| rev:text
| - City Cafe is unique and unexpected. I highly recommend reading a few reviews before you go, so you know what to plan for. I had a wonderful, quirky brunch experience here a week ago with a good friend who'd been there before, and loves introducing other people to the delights of the City Cafe.
Parking is actually free right in front of the cafe, so that's a plus. We walked in (on a Saturday at noon) and it was totally empty. I know this seems like a bad sign, but just bear with me. The owner greeted us immediately - he is host, server, barista, cook, and conversation all in one - and served us Earl Grey and coffee in large mugs. He asked if we were ordering food - he is a fantastic cook, but he also really values the fact that this is a CAFE, and food is optional. But we were hungry, and came for his cooking. I ordered the huevos rancheros, and my friend ordered the Brazilian peasant breakfast. He disappeared to cook it, and we sipped our drinks. In this time, another customer appeared and sat at a table. The owner did not emerge from the kitchen. She left within 10 minutes, without having been greeted. I feel guilty, like I should've explained it to her. This is how the man operates - he runs the entire show - and sometimes you will need to wait. If he doesn't greet you, he's back in the kitchen cooking. If you want to order food but he's making a cappuccino, then you need to sit tight. He said he couldn't afford to hire a server - I think it's a vicious cycle where he can't hire someone to serve, so service is slow and people don't come, and then he doesn't make enough money to hire someone. People just need to come and be leisurely! Have a little patience!
Our breakfasts were served in small baking dishes, straight out of the oven. The accompanying tortillas and baguette were soft and warm, served with butter and jam (and, I think, hot sauce for me). My eggs were marvelous. Deliciously soft, with a runny yolk. The potatoes, onions, and beans underneath were toothsome and creatively spiced, in a rich, warm sauce. For such a large meal, it felt light in my stomach afterwards. It made me happy - fed the soul, if you will.
All the food here is vegetarian. It is also hearty and inexpensive, as well as prepared with skill. As the only people in the cafe, the owner chatted with us a bit about his future plans. He does have an unusual conversation style - sort of, excited and talkative with an odd turn of phrase - and he has very strong opinions about what matters in our culture. He clearly values quality, freshness, patience, and you need to feel that way too in order to come here. Don't come here for a greasy breakfast, or if you want to get in and out in 30 minutes. Come for a cup of coffee in a sunny room, a homemade brunch, and some memorable conversation. Prepare to stay a while. But please do try it - help the man hire a server, for goodness sake!
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