I’m not a breakfast person. If you’re like me, then “the most important meal of the day” is a mug or two of steaming coffee dosed with liberal amounts of milk and sugar. Maybe I’ll gobble down a banana or spoon through a cup of creamy yogurt, but when somebody says “breakfast”, all I hear is “caffeine”.
If you are one of those morning people who require something more substantial to start your day, then you are probably familiar with Café on Park. After all, they have been serving up tasty fare since opening their doors more than 23 years ago. Since then, the popular iconic eatery has expanded and doubled their space to accommodate demand. Even with the additional room, there is usually a long line of patrons waiting for a table on the weekend.
There were no lines when I arrived early one morning. I pretty much had the place to myself.
“The day after Labor Day is historically the slowest day of the year”, Robert confided. He was busy prepping for the day, but he took time to answer all my questions. His robin egg blue eyes twinkled.
I sat at the small bar and perused the extensive menu. Ceiling fans whirled overhead. Sunlight poured through the large windows and illuminated the colorful casual space. Oversized paintings, the work of local artists, adorned the tall yellow walls. The deeply varnished wood topped tables gleamed in the glow of morning.
The menu offers numerous options ranging from traditional egg dishes like ham and eggs with toast, to several scrambles like sundried tomatoes with basil and goat cheese, to a variety of pancakes like Captain Crunch cereal and blackberries(!), to Café specialties like salmon hash made with capers and black olives. I ordered the Crab Cake Benny ($14.50) and a cup of coffee ($2.50). My selection arrived hot from the kitchen within a few short minutes.
The cake is made from scratch using forkfuls of real crab meat (watch out for small bits of shell) and minced roasted red peppers, and then seared to a delicate crunch. The thick slightly sweet patty rests atop a nest of earthy sautéed spinach and asparagus tips adorned with two basted eggs and a drizzle of rich hollandaise sauce, resplendent with egg yolks, butter and basil. Underlying everything is a slice of grilled French bread. Sides of fresh fruit and a large portion of Café potatoes made with onions and bell pepper completes the presentation. Dee. Lish. Us. The hearty portion was too much for me to finish however, and I took half of it home*.
Café on Park also offers an amazing lunch menu. Selections include sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, burgers and specialties such as grilled shrimp tacos or turkey pot pie. One of my favorites is the warm sliced roast turkey sandwich served on a baguette with tangy brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, smooth mayonnaise, crisp lettuce and ripe tomato. Mmm-hmmm.
Every breakfast and lunch item is available seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a reason Café on Park garners numerous rave reviews on Yelp. Eat this, hungry readers. You’ll be glad you did.
Café on Park
3831 Park Blvd.
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily
619-293-7275
