Dined Monday September 8th

 Café Chew

 

Address:  4 Merchants Rd, Sandwich, MA 02563

Website: Café Chew 

 

1. Initial impression of convenience, parking, and location.

• This location was conveniently located off the main street of 6A. No dangerous turns or stops. It sits among other businesses near a post office.
• Parking was tight and would be difficult during busier times.

2. Wait time to be greeted, seated, and first impressions of staff.

• This was a self service location, however we were greeted immediately upon entering the establishment
• It was suggested we grab a menu, table, and then head to the counter once we were ready to order.

3. Type of seating, comfort, wait time for server introduction.

• Seating was available inside or outside. There were probably enough seats available for 80 people seating 40 in and 40 out.
• Signs posted on the four-tops asked that parties of two accept other parties of two during their busiest hours. Forced courteousness - approved.

4. Variety of menu options (too many/too little)

• The menu at this location had something for everyone.
• For a self serve cafe, there was more than just sandwiches.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

5. Menu highlights of uncommon items.

• Huevos Rancheros!
• Cajun Breakfast
• Smoked Salmon
• Tabouli
• Gluten free bread

6. Speed of food delivery, and first impressions of plating, initial aroma.

• The food was delivered surprisingly quickly, as it was a self serve, it was not delivered together.
• The plates were a good food to space ratio. There was the right amount of food on the plate.
• The initial aroma was heavenly.

7. TASTE!

• Coffee. The flavours of the coffee here were good, which should be expected in a cafe.. If you want to add cream be sure to ask for room to be left.
• The gentleman's Cajun Breakfast was chosen after it fought with Huevos Rancheros for his love and mouth acceptance. Our meals arrived separately as the lady ordered from the counter first and he followed. The Huevos Rancheros was a recent point of contention with the gent and a dinner establishment after they abolished their offering of this delicious meal. Still, he went cajun. An attempt to compare his meal with a past cajun experience. The dish was served with eggs how he liked them, over medium, spicy and hot andouille sausage, a black bean salad, and an amazing grilled corn bread muffin.  Eggs were eggs but the gent mixed them with the beans and everything was great. The sausage was just right. The corn bread muffin was the perfect consistency, crumbling just enough but not too much, and tasted better than any other corn bread he has had. 
  
  
  
• The lady struggled to decide between The Cajun Breakfast and Huevos Rancheros, It was finally settled that she would have Huevos Rancheros, as the gentleman picked the Cajun Breakfast. For a breakfast that lacked meat, this was by far one of the best meals thus far. The beans were cooked in a tomato base, and did not have overpowering cumin, which some beans do. The fresh salsa was the perfect contrast to the hearty beans, and did not have any cilantro (cilantro is disgusting) which was a win. The flour tortillas were warm and soft, the eggs were perfectly over easy, and there was a sharp cheddar to top it all off, which gave a little needed zing to this plate. The lady did not eat the giant mound of sour cream, as it is totally unnecessary and only takes away from a dish. The only thing to do differently next time, is add some sriracha, as it was missing some heat. Halfway through was enough food, however the lady ate everything because it was so delicious, om nom nom nom, nom.
  
  
  

8. Value of product.

• At around $12 per person for breakfast fare and a coffee Cafe Chew is priced evenly with the other self service restaurant we visited in the Underground Bakery. It is worth it considering the variations of meals available with their better ingredients and flavors.
• Coffee $1.93 for 16 oz with free refills
• Side of bacon $2.95
• 2 eggs and meat $7.70
• Muffins individually priced at the counter with other baked goods.

9. Payment options.

• Cash
• MC/Visa

Overall Rating:

This serve yourself establishment didn’t lack service one bit. Having only passed their five year anniversary over a week ago Cafe Chew has a system and organization in place I wish more restaurants followed. We were promptly greeted upon entering and given directions on how to help yourself. The counter was attended by someone that knows the menu, and drinks, and asks where you are sitting and what is your name so food and drink can get to you without wait. If you have ever shied away from going somewhere new because you were uncertain of the ins and outs and being out of place Cafe Chew squashes those nerves immediately. They do their best by posting rules for seating so that even at its busiest times one can likely find seating, maybe you will even make friends with another couple.

We at Breakfast Abroad insist that you try it and we recommend Cafe Chew to any who ask. We only wish it was closer to the mid-cape so we could visit more often.