Brothers
Form A Cafe
Of Their Own
Peter Adams Cafe:
223-30 Union Turnpike,
Bayside, 776-7074
Specialty: gourmet sandwiches
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Credit Cards: None, cash only
Handicapped Accessible: yes
Free Delivery: Yes, $6 minimum, breakfast, $10
minimum, lunch and dinner.
Though it opened only a month ago, Pete Adams Cafe in
Bayside already has loyal following. The majority of the cafe’s business is currently
via takeout, but it’s a nice place to stop in as well.
One of the few eateries in that section of the Turnpike,
the small interior, featuring only a few tables, is informally friendly and attractive.
More likely than not the restaurant owners will be your servers and cooks, and while
waiting you can peer at their selection of artful lamps while relaxing amid the lightly
art-deco interior.
The majority of the cafe’s connoisseurs arrive to take
advantage of its lunch time finesse. Run by brothers Pete and Adam, the small cafe’s
specialty is a selection of gourmet sandwiches, which range from Cajun Style Roast Beef,
topped with mozzarella cheese, and Peter Luger Steak Sauce on crusty Italian bread ($4.50)
to Black Forest Ham — topped with brie, honey-mustard and tomatoes on pumpernickel
bread ($4.50). Noting that many customers are turning from red meat to leaner varieties,
Adam points out that their sandwiches are prepared with lean high quality tasteful
Boar’s Head meats. Many meals are topped off with a variety of their homemade sauces,
ranging from a light dill sauce, to those tinged with the flavorful accent of the
restaurateurs heritage — both the shish kabob platter ($6.99) and the grilled chicken
sandwiches ($3.99) are steeped in a homemade marinade, piqued with a hint of East Indian
spicing.
All the meals, from lunch time sandwiches to dinner time
platters (which also include rice, or fries, and veggies, tossed salad or soup) are
substantial, and affordably priced. A vegetarian, I went for a "Garden
Sandwich," with lettuce, tomatoes, Monterey Jack cheese, avocado, sprouts and a light
vinaigrette, in a pita, ($4.50) which was both filling and refreshing. I also tried the
spicy Jalapeno Poppers ($3.20) — and my wimpy taste buds were extremely grateful for
the cooling affect of the vegetables. My companion indulged in a turkey breast
"Rueben," featuring turkey, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut, as well as melted
cheddar cheese, on whole rye ($4.99). Served hot, she cheerfully proclaimed of the piled
high sandwich, "It’s workin’!"
They also offer a variety of hearty basic appetizers and
soups ranging from buffalo wings to split pea soup.
Breakfasts include omelets, waffles, pancakes, and eggs.
Those wishing to top off their meal should also take note
of their selection of gourmet coffees, as well as variety of deserts, encompassing Greek,
Jewish and Italian traditional — from Tiramisu to cheesecake.
– Justina Williams |
