In our quest to support local businesses – we received word that the Village Café, a coffee and sandwich shop on Watt Avenue across the street from Kragen Auto Parts was REOPENED UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. There is also another word of live music on some Fridays. Interested? Even more attention grabbing than the rhythm of guitar and percussion are the sounds of hope. Business owners in North Highlands are not fearful of competing in this economy. More power to them.
NOT FOUND: thevillagecafe'reopens.jpgWhile you do have a number of choices of coffee shops en route to work, might we suggest you give the Village Café a chance. It could become your new favorite neighborhood coffee house. The Village has only been open a little over a month.
When I paid a visit I was greeted by Michelle at the cash register. Her husband is the chef. The two experiment with all sorts of sandwich and quick breakfast pairings, including biscuits and gravy, ham and cheese bagels and generous yogurt parfaits that are enough to make a meal.
May I take your Order?
Properly called a café, the menu is limited but sufficient for those early morning pit stops, (they open weekdays as early as 5 a.m.) quick lunch breaks and coffee incarnations that involve the staples of Torani syrup, milk and cream. It’s evident that the new owners aren’t trying to deviate too much from what they advertise: coffee and sandwiches. The menu is made to order and the price is right; nothing on the menu is over six dollars. I am a fan of the chicken ranch wrap though the lavash they used is heavier than usual -- more like a bready flour tortilla. Still the fixings are fresh and they do use a whole, white meat chicken breast.
NOT FOUND: thevillagecafe'2.jpgI couldn’t help but smile at the plain and simple Quaker Oatmeal packets nestled in a Styrofoam bowl conveniently with a spoon. At one dollar – I would venture to guess that, even if you’re on a budget, there is nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of oatmeal when you’re hurried. It’s even more convenient if you didn’t have time to get to the store or feed the kids breakfast on your way out.
Something in the atmosphere…
For all of the neighborhood spots, Village has one thing on the rest – one of the most freshly paved, clean parking lots right in front. So if you choose to dine in you’re view out the window is a pleasant one. The establishment could be a great spot for community groups, women’s lunches, or that post study group/post softball/post soccer hang out…and yes, they do have WiFi!