I used to love the Palms Coffee Shop on Mill Street in Almonte. Their soup and scones were to die for. When I heard it was changing hands, I, like a lot of other folks lamented losing a traditional eatery, and wondered what would replace the edible landscape that was once a location for a few Hallmark movies.
Today, Steve was off and Hydro One announced a planned power outage from 9-12 so we decided to drive around Lanark County and see the landmarks and have lunch at the newly opened North Market Cafe in Almonte. We had talked about going down the old Galbraith Road, but construction halted that journey, and we continued down the Tatlock Road seeing the sights. We drove through Tatlock and whizzed by Brightside, and all the other places I have written about like the French Line where one could pick up some illegal hooch years ago. At Hopetown we travelled down Wolf Grove Road and ended up in Almonte. Still not hungry we went to Pakenham as Steve had never see the Five Span Bridge and the iconic location that Scoops Ice Cream resides at. You know– the important things.
By this time we were hungry so we decided to check out North Market Cafe on Mill Street that replaced Palms. There was no quiche today, but they were subbing Ricotta + Grilled Zucchini Tart. I have no idea who made the crust, but it was made by someone who knew what crust was all about. You know, sometimes I sit before a salad begging it to be a donut, but the salad dressing on this salad made the whole dish burst with freshness and yumminess. Yes, those two adjectives go together in my book–don’t argue.
Steve decided to try the Falafel – Almond and Beet Greens with whipped Tahini- pickled fennel, with a green salad. He loved it, and asked me to go get him some devilled eggs with smoked salmon and chives. Again- excellent reviews from Steve– another person that does not like change.
We had both read about Bee Hive Baking making the layer cakes and baking for North Market Cafe- so heck, we tried a piece of White Lavender Cake. Hey, some days you just have to eat cake and just refuse to put on pants! The cake was so moist and amazing we were both silent while we were eating it– and that’s unheard of. We soon realized that getting out of the chair after this meal might be difficult, but it was worth it.
Yes, the cafe is no longer Palms, but I think this is a good fit for Mill Street. The centre community table is a nice touch and reminded us of our days lunching in California. Please remember they just opened, so I am sure they are working out some minor irritants. For the love of god, when you go in there, don’t expect immediate delivery of your food, as what you are getting is very affordable fresh food that’s delicious. That means no one is deep frying chicken fingers, and poutine is definitely not on the menu.
So head on down to 78 Mill Street in Almonte and have just a piece of cake if you want- or one of their amazing entrees too, and remember I saw no food police lurking there. First we eat–then we do everything else.
Almonte, Ontario K0A 1A0
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