I was excited to try a new restaurant (for me at least) tonight, especially knowing that it was Jamie Kennedy’s food. I reviewed the Wine Bar when it was his years ago. The prospect of getting to review another one of his places was exciting (admitting that his fries are the biggest draw!).
We drove up and I was surprised to see that the Cafe was in a super narrow alleyway, although it’s a street called Gilead Place. We parked behind the cafe in reserved free parking which was awesome. We walked into a dim atmosphere that was a little more formal than what regular cafes would be in my opinion. The menu is written on a floor to ceiling chalkboard that has a list of all dishes, prices, including wines too.
Because the kitchen wasn’t ready to start serving food yet (we dine early when with my little brother), the waitress offered bread and cheese, which I said no to, but then my brain registered that she said cheese and then I ran up to listen to that day’s cheese plate. (for those of you that don’t know me, I collect Fifth Town cheese stickers and call myself a “cheeseoisseur”). I eat mostly sheep’s and goat’s milk cheese, but when I’m out at a restaurant, if I’m really lucky, my mom lets me order cow’s milk cheese. We had two sheep’s milk cheeses and a blue cheese and they were served with housemade crackers and apple slices. My sister thought they were too salty, but I did not.
We got two orders of french fries which we enjoyed and sadly there are never enough it seems. Although I didn’t love their housemade ketchup, I was so happy that it wasn’t Heinz yuckiness!
My mom had a root vegetable salad and a beet salad that she loved. I tried the Swiss Chard that she shared from her salad and it was really good. My sister and I both got burgers that were served on an english muffin with caramelized onions and housemade condiments, and I thought it was very good, but it would be better if it were a bigger portion. So if you get it, beware if you have a big appetite like me and order sides! My dad loved his organic fried chicken, bok choy and sweet potato mash.
Their menu changes all of the time, so you might not be able to get these things, but it’s because they support local and organic so they change their menus with what’s in season.
Right now as I am writing this post, I am so thirsty from the salt in the meal! But, I did love my meal and the space at the Gilead Cafe!
