The Fall Salad ($12), which is a heaping plate of mixed organic vegetables with perfectly roasted beets, tangy blue cheese, tangy Chimayó chili walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette. (Heather Hunter / For the Diary)
As we wrap up the first month of 2022, many of us are evaluating how we have mastered (or not mastered) our new intentions. Whether we’re cutting alcohol for Dry January, adding more steps to our daily routine, or focusing on eating more veggies, there’s a concerted effort to focus on our health as the year begins. While it can be challenging to find restaurants in Santa Fe that offer nutritious options, there is one that offers easy access to healthier meals every day.
Nestled in the arts and industrial district of Baca and Cerrillos, Counter Culture Cafe is a quirky spot that attracts a young, diverse clientele with an accessible and global menu. Open daily, their approach is simple. Order from the chalkboard menus at the counter and someone from the kitchen will deliver your meal when it’s ready. Tipping is not required and it is highly recommended that you vacate your table prior to departure.
Tender split peas are simmered with carrots and onions for a pea soup worthy of grandma. (Heather Hunter / For the Diary)
What owner Jason Aufricht started in 1996 is still a thriving and well-regarded breakfast and lunch restaurant, offering customers reasonably priced, quality meals without any fuss. Guests come in and out casually at the many long communal tables, and it can be easy to chat with those seated nearby or remain quiet while reading a book or newspaper, or working. But there are many two and four top tables. When it’s cold outside and a fire is burning in the corner, the tables nearby will surely add warmth and coziness. And if it’s a nice day there are terraces in front and to the side for al fresco dining.
The breakfast menu is available all day and starts with a basic two-egg plate ($9) served with homefries and toast, or El Grande, which has the two-egg plate with a pancake and syrup ($12). upgrades. For something heartier, try the smothered burrito ($10.50), huevos rancheros ($10.50), or an omelette ($12). Sweet options include pancakes ($11), Belgian waffles ($10.50), or French toast ($11). But this is no boring plate of French toast. It’s their gigantic and gorgeous homemade cinnamon roll that’s been sliced, dipped in batter, and then boiled and served with real maple syrup. This might not fall into the healthy category, but once in a while it can’t hurt.
Since I could eat a salad with every meal, I love that Counter Culture serves the breakfast frittata ($13) with a side salad. Anytime we can add a few more greens to our diet, that’s a good thing. For lighter options, there’s also oatmeal ($7.50), granola parfait ($9), and a plate of brie and seasonal fruit ($7), served with a baguette and signature Chimayó chili walnuts.
But the real draw and the most popular meal of the day is lunch and they keep them busy until the doors close. It’s hard to put me off the Fall Salad ($12), which is a heaping plate of mixed organic vegetables with perfectly roasted beets, tangy blue cheese, tangy Chimayó chili walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette. The ratio of ingredients and flavors is great and it’s never overdressed.
The Middle Eastern Salad Plate ($13) offers a robust and colorful combination of a delicious Greek salad, four bite-sized pieces of crispy and spinach-filled spanikopita, hummus with a few kalamata olives, and a side of warm flatbread for dipping. (Heather Hunter / For the Diary)
Going off course, I tried the Asian plate ($11) which includes spring rolls, half an order of sesame noodles, and mixed vegetables. While the plate is beautiful, the pasta is way too sweet for my liking and it didn’t work. However, the Middle Eastern Salad Plate ($13) won me over with a robust and colorful combination of a delicious Greek salad, four bite-sized pieces of crispy and spinach-filled spanikopita, hummus with a few Kalamata olives, and a side of warm flatbread for dipping.
On multiple visits, my dining companion has enjoyed the basic soup, salad, and sandwich plate ($11.50). Choose half a sandwich and a cup of soup of the day along with a generous helping of mixed vegetables. This plate is crowded and good for you, but you won’t leave hungry.
Hungry for something warm and hearty on a cold winter day, my husband once opted for the homemade meatball grinder ($9.50) with provolone and parmesan, which turned out to be a knife-and-fork meal. Another day, he had what he thought was “the best tuna salad sandwich in town.” Counter Culture’s Tuna Salad is prepared with walnuts, celery and mayonnaise and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and sprouts for a hearty and memorable sandwich that’s never boring.
If you are vegetarian or vegan, Counter Culture has many options. They use seitan with the spring rolls ($10.50) and tofu in the bánh mì ($13). In the sandwich arena, choose from hummus ($9), portobello ($13), or a caprese ($12) that’s sure to satisfy. And they usually offer at least one vegetarian soup every day. When the vegan split pea ($6) is on the menu, we can’t resist sharing a bowl. Tender split peas are simmered with carrots and onions for a soup worthy of grandma.
You may be wondering why every fourth table has a plate of haystacks. This is Counter Culture’s version of homemade fries and they’re thin, crispy and addictive. Haystax comes with the burger ($12.50) and a few of the other more serious sandwiches, but place an order ($4) for the table and you’ll fit right in.
Since all of their baked goods are made in-house, I recommend sharing a treat for everyone. The cinnamon rolls ($6.45) are huge, as is a piece of Bundt cake ($6.45) that’s served with lots of frosting.
Although Counter Culture Cafe was once known for only accepting cash, they entered the 21st century last year and now accept electronic payments, which is a huge leap forward. But fortunately nothing has changed in the last 25 years and that’s why everyone keeps coming back to the Counter Culture Cafe.
Read more about Santa Fe’s food and hospitality scene on Heather Hunter’s blog, The Cowgirl Gourmet in Santa Fe, at thecowgirlgourmetinsantafe.com.
source https://www.bisayanews.com/2022/01/28/counter-culture-cafe-delivers-healthy-dishes-every-day-of-the-week/
No comments:
Post a Comment