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| - I love supporting small independent restaurants, and as I stopped at a nearby bank on my lunch and needed to grab a bite I thought I would try this promising cosy little café on a whim.
Generally I run away from neon signs and I was originally going to do take out, once inside I decided to sit and enjoy an Italian panini sandwich. I chose the Alla Mama, featuring grilled chicken breast, lettuce, roasted red peppers, and an enticing pesto mayo. For just 10 bucks it comes with soup or choice of salad, and I thought a Ceasar would be a good accompaniment, sticking with the Italian theme.
I sat down and waited for my order to arrive, and was not disappointed with the sandwich. However, the train left the rails with the salad.
Now I realize the main feature here is the sandwich, and it was good. But the salad ought to have been more than an afterthought. The grocery store dressing was thoughtlessly gooped on top, and the only discernable hint of parmesan was an off white dust found here and there - it could easily have been mistaken for drywall. I'm hoping the croutons were at least made in house but judging by the store bought sauce (I have the same brand at home) and the Kraft processed parm out of a shaker, I'm not holding out much hope.
This is positively the worst Caesar salad I've ever had ... and I've eaten army Caesar salads made in bulk feeding troops in a dining hall.
It's a shame really, it doesn't take much effort to buy quality shaved or shredded parm cheese, which doubles as great pasta topping too. Croutons are easy to toast and as a sandwich shop they would have plenty of leftover bread. With a little effort and some anchovy paste you can make a great Caesar dressing. They put thought care into their sandwiches, and apparently their homemade soups if I believe the other reviews.
But this salad is an insult to Caesar. It's the reason this is now a 4 or 5 review.
Finishing off, the charm and cosy setting and sidewalk seating is a bonus, plus a huge selection of sandwiches and lineup of coffee that would make Starbucks blush, are great reasons to come and stay to eat. Just skip the Caesar.
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