Tunablue

I recently started working at a Spa across around the corner. It's about a 10 minute walk from where I'm staying on Woodland Avenue. I have a 15 minute coffee break and a 30 minute lunch break. I could walk home but often, in the interest of time, I decide to go to the cafe across the street called Cafe Zoe. It's an independent cafe selling good organic coffee, fresh deli sandwiches and gelato from Ciao Bella. They also exhibit art work from independent artists. On some days, an acoustic jazz band also plays.

Just yesterday, I went there to get a latte and a turkey sandwich. The owner served the sandwich and mentioned that she's experimenting on a new bread. But her problem is she might not be able to make it regularly. She made me a special turkey sandwich with cranberry bread from Brioche Bakery. She mentioned that they have problems sourcing bread. And unfortunately, Acme which has very good artisan bread could not service them as well.

Kathleen, the owner, and I just started chatting until we decided to play with her sandwiches. I just used what they already have so she doesn't have to spend for addition inventory, not to mention limited storage space.

I went through their refrigerator the other day and made a list of what I can make. I came in early this morning, made some sandwiches and offered them to the cafe regulars to sample. I made a couple vegetarian option as well for the yogis next door (it's right next to Be Yoga).

When I came in, they only have 4 basic deli sandwiches. I thought I would throw in a couple more and add some items for kids too since the cafe is also close to the German International School where they hold Atherton Little League Baseball on weekends.

Kathleen was happy and excited about the new menu. And it looks like I have a new job too.

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New Menu Items as of today 07/06/08:
Basic Sandwiches
*Grilled, optional
1. Turkey
2. Ham
3. Salami
4. Vegetarian

Bread option:
Dutch Crunch, Seeded Parisian, Hearty Harvest Multigrain bread

Garnishes:
Tomatoes, Pickles, Red Onions, Romain Lettuce

Dressing and Seasoning:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Grey Poupon Mustard, Salt and Pepper

Specialty Sandwiches:
*Goes on Artisan Breads
1. Caprese Panini - Mozarella, Fresh Tomatoes, Sundried Tomatoes, Basil and Pesto on Ciabatta or Baguette

2. Ham, Pears and Brie - with Mixed greens and viniagrette on Ciabatta or Baguette

3. Grilled Vegetables - Grilled Marinated Vegetables (Portabello Mushrooms, Eggplant and Peppers) with Feta on Ciabatta or Baguette

4. Turkey and Cranberry - Smoked Turkey, Greens, Brie with Pomegranate Cranberry dressing on Cranberry Bread or Baguette

5. Salad Sandwich - Pear, Arugula and Spinach Salad with Pear viniagrette on Ciabatta (Potentially a vegan option but we have yet to source vegan bread, wrap?)

Kids Meal
1- PB & J - organic peanut butter and artisan jelly (seasonal fruit preserves) on Dutch Crunch bread

2 - Grilled Double Cheese - Double double cheese cheese, cheddar cheddar swiss swiss on sliced whole wheat.

*We also sampled the Great Grilled Cheese sandwich with 4 cheeses (Brie, Provolone, Monterey Jack and Pecorino Romano) with Arugula. It was a hit too but the menu was becoming too big. But it was a GREAT grilled cheese sandwich treat.

I'm so lucky to be staying at a place surrounded by fruit bearing trees! We never had to buy lemons and oranges. The ones we have a really good. I just pick one fresh from the tree whenever I need some for cooking or seasoning.

I would always stare at the peach tree and wonder how sweet the fruits will be. I walked around the yard this morning and the tree surprised me with delicious ripe peaches! Their skin was bright red. They felt just right, not too firm and not too tender.

I picked one and bit into it. No bruised spots. The peach I had in my hand was ripened on the tree. It was very sweet and delicious. Now I know how good it is, to have eaten a perfectly tree ripened peach. Delightful!