The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a special one indeed at the M o n t r o s e S h o p p i n g Park. Many people have the week off and are looking to bask in the afterglow of Christmas. After a good night’s sleep on Christmas grab a holiday latte at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and head to our stores for the after Christmas sales. There is prime loot to be had at deeply discounted prices. Those “in the know” buy the best Christmas decorations and ornaments to put away for next year. And what a joy it is when you open those boxes in December 2010 to enjoy the fruit of your bargain hunting labors.

Then there’s Montrose at night. The beautiful trees elegantly wrapped in lights. Thank you Gerry Uebel & Serge Manoukian! The winding quaint street with overhead canopies of deer and wreaths. Yes, it’s magical and so comforting. Speaking of comfort, may I suggest a visit to Zeke’s Smokehouse, 2209 Honolulu Ave. ( www. zekessmokehouse.com) this week? There are so many delicious things on their menu that I could eat there every night of the week and not get bored. And the prices are amazingly affordable, it’s a place where you can take the whole family.

Pictured here is my personal, all time Zeke’s favorite. It’s the quarter, all white meat, barbecued chicken dinner. It’s only $9.95 and comes with two sides. For me it’s their mashed potatoes and gravy, and crisp cole slaw. Plus you get their signature Texas Toast. I can guarantee there won’t be a drop left on your plate. My husband Dale always gets the grilled salmon with the best assorted grilled veggies. ( There will be a quiz on this next year). Yes, comfort on a plate!

Thank you for reading this column and supporting the Montrose Shopping Park with all of our special, little stores. A Merry Christmas to you all!

Mary Dawson owns Revelation Tops with her sister Carole,

and serves as vice president of the Montrose Shopping Park