As much
as I am a planner for all of my activities on a rare occasion I will surprise
myself and go with the flow.
You know
you are having a good day when it’s been over six hours since you ate and you
only recently noticed. For that matter I was out of coffee about as long and
only slightly cared.
After our
exploration of Roosevelt Island was complete and I hadn’t found any place for
my companions and I to dine at, we decided to bit ado and head home. I
remembered seeing a café that looked cute in Queens right before you arrived on
Roosevelt Island. It is a good thing I took note of it when we happen to pass
by. It was where I was destined to go.
I had a
great day but now I was hungry, hot, and in need of a break before continuing
the drive home. The place we arrived at was the Bread Box Café.
As I
walked in I was mid conversation and wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t even
notice what the people I passed were eating, which proves my point. I saw there
were plenty of people sitting both outside and inside. I took my seat inside
and immediately looked at the menu for something refreshing to drink. It was
when I saw the Kiwi Lemonade that I sat up to read the menu more closely. I had
never heard of this kind of lemonade and it was one of the best things I have
ever tasted. It wasn’t overly sweet or bitter. It was perfection in a glass.
All of a sudden my hunger level rose.
My
instincts told me to go with the Classic Turkey Club with Smoked Bacon,
Lettuce, Tomato, and Mayo on Ciabbata bread. There were plenty of other dishes
that sounded amazing but my stomach kept leaning towards this. I normally eat
turkey sandwiches at home so it’s not my go to when I eat out. But I know
better than to fight with my gut.
My
partner in crime ordered the Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Sandwich served with
Eggplant, Arugula, Tomato, and Black Olive Aioli on top with Ciabbata bread.
Both
sound simple and that is the way they tasted. I mean this in all sincerity as a
compliment. I couldn’t figure out how a relatively plan turkey sandwich could
taste so wonderful. It was freshly prepared with only a handful of ingredients.
I wonder why when I do this at home it doesn’t have the same result. Never the
less I happily wolfed down my sandwich and hand made chips.
As for
the chicken sandwich that was a big hit too. Chicken can be so different
depending on where you get it from but this was cut thin and cooked properly.
It too vanished out of sight rather quickly.
When I
sat down and began to research this Café I learned so much so fast. I knew this
was a special place even though it wasn’t showboating. They totally should be
though.
While
I sat at the table that day I noticed that the open doors appeared to have
rolling pins on them. They had writing on it but I couldn’t make it out from
where I was sitting. Since I was in the middle of deep conversation when I
walked in, I didn’t notice until I left that they cover the Café from top to
bottom, inside and out. I thought it was a cute touch but I didn’t give it
another thought. For a second I contemplating taking out my camera but I was
exhausted from my day and so the sight remains in my mind.
But
when I went to look online to check this place out I found out a truly surprisingly
wonderful reason for all of those pins. The Bread Box Café opened in 2010 and
the site prior to this use it was a mechanic’s garage for about fifty years. It
was a location in the heart of this Long Island City community.
The
community continued to be on the owner’s minds as they joined forces with The
New York Foundling Foundation. This foundation goals are to provide services
the community needs like education for children in foster care. They have been
in operation since 1869. Since the Café and organization linked up, all who
donate money to the former will have a pin with their name on it in the later.
It is a truly generous and original way to incorporate us with others to do
good. After a meal here and a donation there, everyone is getting what they
need. You have to feel good about that.
I still cannot
believe I did not take not one photo!! That goes to show you how unprepared I
was to be wowed. It is so frustrating because I can see the building and my
meal so clearly in my mind. I feel like I can close my eyes and reach out to
pick the sandwich off of the table. I feel the sunlight beating on me, as it
was that day. Yet I also feel the coolness coming from the breeze through the
open doors. It wasn’t until today that I realized how much I am still thinking
about that Café and that I want to return soon. With that feeling I knew I had
to share my find no matter how unexpected this blog found me.
I am
trying not to let that fact that I have no photos bother me. Apparently this
discovery and unexpected delight will live on in my heart, stomach, and of
course with my readers.
Bread Box
Café is a place for you to come back again and again, to feel at home out of your
home, and to go out with a smile on your face and happiness in your belly each
and every time.
For More
Information:
https://www.nyfoundling.org/
Glad you kept an eye out for us or would of missed this place.
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