Where would we be without friends to share life’s ups and downs? I personally can’t imagine not having the “girlfriend brigade” to call upon when words of encouragement are needed or when there’s good news to share. Is it any wonder that the ladies’ lunch hasn’t lost its timeless appeal?

There are many sub-categories to the ladies’ lunch: The birthday or anniversary celebrations, the “catch-up” gatherings, the long coffee’s that spill over into lunch hour, the scheduled stay-connected groups and the career-girl lunches. There are even lunch hour book clubs.

The Book club lunch – reading optional:

One of the book-clubs I belong to meets once a month for lunch and discussion. When last month’s meeting popped up on my calendar, I had a dilemma. I hadn’t read the book, but was really looking forward to seeing everyone. I felt like a high school student who’d skipped the reading assignment –  which is ironic because our discussion leader is a retired English teacher… I showed up anyway.

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t make it through “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.” The point? I wanted to see my book club friends regardless of my reading progress. (An aside: this phenomenon is known to book-clubbers as “DNF” or “did not finish.”) As often happens in book clubs, the discussion quickly veered to other topics. Turns out, many of us enjoy socializing even more than dissecting books.

Breaking bread over broken bones:

My friend Claire was scheduled to have long-awaited bi-lateral knee replacements when she tripped and broke her foot the day before the surgery. The operation was postponed and she was understandably frustrated – and in pain. Wanting to lift her spirits, I sent a quick text inviting her to lunch with some mutual friends the next day.

Being a brave trooper, she agreed to join us. When I picked her up, she hobbled out on a pair of crutches with her foot thickly bandaged; yet somehow, she’d managed to put herself together. Her hair and makeup looked great and she had on a stylish outfit – jewelry included. It’s no secret that getting dressed up and going out is a proven mood lifter.

Claire says she accepted that lunch invitation because, “having a friend text me immediately after hearing of my situation, and offer to take me to lunch, was a big morale boost. During lunch, the ladies listened as I told my story. They empathized with me, and then normalized my situation by talking about other things. I feel very fortunate to have a group of friends who instinctively understand how to support each other.”

Similar stories of female camaraderie happen at girl-gatherings every day. We get together to chat about serious and not so serious topics.

But mostly, we bask in the comfort of being with people we like, in-person – because texts, emails and video chats just aren’t the same. Nothing can take the place of being with friends in real life – and I’m pretty sure the “Soupies” would agree.

The Soup Group:

There’s a local group of ladies who’ve been meeting for lunch every Tuesday for over 20 years. They call themselves “The Soup Group” and refer to each other as “Soupies.”

“Every Tuesday, we rotate who brings the soup, explains Nancy Dankle, one of the “Soupies.” In the summer we bring our own sack lunch to make it easier. We meet weekly at our generous host, Liz Brunson’s home. On birthdays, we’ll go out to a restaurant and treat the birthday girl to lunch. 

“It’s a wonderful community of ladies and is a support group of sorts in a safe confidential space. We share our joys like grandbabies, weddings, travels, volunteer work and favorite recipes. We also share our sorrows; the death of a spouse or family member or health challenges we face. We sometimes team up together to make meals for a grieving family after a loss, or the arrival of a new baby. 

“We’ve celebrated many weddings & babies these past few years. In keeping with our soup theme, we like to gift the bride & groom a Le Creuset soup pot for wedding or shower. We enjoy hosting bridal & baby showers for the group’s adult children. Life is so short and our weekly lunches remind us to celebrate all the things in life we are grateful for.”

The “Lunch Ladies”

While the “Soupies” set a high bar for longevity and commitment, there are plenty of other groups who get together to break bread and nurture friendships.

“It all began during Covid, when three “old time” News Gazette wives, Sharon, Laurie, and Georg began to meet regularly in their driveways because we just “needed to be with others, says Sharon Foreman of her “lunch ladies” group.  “We progressed from the driveway, to the porch, and finally to the comforts of our dining room tables, sharing memories of our past, and stories of our current lives.”

“We grew to a group of seven – old friends and new friends; we just really enjoy each other’s company. We’ve come to love each other and are there for each other’s ups and downs. No set time, no set date, we are just a text away. We are grateful, we are blessed, we are the “Lunch Ladies.”

Research shows what those “ladies who lunch” have always known – having meaningful relationships leads to longer, healthier lives. So, why not call up a friend – or several – and get together to nourish the body and the soul.

Readers share favorite local lunch spots and menu picks:

Farren’s Pub & Eatery in downtown Champaign: “They have excellent salads and specials. The service is always great and Carolyn keeps a clean and tidy place.” – Jill Wagner Kemper

The Greenhouse Café at Allerton: “My mom and I enjoyed lunch at the Greenhouse Café. We enjoyed listening to music on the patio followed a beautiful garden walk.” – Meghan Baumann

Pekara, Champaign: “They have a great lunch “pick two” deal. I usually get the pesto chicken sandwich and roasted red pepper soup. Great Atmosphere and great food!” – Emily Rene White

Martinellis, downtown Champaign: “They have a great outdoor patio.” –  Barb Kuhl

Silvercreek, Urbana: “The atmosphere is cozy and I love their salads.” – Laura Finke.

“I’m a fan for their lunch menu. It’s a nice quiet atmosphere and locally owned. Their salmon salad and wraps are wonderful.” – Cindy Magsamen

7 Saints, downtown Champaign: “My favorite items are the pick three with the Thai slides, Thai salad and tomato bisque soup.” – Susan Holleman

Sunsinger, Champaign: “Great salads – I like the seared Ahi, also the Reuben, the wimpy burger and oyster week. Good atmosphere, free wine tastings and excellent service from Eric and Christy. Outdoor seating when weather permits.” – Kim Arnold

“The location is great for meeting friends. Love their lunches. It feels like a townie restaurant because you always run into a few people you know.” – Willie Hansen

Chophouse on Main, Mahomet: “Lovely atmosphere. I really enjoy the chicken and bacon salad. The hand breaded chicken sandwich on a pretzel bun is a favorite as well. There are lots of vegetarian options too.” – Dawn Coyne

Houlihan’s at the IHotel: “This is where my lunch group met to cheer up our injured friend. The menu has a good variety of choices. I tried the BBQ chicken flatbread. Others in our party loved the Asian salad and their new “bowl” offerings. A nice atmosphere, good service and plenty of parking.” – Peggy Prichard