Spoon River Cafe

JMS - Nov 18 06

First off, let me say that Spoon River is much, much better than its sister restaurant Cafe Brenda. My wife and I haven't been to Brenda in years, but we've been to Spoon River three times in the last two months. Let me run down what was good and what still needs work.

1) Food -- appetizers: We both highly recommend the Tomato, Watermelon Salad Dressed in a Vanilla Bean Vinaigrette (Vegan) as an appetizer. It is like nothing you've ever had before. Highly tasty blend of different tomatoes and watermelons along with a fantastic dressing. And wait until you see the presentation -- fantastic! We've ordered it all three times we've went. There is a very good selection of vegan and vegetarian appetizers.

2) Food -- Dinner: The dinner menu contains a bit too much meat (just like Brenda's). But, we both were impressed with our vegan dinner entrees. I've had the Asian Barbeque Mock Duck over Brown Rice, Thai Basil Salad with Pineapple and Peanuts. My wife had the Sloppy Jane - Joe's Healthy Saucier Sister made with Savory Mock Duck Jicama Salad. Both are vegan and tasty. Presentation was nice but the servings were a bit on the small side.

3) Drinks (alcoholic): The alcoholic drinks on the drink menus all sound good but the ones we've had (4 different ones total) are light on the liquor and high on the price. Disappointing overall.

4) Desserts: Nothing vegan all three times we've went -- not even sorbet! This was disappointing b/c our waitress said that they have vegan desserts at Brenda's.

5) Service: Still working out some kinks. Don't sit at the bar -- the guy we had at the bar our first time there was not good. The other two times we sat in the restaurant and were happier.

6) Space: The space is a bit cramped and you're VERY close to the other customers. This doesn't really bother us, but it might not be for you if you don't like sitting right next to the other patrons.

7) Cost: A bit pricey although not overly so (with the exception of the drinks).