Last Lunch at Big Eddy. Sounds like an Australian film-Last Wave at Hanging Rock. Or something. I'm associating freely because the many comfortable breakfasts and lunches I've had at Main Street's favorite hangout have blurred like parallel scenes in a familiar movie. As I reach for specifics, I realize that the very thought of a "last" lunch is unsettling, so I'll recover the details of my most recent lunch. Feel free to divulge the happy ending to your friends and neighbors.

The blackboard specials were headed with both beef barley and beef broccoli soups. I went with the broccoli, which proved to be almost a stew, with a strongly seasoned gravy-like broth featuring not only the anticipated shredded beef and broccoli, but a large cast of supporting veggies as well. My classic grilled cheese on whole wheat, served with chips and a chunky dill pickle, made a handy sponge for the lees in the soup cup.

Although satisfied, I still had room to sample the choice of my lunch buddy du jour, and a fine choice it was. The stir fried shrimp was a generous portion of larger size, as opposed to salad size, shrimp and tender-crisp, jewel toned vegetables mounded on a bed of brown rice. We "oohed" as we saw the plate coming and "aahed" when we tasted.

The "oohs" and "aahs" were repeated several times a bit later, as we shared one of the dessert specials, a pear crumb pie. The chewy top crumb contrasted nicely with the smooth textured, sweetly subtle pear. The often unusual and always homemade desserts are a strong point at the Big Eddy.

Chef Dave's experimental hand elevates many of the menu offerings well above expected diner fare. The tried and true is available, but the special board usually tempts with something interesting, something slightly off the beaten path, or it pairs familiar foods in not so common combinations, as in the beef- broccoli soup. Specials are rarely more than $6. 95, and the basic lunch menu posts average prices for sandwiches and burgers.

Named after the configuration of the river that identified the town before it was called Narrowsburg, Big Eddy has an ambiance essential to today's Narrowsburg-country-arty and relaxed. It's where you go to sit outside overlooking the river, or inside under the original tin ceiling, surrounded by the work of neighbor-artists, to talk over the latest, to grab a quick cup and a half (a cup of the soup of the day and half a roast beef or ham sandwich) or to unwind over a more leisurely meal. Small vases of fresh flowers and fresh breads, for sale on weekends, add grace notes. It's one of those places that make me glad to live in the River Valley. Make a visit and you won't want it to be your last, either.

Hours: Wednesday Through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dinner is served Friday and Saturday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.