09/02/09

Excellent Food!

by Whitman2002

Some friends and I just had the most amazing impromptu dinner / dessert experience! We all ordered different items off the menu and couldn't have been more pleased. The Pulled Pork Sandwich was to die for! I am not much of a meat eater; this was the best sandwich I have had. It was the perfect amount of food and I didn't feel guilty afterwards. My husband ordered one of their gourmet pizzas’s which was served on a cutting board. The presentation was nice and the taste was even better. One of our friend's order the Mini Mac which came out in a hot dish with cheesy / breaded goodness on top of the pasta. Oh wait, I am not done yet...the fresh berry crisp with vanilla ice cream was truly a treat. You must order it if you go. We polished off everything that was served to us. The service seemed fine and the atmosphere was pleasant. Try it out if you want to try something new. It's a little on the pricy side and the menu isn't huge, but you won't be disappointed by the quality.

• Pros: Amazing Pulled Pork Sandwich
• Cons: Awkward Outdoor Seating & Prices

07/19/08

Exceptionally pleasant atmosphere

by minawirth

My husband and I had dinner here last night- it was gratifying experience. The atmosphere was pleasant and the meal was excellent. I remember when this charming neighborhood dwelling was a grocery store- they still have a "groceries" sign on the wall. I would not classify this place as "cheap eats", however- dinner with drinks and dessert was $70- which is what I would expect to pay at a restaurant of this caliber.

• Pros: Charming location, delectable food, extensive wine list- lots of beer choices, too
• Cons: can't think of any

03/18/08

Good Food, Spaced-out Service

by shannongwolfe

I've been to this cafe several times and love the food. The salads are all great and the chicken pot-pie is the best I've had. Also, save room for dessert or a cookie. The counter-help/wait staff is unprofessional - they kind of just stand there, so there is a do-it-yourself element to having a meal here.

• Pros: great food
• Cons: service

01/29/08

How did this get a $ rating instead of $$$?

by mjmorgan

The food was great. Fresh, edgy, gorgeous. The waitron was enthusiastic but not very well versed in the finer details of slow/fresh/food. Very neighborhood-y in atmosphere but the neighbors are well-heeled. Plan on spending a fair amount (a "canof (4) cosmic carrots costs $6) and main dishes run around $20) as this is not cheap-eats. The prices are fair, I thought, considering the quality and care that went into the selection and preparation. This is good food, folks.

• Pros: High quality ingredients
• Cons: Wine selection is thin

12/21/07

Solid Neighborhood Hangout

by samin3d

This is a great neighborhood addition. The food is very fresh and delicious. We have several suggestions. It would make dining more pleasurable if you were able to install better ventilation so that diners don't leave smelling like food. Counterhelp could be a little speedier. Overall, the food is worth the trip and we would recommend it for an intimate dining experience and fresh lunch.

This sunny, simple and sweet cafe serves an unfussy and thoughtfully executed menu to the Capitol Hill family crowd.

by Contributor

The Scene
Former Carmelita chef Ericka Burke and her food photographer partner Heather Earnhardt have tastefully transformed this 1905 building into a charming neighborhood café. Décor is homey and tailored to the small space, with resin tabletops, wooden benches and plenty of vintage farmhouse touches. The casual servers are friendly, but occasionally overwhelmed and under-informed.

The Food
The menu is split almost evenly between vegetarian and omnivorous options, with an affectionate focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Along with rotating quiche specials, breakfast options include brie and apple panini drizzled with lavender honey, while the broad lunchtime selection ranges from homemade soups and entrée-sized salads to creative, artisan sandwiches. Dinner is less successful, with small plates that can be generously portioned, but underseasoned (a trio of Mediterranean spreads), though the grilled pizzas with seasonal toppings (wild mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes) and cracker-thin crust are a rustic delight.

09/22/07

Just what the neighborhood needs!

by kim52579

Volunteer Park Cafe is the cutest place and perfect for that neighborhood. They have delicious banana bread and a great lunch menu. I'll definitely go there for dinner some time, and I feel good supporting a small local business!

07/25/07

My New Favorite Seattle Cafe

by huskyduck

What a great neighborhood cafe! Even though the VPC has only been open a short while, it has the distinct feeling that it has been open for decades. The two lovely ladies who own and operate VPC utilize fresh seasonal and local ingredients for all their dishes. Standout dishes are the carmalized banana brioche french toast for breakfast, seasonal meat pies for a comfy lunch and the best meat loaf in town for dinner. The wine list is outstanding featuring many local and foreign reds. But perhaps the greatest strength of the cafe are the desserts. Items change daily and are made on the premises. This is the kind of place you can wear your pajamas to and feel comfortable. Service is very sincere and caring. Small children and four legged guests are welcome. Also, there is a great bubblegum selection!

• Pros: Seattle's Best Meal Loaf; Made On Premises Yummy Desserts; Authentic Friendliness