Lumpkin Cafe a quaint, cozy addition to Five Points
February 8, 2007 by LAUREN LEIGHTON AND SALLY OSTEEN For The Red Black
Filed under Out & About
Lumpkin Cafe, a quaint eatery in Five Points, is a nice addition to the cluster of restaurants in the area.
It serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a simple menu of salads, sandwiches and crepes.
The Lumpkin Cafe is in a little house with tables scattered throughout various rooms. Each room looks slightly different – one looks out the windows, another has fun art on the walls and the third is colorful and more private. Outside seating also is available.
Patrons get the relaxing feeling they’re guests in another’s home who’s cooking lunch especially for them.
The server was attentive without being overbearing, which added to the coziness.
After informing us of the daily specials – New England clam chowder and Philly steak grilled cheese – he took our orders. The decision wasn’t too difficult since the menu isn’t extensive.
The salads are served with a slice of freshly baked bread (it tasted like challah) and butter.
A few salads on the menu are the L.A. Express, which comes with fresh greens, tomato, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, two cheeses topped with avocado, scallions, boiled egg and an Italian vinaigrette ($7.25).
The California Charlie is a light tuna salad with California raisins in a honeyed mayonnaise base served with sliced veggies and a side of vinaigrette ($6.50).
The hungrier folks should consider the Steak Salad, strips of marinated steak served on a bed of fresh greens with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, Monterey Jack cheese and a dill-garlic dressing ($7.50).
Lauren chose the Oriental chicken salad ($7.50), which comes with chunks of stir-fried chicken, fresh greens and chow mein noodles, tossed with a spicy Thai peanut dressing. She liked its kick and freshness but thought more chicken and other goodies could help make it more of a meal. The noodles and chicken left the body somewhat unsatisfied, but the taste was delicious.
Chicken can be added to any salad for $2.95, steak for $4.00. A soup and salad combo is available for $6.25.
The bread served alongside was soft and good to use for scooping up any remaining dressing.
The sandwiches are served on French bread with a side salad. A tuna or chicken melt sounds good at the price of $6.50 and $7.25.
The marinated steak sandwich, consisting of strips of marinated steak grilled with onion and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese ($7.50), sounded even better.
For those vegetable lovers, a veggie sandwich comes with mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, artichoke hearts and sprouts with or without cheese ($5.50).
Sally wasn’t in the mood for a sandwich. Instead, she wanted to try one of the crepes, also served with a side salad.
LUMPKIN CAFE
Where: 1700 Lumpkin St.
Phone: (706) 543-3122
Food Score: 100 Immediate, 100 Emerging
Grade: B
Verdict: Food you could make at home yourself, but a nice place to get out of the house.
She got the spinach crepe, which was filled with spinach souffle. It was an interesting idea but was lacking texture and sustenance. It seemed more like a side item than a meal.
The ratatouille is filled with a mixture of eggplant, carrots, celery, bell pepper, onion and a homemade tomato sauce for $6.95.
Hot chocolate, sodas, orange juice, coffee and teas are beverage options.
Overall, Lumpkin Cafe has fantastic service, a welcoming atmosphere and decent food. Perhaps the menu will grow and improve after it has been open for a while. We say give it a shot, and see what you think.
