http://www.greatperformances.com/cafes/mae-mae-cafe

Proprietor/Chef: Liz Neumark/Chris Harkness

Category: American/Lunch/Wine Bar

Neighborhood: Hudson Square/Soho
68 Vandam St New York, NY 10013
(212) 924-5109

Mood: The classics, the staples… the healthy alternative but still pretty damn tasty

Tastes Like: If organic had a taste, this was it.  The menu paired down to absolute simplicity and much appeal, made it very difficult to choose what I wanted to have for lunch that day.  I decided on the beet salad and decidedly it was by far the BEST I have had to date.  Served over bitter greens, sweet, tart cranberries, mild butternut squash, crunchy, salty hazelnuts and shaved caciotta cheese on top.  It had the perfect texture, consistency and taste across the spectrum.  Other notable items on the menu are their daily grilled cheese and soup combo, (different cheese, bread and soup daily) and chicken pot pie.   Their wine btw, is excellent.  As if I’d expect anything less…

Must Haves: they’ve long gone gotten rid of their beet salad!  what’s left of their originally great menu is their grilled cheese & soup combo.  Classic fares that simply never fail.  their turkey cobb salad is also classic.

Stay Away: mac n cheese.  Meh, at best.

Ambiance: Cozy, small wine bar… bigger rooms available for private celebrations or other events.

Service: EXCELLENT.  Even during their downtime, they always made sure we were serviced accordingly.

Rating: 5 stars

Caveat: The menu changes seasonally I believe… you will notice a few new items here and there.  They last updated it some time in April and I am not sure how long it will run through.  Also, they only open during lunch hours… 11:30-4pm, except Weds. until 10pm, with live jazz music.

2 Responses to “Mae Mae Cafe”

1. Edwas says:

   December 17, 2009 at 12:54 pm

   Hi there,
   palatethis.com to GoogleReader!
   Edwas
2. Ivan says:

   December 21, 2009 at 10:13 am

   Hello,
   palatethis.com to GoogleReader!
   Thanks
   Ivan