We hit up Cafe Soleil on a Monday morning. What better way to kick off the week?
Here's the scoop.
Vanessa: The room is much more masculine than I imagined: brick walls, metal chairs, and concrete floors. Concrete floors make me sad for the service staff that has to walk over them all day. I hope they've all invested in a nice pair of supportive shoes.
Service is gracious, friendly, and thoughtful. I ordered a Spanish omelet, which comes with a filling of chicken or beef, and when I asked for a vegetarian version, the server suggested that I add avocado in place of the meat. A small but savvy move on her part.
I ordered mint tea and was served two packets of Stash Moroccan mint green tea, a mug of hot water, and another small pitcher of hot water. That does not go unappreciated by this avid tea drinker.
The three-egg omelet is massive. I ditched the toast and asked for extra hash browns, and I ended up with the equivalent of about seven shredded potatoes on my plate. This is not a complaint; this is a gift from the potato gods.
I did not love the jarred-tasting salsa nor the fact that it (and the sour cream) came pre-portioned in little plastic cups, but the food was hearty and tasty and enough for two meals.
The restaurant was full of regulars, which is always a nice thing to see. There were a couple of groups of men who looked like life-long buddies, and there was a younger group of friends who chatted amiably behind us. I always appreciate a welcoming neighborhood vibe. And lots of potatoes and tea.
Service is gracious, friendly, and thoughtful. I ordered a Spanish omelet, which comes with a filling of chicken or beef, and when I asked for a vegetarian version, the server suggested that I add avocado in place of the meat. A small but savvy move on her part.
I ordered mint tea and was served two packets of Stash Moroccan mint green tea, a mug of hot water, and another small pitcher of hot water. That does not go unappreciated by this avid tea drinker.
The three-egg omelet is massive. I ditched the toast and asked for extra hash browns, and I ended up with the equivalent of about seven shredded potatoes on my plate. This is not a complaint; this is a gift from the potato gods.
I did not love the jarred-tasting salsa nor the fact that it (and the sour cream) came pre-portioned in little plastic cups, but the food was hearty and tasty and enough for two meals.
The restaurant was full of regulars, which is always a nice thing to see. There were a couple of groups of men who looked like life-long buddies, and there was a younger group of friends who chatted amiably behind us. I always appreciate a welcoming neighborhood vibe. And lots of potatoes and tea.
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| My omelet of considerable giganticness complete with slabs of hash browns. |
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| Chicken-fried steak with all the trimmings. |
tonyB: From the outside I thought this would be the typical white-walled cafe. Turns out the minute I opened the door, we came upon a large, open space with about 15 tables and counter seating. Though not as intimate as a small diner, the darker interior motif felt comfortable. As Dr. Phil played on the big screen (next to framed Certificates of Appreciation from the El Sobrante Boys and Girls Club), I got a real sense that this is THE place the locals come for grub. For a Monday morning, there was a steady stream of patrons.
[Vanessa: I sat facing another big screen on the opposite wall where the Wendy Williams show was on. I know nothing about her except that her wardrobe people make absolutely no effort to play down her expansive chest. It was hard not to stare.]
I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak. Usually, for me, CFS really boils down to one thing: the gravy. I have to say that my CFS gravy was good-- in fact, pretty darn good. Dotted with little bits of ham, the gravy had an almost smoky taste-- maybe a bit salty though. Over-easy eggs with sourdough toast accompanied the CFS and was pretty standard. Coffee was a little weak, but refills were offered frequently. The wait staff were awesome and attentive.
Overall, for my first restaurant breakfast in El Sob in some 30-odd years, I find the atmosphere and food of Cafe Soleil good enough to make me want to come back. Soon.
[Vanessa: Soon, but not before we hit up all the other restaurants in town!]
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| Cafe Soleil is on top of its social media deals. |
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| Considering the options on the lengthy menu. |
