I always look forward to the Big Eat. It’s that time of year when everyone has a little less money
in their pockets after the holidays and dining out is a luxury that most choose
not to partake. But the Big Eat makes it affordable to go out to dinner in
January and February, and it gives downtown restaurants a boost in a time where
sales are traditionally low.
I worked in restaurants for twelve years, and I know that I
had to save tips from the holiday season to get by until Valentine’s Day.
Monday and Tuesday nights were always the lowest yield for the service
industry, but the Big Eat is out there to change all that.
Thirty downtown restaurants are participating this year (yes
THIRTY) so there is surely something to please everyone. The menus for the Big
Eat are posted about five days in advance so you have time to plan your
strategy, and if the restaurant takes reservations, I suggest you make them as
early as possible.
I should be in town each Tuesday until the Big Eat is over
on Feb 26th, so expect at least a weekly post. I know it’s been way
too long, but I have been pinching pennies and the Big Eat is getting me out
there again. Hooray!
Big Eat- Week One: Community Arts Café (CAC)
The Big Eat special was the Café Burger. At $3.49 this is
one heck of a burger. (At full price of $6.99, this is one heck of a burger!) Served
on a corn-dusted Kaiser roll, the 7 oz. burger is topped with Dublin Irish
cheddar, and lettuce, tomato & red onion and a pickle on the side. You also
have your choice of a side item: kettle chips, fruit salad, or roasted sweet
potatoes with goat cheese.
The burger is cooked on a flattop which seals in the juices
and cooks the burger evenly. The toppings are fresh and the Dublin Irish Cheese
is rich, melted goodness that seeps into the nooks and crannies of the beefy burger. The fresh lettuce, tomato and
pickle on the side allow you to build your burger to suit your taste. The bun
is flavorful and firm enough to hold all the goodness inside. (Very important!)
The signature side is roasted sweet potatoes that spend a
minute on the grill to add a little extra crunch to the outside, and then
topped with crumbles of fresh goat cheese. I never knew that sweet potatoes and
goat cheese could complement each other so well, but man-o-man, it’s delicious!
The Cafe Burger will also be the Big Eat special in Week Two of the Big Eat at the CAC, but there are two other notable dishes you can try in the meantime. The Sweet Potato Quesadilla is made with roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, cilantro and cheddar cheese with a chipotle sour cream. It's sweet, savory, and spicy so your taste buds will be happy! Pictured here with a side of fresh fruit, this $6.99 meal is perfect for meat lovers or vegetarians.
Finally, I love the homemade Chicken Salad on a Croissant. A substantial portion, the chicken salad is made fresh and you can taste the difference. Freshly cooked chicken with just enough mayo to bind the chicken together. I think that chicken salad was made for croissants, it just gives it that little extra buttery flavor. Served here with the roasted sweet potatoes with goat cheese.
One of my favorite things about the Community Arts Café is
that there is not a single item on the menu that is over $8.99. If you are
looking for a great meal, fresh ingredients, substantial portions that is kind
to your wallet, then the Community Arts Café is the place to dine.
The restaurant is located at the 411 W. Fourth Street
Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options
Hours:
Monday – Friday 9am-2pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm
Tuesday Nights (during the Big Eat)- 5pm-9:30pm
