Sylvia's Coffee Cafe

I had the pleasure of lunch at Sylvia's Coffee Cafe in Mt. Vernon today. Sylvia's is connected to an antique store in the same building and the charm of it spills over into the experience.

The tables and chairs inside are antique themselves, charming, and quite sturdy. It was such a lovely day though, we sat outdoors on the back deck. Our location overlooked a well-kept cottage garden. Our waitress was a charming woman from the British Isles who complimented the relaxing appeal of the cafe.

I ordered a panini with a cup of garden vegetable soup. I was pleasantly surprised to find Sylvia's offers healthy choices along with their sandwiches like fresh carrots and other vegetables. Our entrees arrived on pressed glass relish trays and my iced tea in a familiar, crackly looking glass; it really reminded one of having lunch at Grandma's house.

The soup stole the show: broccoli pieces cooked in chicken stock, then pulsed once in food processor. To this mixture was added soft, sweet carrot chunks and green beans cooked in the same stock. It was served with a lightly-buttery, grilled rye crostini that was a perfect match.

Sylvia's makes all their own baked goods and the panini's were on excellent bread as well. For dessert, I had a mountainous piece of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, served on a gold-rimmed antique dessert plate. We also bought some of the dozen kinds of traditional Scottish shortbread sold there on our way out.

The whole meal was one of comfort and relaxation. There was nothing particularly fancy in either the decor or what we were served, but the experience was first rate. I think H.J. Heinz summed it up well: "To do a common thing uncommonly well brings success."

Best bites,
James