Take the Cake, Northside
Although you assume by the name that Take the Cake is all about the sweet stuff–they are delectable, that’s true–but the food in this cozy Northside brunch/lunch place is phenomenal. Take the Cake has swiftly become my favorite weekend destination.
The seating is partly family style, offering a couple of long rustic tables where funky hipsters dine next to nerdy food writers. There are some scattered smaller tables and tall stools around various counters, but it is kind of fun getting to know some new friends over a great meal.
What’s special about TtC is the menu; it changes daily and reflects seasonal and local ingredients. You can easily find out what’s being offered on Twitter and Facebook every day. I’m often a creature of habit, ordering favorite dishes over and over without sampling other items. But I have never had the same thing twice at Take the Cake–and I’m not mad about it. Every dish has been mouthwatering and truly innovative. The genius here is that ingredients are put together in a way that I’ve never seen, making for exciting flavor profiles.
Most recently I ordered goat cheese macaroni with sweet peas and crisp bacon. It took the old standby to a whole new level. I didn’t want the dish to end, and I savored every morsel. That kind of reverie does not happen at just any old restaurant.
If you happen to make your way down Hamilton Avenue one of these days and try out Take the Cake, be sure to finish your meal with one of their cream puffs. The bakery case is visible from every corner of the dining room and is stuffed with some amazing looking confections from various cakes, to fruit tarts, and even some sugar free options. But, take it from me–those cream puffs just about make life worth living (unfortunately only available weekends).
The price is really reasonable, the staff accommodating, and the food superb. Closed Mondays.
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Posted on September 22nd, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Goat cheese macaroni sounds divine. Too bad that since the menu changes so often that I probably wouldn’t get to try that!