I have certain predilections that shape the way I experience and write. Having reached the four month mark of this blog I thought it appropriate (better late than never) to discuss them.
Love neighborhoody spots entrenched and involved in their respective communities.
Prefer intimate well worn spaces with whimsical decor and funky tunes.Have an affinity for affable down to earth eclectically intelligent business owners.
Soft spot (weakness) for comfort food, food made "from scratch", baked goods, fresh ingredients, properly cooked pasta, Edomae style nigiri sushi, cheesesteaks, pizza, paella, pho, homemade kim chi, old school hip hop, authentic southeast Asian cuisine, Indian food, oxtail, ribeye, rotisserie pig, squid luau, artisan cheese , gyros, gumbo, perfectly prepared eggs, dark Belgian chocolate, strawberry or blueberry anything, coffee, chai, tea, wine, frozen yogurt, and Mac n Cheese (I could probably go on).
Am taken by restaurants who's dishes display creativity, technique, thought, and a true passion for the food itself.
All that being said it's really no surprise that I love Arleta Library Bakery Cafe (ALBC). Like Little Red Bike Cafe (LRBC) this is MY kind of place.
Nick and Sarah have done an amazing job shaping this Mt. Scott neighborhood breakfast nook into what it is today. Rebuilding center smartly used decor. Cozy limited seating. Chill patio out back. Fun midweek specials (Cheesburger Tuesdays, Cuban Wednesdays, Cheesesteak Thursdays). Well thought out menu. Homemade ketchup and jam. Delicious sweet potato biscuits and gravy. The best coffeecake I've ever had (and I've eaten a lot of coffeecake). Wonderful helpful servers with a great sense of humor.
While I grew up in the southern most state I wouldn't really say I'm from the South. Still, I like some Biscuits n' Gravy. Here I think the portioning was just right, not too huge, some nicely sliced pork, and a generous amount of rosemary sausage gravy.
And while I went to school on the East Coast I hadn't quite made it to Philly. Still, I like to think I can recognize a good cheesesteak when I eat one. With Nick hailing from the city with the cracked bell, this time honored favorite is the real deal here. Chopped up high quality Painted Hills round steak, griddle fried onions, Cheeze Wiz (for those who want it Philadelphia style other options available). The roll it came in had that ideal soft, slightly but not too chewy texture. Put all together it's a simple, straight forward, nothing fancy delight. If you want one, go early (on a Thursday) before they're 86'd.
If you arrive on a weekend or the days bracketing it, the Sicilian Hash is a must try. Layers of flavor, slowly cooked beef, potatoes, and egg combine for hearty plate of breakfast goodness.
Some thoughts if you plan to eat here:
1. Small places with great food, are still small. So if you go on the weekend or during the lunch rush expect to wait. Bring a book. Meet new people.
2. Just because you wait, have reasonable expectations. I think it's silly when people expect something earth shattering just because they sat around for an hour. People who don't have the patience should plan to eat earlier or on a weekday.
3. Enjoy the complete experience of the place. The casual feel. The funktified jazz mix. The friendly servers. The whole community aspect. The homemade comfort food.
4. Understand that it's a neighborhood place and that you're a visitor (assuming you don't live in Mt. Scott). Don't complain if you found it hard to find or had to drive far, its not their fault.
5. Eat the Coffeecake. So far I've had it with apples (divine) and bananas (delicious). Moist cake portion, and topping with enough crunch without being burnt or caramelized.
It's one of those places that I return to as often as my schedule allows. And while I can't always blog about what other people would like, places like the ALBC and the LRBC are exactly what I like.
Arleta Library Cafe
5513 SE 72nd
Portland, OR 97206
(503) 774-4470
Open 7 days a week.
Weekdays 8a-230p
Weekends 830a -230p
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