Making the most of lunch hour!

Have you ever been out and about on one of those days where the weather can't decide if it wants to snow or to rain but either way, it is damp and cold and miserable and you feel chilled to the core? And then you walk in somewhere warm and cozy, that smells good, and people are nice to you and suddenly the whole world looks a little better?

That is what entering the Jet Cafe felt like today.

We decided to break away from our usual breakfast and have a late lunch at the Jet. But before we get into that, we have to share something we noticed immediately on the wall:

Once again, Jet Cafe has been voted BEST BREAKFAST by the readers of "View" magazine! CONGRATULATIONS!

As we felt warmth returning to our limbs, we decided we needed a hot beverage...but we had already had enough coffee for one day (that is the downfall of coming in a little later...one misses out on the excellent coffee). The tea display once again caught our eye and we decided to give it a shot.

This Berryblossom White tea is simply excellent. A very quiet, mellow tea with a pleasing blend of flavours. Perfect for sipping and thinking deep thoughts over...or to give you something to do while you engage in some covert people-watching.

Ordering our meal took a little longer. We were torn between a traditional breakfast offering or maybe a wrap or a sandwich...and then we noticed that one of our favourite specials was back on the board today. Grilled vegetables in a pesto sauce on a Portuguese bun with your choice of soup or salad for just $5.99. Done and done.

It almost seemed as if there were more chopped vegetables than lettuce in this salad. It was gorgeous to look at and even better to eat. We chose to pair ours with an oil and vinegar dressing that managed to meld both the oil and vinegar so that neither one overwhelmed the other.

As we ate, we again realized that sometimes eating salad can be a messy affair unless you stop to cut the lettuce first. How does one delicately shove lettuce into one's mouth without looking gauche? Or maybe everyone else in the world can do it and we're just the ones who can't. Either way, if you were on a date, we'd advise you to stick to fries. You can share them with your date and not worry about bits of food in your teeth.

Our sandwich was so enormous, it required its very own plate:

Today's grilled vegetables leaned towards zucchini, pepper, onion, and mushrooms. One of the things we love about the Jet Cafe is that because all the food is made with fresh ingredients, the contents of your sandwich may not always be the same. Today's offering was a savoury and hearty combination enhanced by the zucchini.

With the fast service, it was possible to enjoy lunch within our alloted lunch hour. As we were eating, we couldn't help but notice that the cafe is all ready for Christmas.

There's just something about a red poinsettia that adds a bit of holiday cheer, isn't there?

We considered bringing a treat tray back to work with us but didn't trust ourselves not to sample a few of the treats before we arrived. Judging from what we witnessed, however, many other people are taking advantage of a very affordable and delicious way to fool your co-workers into thinking you are some kind of culinary genius.

It was almost time to go and we were pleased that we were heading back to work with full bellies and nearly-full wallets, too. We stopped to admire one of our favourite works on the wall yet again.

The Music Man will be there this Sunday for your listening pleasure, so come by and say hello!

See you soon at Jet Cafe!

The best of both worlds!

Sometimes you want some virtue with your vice. Or some vice with your virtue, depending on how you look at it. The good news is that we live in a world where that is possible...particularly at the Jet Cafe.

On a chilly Tuesday morning, we were in the mood for one of the Jet's signature delicious breakfasts. We wanted some eggs and maybe some meat with crisp toast and a hot beverage. A hearty, filling meal, in other words. But not the kind of meal that would help fill out our waistlines too much...hmm...what to do? Eventually we realized that substitutions are generally no problem. We elected to order our breakfasts of choice but to substitute homefries for fresh fruit salad. Problem solved. Now...what to drink?

In what is a surprise to exactly nobody, Coffee Lady went immediately for...well, a coffee.

This Level Two of Seattle's Best claimed to be bright, lively and easy drinking. And guess what? That is exactly what it was. It didn't leave a coffee aftertaste and was like a happy little cup of caffeine.

Our companion prefers tea and had previously sampled the Two Leaves and a Bud brand when we were checking out the Jet Cafe's tea selection. As she had enjoyed it last time, she ordered it again. This time, with a recommendation, she went for a berry blend.

It didn't take long to steep to perfection. According to our companion, it had floral and lavender notes and was a tea to savour.

We watched some of the pedestrian traffic outside the cafe windows. It is always interesting to watch what people do when they don't know they are being observed. There was the usual ongoing stream of people heading here and there but it was one group that caught our eye. They passed by, glancing in the window. One gentleman slowed down to read the specials board. Something must have caught his eye because he called to his friends. They turned around and all of them read the board together. After a moment's conference, the group headed in together and it wasn't long before they had ordered and were seated. Sidewalk advertising does work.

While there were also the usual weekday assortment of people coming and going, we did find out that some of the Hamilton Tiger Cats were enjoying a meal, too. We apologize for knowing very little about football or even the players, but from what we were told, the Tiger Cats should be very proud of their season. They played with heart, integrity and made the city proud. Well done, boys!

It wasn't long before our orders were brought to us and we were able to tuck into our meals.

Two eggs, any style (in this case, poached), with toast and fresh fruit salad instead of the usual homefries. It can be easy to make a mess out of poached eggs but these were done to perfection.

The Jet McMuffin with egg, ham and cheese and a fruit salad. As usual, the fruit was ripe without being mushy and had a variety of colours. Definitely worth making the switch!

It didn't take long before our breakfasts were gone. As we sat back in our chairs, we noticed again how comfortable and supportive the new chairs are. The larger, sturdier tables are also a nice touch. All too soon it was time to leave the warmth of the cafe to head back out into our day. Full and happy, we said goodbye.

See you soon at Jet Cafe!

Fueling up before heading out!

As the end of November rapidly approaches, there are probably many amongst you who are anxious for the arrival of snow. And while the Music Man can probably be counted in that group, Coffee Lady is happy to wring every last bit of sunshine and above-seasonal temperatures that she can before the ground is white, icy and cold. With this lovely fall, getting out and enjoying the day is always better once you've had a good breakfast to fill you up.

We visited the Jet Cafe on Sunday for that good breakfast. It seems like many other Hamiltonians had the same idea, as it was bustling and filled with happy noise. Tables were full of families, couples, friends and people enjoying their last day of the weekend.

Although it was sunny and warm outside, a hot cup of coffee is always in order at the Jet. We were delighted to note that there were some new flavours available today.

Cinnamon coffee! Oh, yes please! We were expecting a punch to the face of cinnamon, like one of those red candy hearts at Valentine's Day, but this was a more subtle flavour that demanded a refill.

The Music Man was playing, and he wasted no time in getting into his set. He has been working on new songs and as always, will take requests if you leave them in the comments or post on the Jet Cafe Facebook page (he does need some time to prepare!). In the future, there will be Christmas songs added to the mix for your sing-along pleasure.

Always singing from the heart, for your listening pleasure.

Cup of coffee...music to tap your toes to...all that was needed was some breakfast. We chose the special that came with french toast, a pancake and two eggs. We didn't get a chance to capture a picture of it because our children devoured it with gusto. It was a perfect meal to share with them. Everyone got to try three different breakfast favourites and not a bite was left!

One of our party went with the Jet Omelette. With your choice of meat, it is a hearty and filling food to fill you up and would be perfect for anyone preparing to set out for some Christmas shopping!

The omelette was crammed with meat, veggies and spinach and cooked to perfection. Salted homefries and whole wheat toast were excellent sides and we couldn't resist sampling some of the homefries ourselves! For $6.95, this was definitely good value for your money.

Other members of our party stuck to favourites, like eggs benny and two eggs of your choosing with homefries and toast. Everything was freshly made and delicious...another great breakfast!

See you soon at Jet Cafe!

A fruitful experience!

Does it seem like nearly everyone you know lately has come down with something? A cough that won't go away, a terrible cold, the flu, a bit of strep throat? It sure seems that way to us! Aside from all the usual advice like getting lots of rest and frequent hand-washing to help keep germs at bay, there is another way to help strengthen your immune system, particularly at this time of year: eat more fruit. Sure, you can get your vitamins in pill form, but why not get them directly from the source? Did you know that fruits are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber while being low in calories? Citrus fruits, berries, apples and bananas are all excellent, natural weapons in the fight against colds and flu.

Healthy eating was on our minds today when we dropped into the Jet Cafe for a visit. As much as we were craving comfort food, we decided to look at some of the other options on the menu. We had noticed the fruit smoothie on the menu during our last visit and decided that today was as good a day as any to forego our usual coffee and give it a try. After much deliberation, we ordered the wildberry fruit smoothie.

The wildberry smoothie was like a frosted bit of heaven. We had ours with ice but you could have yogurt or even a banana mixed in. Less than 200 calories per serving, with 100% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C, just $3.85, and it is packed with flavour.

We found that we wanted to sip and savour the smoothie, rather than chug it down quickly. It was rich without being too sweet and felt almost like a dessert. For an extra fifty cents, you can have a scoop of whey added to yours.

Apparently whey protein fruit smoothies are a popular pick for the early-morning crowd, people who have just worked out or those who want a meal on the go.

In addition to the smoothie, we decided to have a large fruit salad for our late-morning breakfast. Ordering fruit salad can be a gamble in some places. Sometimes it consists of canned fruit, swimming in syrup or soggy, browned offerings better off in the green bin. We watched as ours was made fresh on the spot. Fruit was peeled and sliced and piled into our bowl.

Fresh kiwi, banana, watermelon, cantaloupe, orange and pineapple were piled high and perfectly ripe. If ever there was a dish to help keep you healthy, this is it...and all for only $3.25!

It felt as if there must be at least two servings of fruit in our salad alone. We have to note that the seedless oranges were perfectly peeled so that there was none of that horrible white part invading our meal. Overall, we found it to be both satisfying and filling. It was a delicious, light breakfast and just what we needed today.

There are brand new tables and chairs at the Jet Cafe! They're shiny and bigger and very comfortable...come check them out for yourself! While we miss the license plate print on the seats, we do like the high backs. On our way out, we noticed this print:

Excuse the poor quality; it is hard to get a non-reflective shot! This print just seemed so light and lively and fresh.

If you're going to Gore Park for the Remembrance Day ceremonies on Friday, be sure to stop in for something warm to take with you beforehand or a bite to eat after. 

See you soon at Jet Cafe!

Lest We Forget

On November 11th at 11:00, we stop to pay tribute to all the brave men and women who serve their country. Remembrance Day is an important time to reflect upon how fortunate we truly are as Canadians and to honour the people who have helped to make it possible.

We thank all the men and women, past and present, who gave up so much personally to make the world a better place. You are the true heroes of this world. We appreciate the sacrifices you made to stand on guard for us.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae penned "In Flanders Fields" in 1915. In 1918, a professor in the US wrote a poem in response and vowed to always wear a red poppy to remember those who serve in the war. Although it was written nearly a century ago, this poem remains as important and relevant as ever.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, saw dawn, felt sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch: be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with those who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Savoury Sunday Mornings

The clocks turned back early Sunday morning, giving us an extra hour. We knew exactly where we would use that extra hour...at the Jet Cafe. Warm, bright and welcoming, it was the perfect place to take a break from our busy day, gather with family and enjoy some music with our brunch. When was the last time you slowed down, caught up with the special people in your life and let someone else take care of the cooking?

Every other Sunday, the Music Man drops in for an acoustic set. He provides a range of music from past to present, designed to accompany and not overpower your dining experience. Come see him again on November 20th...and remember, you can always leave a request for him in the comments under this post!

There were lots of hungry diners coming in to the Jet Cafe throughout the morning and early afternoon. Some people chose a traditional breakfast to fill up with while others wanted something a little different. We decided to go both routes for our meal.

The Eggs Benny, a Jet Cafe favourite, were a decadent and delicious choice. The eggs and peameal bacon perched atop toasted english muffins and were smothered with hollandaise sauce. It was a filling and fulfilling meal, accompanied with homefries. 

We also perused the daily specials board and discovered a grilled vegetable sandwich was available. Our stomach started growling immediately and we knew we had to order it.

Grilled vegetables with cheese were loaded onto a soft Portuguese bun. The fresh fruit helped us feel virtuous while the crispy homefries gave us a treat. It was a hot and sustaining sandwich. We ate every single bite!

As the Music Man began to play, it was time for some coffee. But what to choose today? We decided to take a break from our usual favourite flavoured coffee to try something new. We chose Canterbury Coffee's signature Kodiak blend, a mix of beans from Brazil and Indonesia. Boasting a low acidity, this dark roast promised to have a spicy/rich blend that "will keep you coming back for more".

The Kodiak blend lived up to its hype. There was a hint of spice but it did not overpower or overwhelm. This coffee had a strong taste without being hard on the stomach. We definitely came back for more.

One of the nicest things about the Jet Cafe is that you are treated like family. The staff remember your favourites and are always friendly. You are not rushed through your meal. We enjoyed being able to sit back and catch up with the other members of our party and we noticed other tables doing the same. Good company is the perfect digestive aid to a great breakfast!

The Music Man finished his set and it was time to head out into the surprisingly warm Sunday sunshine. We liked this print on the wall...it seemed to go with the slow and easy pace of the day.

See you soon at Jet Cafe!

An ApPITA-tizing lunch!

According to Mark Twain, "we more often regret those things which we do not do than those which we do." Maybe Mr. Twain never woke up the morning after Hallowe'en, full of regret for all the candy he had the night before but we sure did. We arrived at the Jet Cafe feeling the need for some lighter fare today.

After reading the specials board, we elected to go for the grilled veggie pita with a garden salad in an attempt to atone for our sins the night before. While we were waiting for our lunch, we did our customary stroll-around-the-coffee for today's selection.

Whether we deserved one to ours or were about to go kick some, the Kick Ass Organic Fair Trade Dark felt like an appropriate blend for today. Full-bodied and bold, it was just the jump-start we needed.

We settled in at a table near the front and observed the late-morning crowd. Indecision seemed to be the rule of the day, as nearly everyone seemed to stop and deliberate over their order. Was it time for lunch? Maybe just a snack? For here or to go? Lots of important decisions to be made. Fortunately the Jet Cafe is the kind of place that gives you time to think about your order without rushing.

It seemed that we had barely made a dent in our coffee before our lunch arrived. And it did not disappoint.

The warm pita managed to be both soft and crispy and was crammed with cauliflower, carrots, celery, eggplant, onions, mushrooms, peppers and broccoli in a delicious teriyaki sauce. The salad was perfectly chilled with crunchy, fresh veggies. Although we chose the salad, soup is also an option. At $5.99, it is possible to eat healthy for less.

The pita was a perfect choice on a day like today. The vegetables were piping hot and fulfilling. The teriyaki sauce straddled the line between sweet and tangy. Although we ordered a vinegar and oil dressing for the salad, we do confess to using some of the teriyaki sauce on our salad. This lunch filled us up and kept us going late into the afternoon. It has surpassed the vegetarian omelette on our list of favourite foods at the Jet Cafe.

We had places to see and things to do, so we couldn't linger very long over lunch today. As we were leaving, this painting caught our eye:

This is a bright and cheerful field somewhere that made us feel like going for a long drive in the country.

Although today's visit was brief, we left feeling better than when we came in. We may not have gotten all the recommended daily servings of vegetables today, but it felt like we came close.

If you're looking for a great brunch and music to enjoy it with, stop in this Sunday, November 6th. The Music Man will be doing his bi-weekly set. Come say hello!

See you soon at the Jet Cafe!