OMG....if I was only able to use one word to describe this place it would have to be AREPAS!
We went here the morning following the Apalachicola 50k race in October 14. My guest and traveling companion found it on Yelp.
This little Cafe is the Pearl in Oyster City.
We walked in and were greeted by the wonderful smell of bacon and coffee. An eclectic dining room with lots of little artsy-fartsy things to hold your attention while waiting for the food. Aparently a favorite of locals, some in a discussion about a law enforcement position election, another quietly enjoying his newspaper.
Order at the counter, have a seat- they will bring it to you. Staff is very friendly (from South America) and happy to talk about all the scratch-made food. I think if they could have raised the pig for the bacon they would have, and what a lucky swine it would be.
We both had an arepa. Flat, grill fried cornbread, sliced and filled with the wonderful bacon, egg with a runny yolk (gravy!) and a salsa verde. Coffee was surprisingly tasty since it was not a well-known or popular brand.
I could have eaten 3 of these things, that good. Too many times food become simply a substrate for sauces and condiments. In fact, my theory is that most people who go to chain restaurants, really go there for the sauces covering their food without knowing it.
At Cafe con Leche, the salsa verde enhanced the wonderful flavors of the arepas. When we spoke with the woman who prepared it for us, I asked about the salsa. "Did you make it yourself?" oh yes. "Did you make the flat bread also?" Of course. "Salsa is delicious, what is in it?" She tells me it only has three ingredients- cilantro and jalapeno processed and added to mayo. "Do you make the mayo yourself?"- Naturally.
Then she reaches behind her to grab the squeeze bottle with the salsa verde with one hand, grabs my hand with her other, and proceeds to squeeze a line of the salsa across my outstretched and eager finger. I have it again, with gusto.
I am very hot on Apalachicola after visiting it for the run. But knowing how much I enjoyed my meal here, it might be worth the 2 hour drive just to return here.
Don't miss it.
Food 9, Dining 8. Cleanliness 7. Location 6.
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