If I had to list all the things I least expected to find inside a hardware store, it'd be a deli cafe. Well, I guess I can check that off my list of "never would I ever". But, since this [Ace] hardware store used to be a grocery store, I guess it isn't that far out of the realm of possibility.
Evergreen cafe is a small shop serving sandwiches, charcuterie trays, Wilcoxson's ice cream and the specialty of one of the owners: Kombucha. The brewmaster and his wife decided to open this small shop to do something different. Well, I guess a leap from engineer to kombucha brewmaster isn't what I would have expected, but from one science to another -- good for them.
Each day you can stop in for a $5 grab and go box containing a half sandwich, maybe some chips, or vegetables, or a small serving of a salad of some kind. The salads are also available in containers for adding something to your at-home meals. There are at least two or three different kinds available at any time, and I've seen chicken, curry chicken, chicken apple, veggie, pasta salads. Of course, you can have a sandwich made there with your choice of meat (or egg), and cheese and you'll certainly not be disappointed in the serving size.
So far, though, the charcuterie trays have been a winner for me. There are several different kinds, whatever she feels like putting into the particular tray along with the vegetables. Sometimes fruit, sometimes crackers, or different meats but they're made fresh every morning and she guaranteed each tray would contain at least a pound of something -- good for a small party -- or a couple of days of lunches or snacks.
The kombucha is available in about four or five flavors. It doesn't have the sharp tang of some kinds, and the flavors are more muted, but they're still good. This time of year the cherry is must-try.
Social distancing is handled well, here. There are a few tables, spaced far enough apart to meet the requirements, and that makes it easy to sit and enjoy your sandwich and perhaps chat with friends. read more