced bread, and occasionally that intimidates people. After all, when does the typical rural resident encounter Cornish pasties and Irish Pies? When questioned about taste by skeptical customers, discreetly casting surreptitious glances at the unfamiliar vegetables, Colin responds with a sincere and even a little heartfelt, “I put it on your plate didn’t I?”
When asked about the name of his restaurant, he grows earnest and explains that within the title is the entirety of his culinary philosophy. “Flour, Water, Salt – a combination that may hold little significance for others, but to me, it encapsulates my commitment to simplicity.” He proceeds to articulate his thoughts with real eloquence,
“My goal is to craft and deliver high-quality goods with minimal ingredients. In the realm of bread, simplicity reigns – just flour, water, and salt. I aim to inspire a revelation, not spoon-feed information. My desire is for people to experience that ‘aha’ moment, realizing that these basic elements are all one needs for excellent bread.
I hope to cultivate an understanding that the unnecessary array of chemical additives is, well, unnecessary. In Europe, a daily ritual involves visiting the local baker for a fresh loaf, free from an abundance of chemicals. It’s a reminder that these chemicals are the reason for the extended shelf life but also a departure from the pure, straightforward essence of authentic bread.”
Colin, FWS owner
I inquired about how and if he integrated local southern flavors into his recipes. The response was straightforward and passionate,
“No integration. I am bringing a taste of Europe to Cornelia, existing as a standalone representation. Naturally, there are some differences due to ingredient restrictions. Nevertheless, I diligently adhere to the correct methodologies for preparing and baking the doughs. I strive to emulate, to the best of my ability, the authentic offerings found in continental Europe. My objective is to transport the essence of big city culinary experiences to our small town. In essence, the mountain comes to Mohammed. For those who may be reluctant to venture to the city, I am determined to bring it to them.”
Colin, FWS owner
When questioned about the community’s reception of his menu, he responds with enthusiasm, expressing that the community has welcomed him wholeheartedly, embracing both his culinary offerings and his distinctive approach to customer service. Both I and the residents of Habersham sincerely value the infusion of a gourmet presence in a community so far removed from a major city that chickens threaten to outnumber residents.
Aesthetic
One notes that “simple ingredients” translate to the interior design of FWS. The exposed brick exudes a timeless, industrial vibe, while the standard walls contribute a clean and contemporary touch. Petite yet functional wooden tables and chairs tastefully align the walls, optimizing the intimate space.
Transitioning into the adjacent room, a substantial family table takes center stage, purposefully designed for hosting larger groups and fostering the beginnings of meaningful connections and friendships.
Colin elucidated the purpose behind the expansive table. In Europe, it’s customary for individuals to unwind after work by gathering with friends and colleagues at a local cafe or pub. Here, they intentionally leave their work-related stresses at the proprietor’s door, savoring a moment of respite even as they nourish a cup of coffee and a scone before transitioning to their domestic responsibilities. In an era marked by feelings of isolation and a dearth of human connections, congregating at a social hub presents a genuine opportunity for the cultivation of significant relationships craved by many post-pandemic.
However, one of the most visually striking and resonant elements of the interior is the textured golden wall, situated in the corner of the social room. Colin proudly credits his wife, Andrea, for this particular feature. It undeniably stands out as a conversation starter, with numerous customers commending the exceptional execution of this intricate and challenging design that truly makes the cafe sparkle.
Andrea’s participation and presence remain as constant as the weight measurements of Colin’s dough. She curates their social media pages, engages amicably with customers, and adds artistic panache amongst other contributions to the facility. These two clearly thrive in each other’s company, two transatlantic love birds, nesting in the foothills of Appalachia.
When they considered their new base of operation in Cornelia, Georgia, the decision centered around climate. Colin, preferring the variability of New England with its distinctive seasons, and Andrea, enjoying the tropical climate of the Florida Keys, weighed their options. He frowned as he remembered the malarial summers teeming with mosquitoes but acknowledged the harsh winters of the Northeast. Georgia emerged as a happy compromise, offering sunny summers and entirely manageable winters.
And, undoubtedly, our world renowned big red apple must have played a distinct role in their decision. Probably.
Loving People is Primary
Close to 23 percent of small businesses face closure within their initial year of operation in Georgia. From my observations, the businesses in Cornelia that defy this challenging statistic accomplish the Herculean task through unwavering consistency in both operating hours and product quality, fostering a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, and an earnest openness to constructive criticism. According to Colin, the cornerstone of achieving these three criteria lies in his love for people. Driven by his genuine affection for others, he invests his heart and soul in crafting the quintessential European cafe experience. His proactive approach in seeking feedback stems from a sincere desire to provide the very highest standard of dining to those who frequent his cherished establishment.
Moreover, he works in cooperation with local businesses, careful to sell items specific to his brand, understanding that when local restaurants support each other, everyone wins. In the spirit of collaboration, he also provides baked goods to Man’s Best Friend in Clarkesville, a coffee shop which tithes 10 percent of its proceeds to local animal shelters.
The bakery’s operating hours echo this strict adherence to the principles of hospitality. Although the official door signage indicates a timeframe from 11ish to 3ish, locals are privy to the fact that the real schedule is summed up as “Is-Collin’s-Truck-Outside?” The hours following three o’clock are an ideal time to savor an espresso while studying for an Ancient Civilizations exam or finishing a crossword puzzle as prep work for the next day commences in the kitchen.
When asked about his coffee offerings, he explains,
“I strive for the highest quality in every aspect – from selecting the finest beans and roasters to using top-notch machinery. Consistency is key in my approach; all pastries are meticulously weighed, ensuring uniformity regardless of size, with the same precision applied to fillings. This principle extends to our coffee offerings as well. I aim to share what I personally enjoy rather than conforming to preconceived notions of what people are told is good.”
Meaning, Colin serves what he himself enjoys. If he wouldn’t sip it with his morning croissant, then he certainly wouldn’t serve it in his cafe. He chooses products based on their appeal to his personal palette, not simply because a clever marketing agency instructed him to. As per the usual, he doesn’t use sugar to hide inferiority.
Conclusion
In the heart of Cornelia, Flour Water Salt provides an immersive journey disguised as lunch. Colin’s commitment to simplicity and a genuine love for people transforms every visit into an experience, from the tantalizing pastries to the carefully curated coffee. FWS isn’t just a café; it’s a bridge connecting the charm of Europe with the warmth of a small Georgia town. So, come for the exquisite flavors, stay for the camaraderie, and relish every bite – because at FWS, each taste is a passport to a uniquely British adventure in the foothills of Appalachia.
