One of the challenges of being a food writer and restaurant critic is that it’s not easy to keep up with all of the really good, independent, mom and pop eateries. High profile restaurants with million dollar budgets open every month to great fanfare and plentiful publicity. But the small places often fly under the radar, frequently with nothing more than a Facebook page to announce their existence. [Note to restaurateurs: Becoming a Utah Bites sponsor is an effective and inexpensive way to get the word out about your business.]
One such establishment is Our Kitchen Cafe in North Salt Lake. I just became aware of this neighborhood gem, even though it opened in October of 2018 before closing temporarily during the pandemic. If Our Kitchen Cafe isn’t on your radar, it should be. It’s an awesome little eatery.
I didn’t get the last name, but according to one of the outstanding servers at Our Kitchen Cafe, her aunt Viviana owns the restaurant and her family makes up most of the staff there. It is a well-oiled family affair and I didn’t see a single table sit unbussed for more than 30 seconds after its customers left. And although the popular cafe is often busy with loyal repeat guests – they serve only breakfast and lunch – orders come quickly and always with a smile.
Breakfast Burrito
There’s a tasty Hispanic spin to many of the popular breakfast items at Our Kitchen Cafe: Chilaquiles ($11.99), Huevos Rancheros ($14.99), Carne Asada & Eggs ($14.99), Chorizo Scramble ($10.99) Breakfast Empanadas ($10.99), and a loaded Breakfast Burrito ($10.99) with scrambled eggs, a choice of ham, sausage or bacon, melted cheese, and hash browns. For a two buck upgrade you can get your breakfast burrito smothered with homemade chile verde or salsa rojo and avocado.
Denver Omelet with Hash Browns & Pancakes
There’s a slew of omelets ($9.99-$13.99) at Our Kitchen Cafe, including a Spanish Omelet, Meat Lovers, Philly Asada, California, Greek, Chorizo, Cheese, Veggie, Country (with sausage gravy) and a good old Denver Omelet with peppers, onions, ham and cheddar cheese. All omelets are served with a side of hash browns and pancakes or toast.
Classic Breakfast
Classic American-style breakfast dishes include the Classic Breakfast ($11.99) of two eggs and bacon, sausage, or ham; Chicken-Fried Steak ($14.99), Florentine Benedict ($11.99), Corned Beef Hash ($12.49), Biscuits & Gravy ($10.99), Breakfast Sandwich ($9.99), House Benedict ($13.29) and more.
Gluten-Free Pancakes
My wife was pleased that they offer gluten-free pancakes, although they are more of a thin crepe than a classic pancake, but very good. They also offer gluten-free waffles. Her pancakes were topped with fresh strawberries, bananas, blueberries and blackberries, then sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Waffle
Our Kitchen Cafe also serves Fruit Crepes ($9.99), Nutella Crepes ($9.49) and Dulce de Leche Crepes ($9.49). And, for those with a sweet tooth there are Waffles ($8.99) sprinkled with powdered sugar, French Toast ($8.99), standard Pancakes ($6.99/3 or $9.99/6) and Banana Pancakes ($7.99/3 or $10.99/6).
Grilled Ham and Cheese
Lunch is available until 2 pm and includes Carne Asada Quesadilla ($13.99), Smothered Carne Asada Burrito ($13.99), House Nachos ($12.99), Carne Asada Tacos ($9.99), BLT with Avocado ($9.99), The Bacon-Eggrrr ($12.99) burger, and a great grilled Ham and Cheese sandwich on sourdough with fries for a mere $8.99. I loved the classic ham and cheese sandwich – no kimchi or sriracha mayo or aioli – just a straightforwardly delicious grilled ham and cheese. Add a bottle of Mexican Coca-Cola for 2 bucks.
Stellar service, a clean, well-lit ambiance and decor, friendly faces and outstanding diner type cuisine makes Our Kitchen Cafe well worth visiting for lunch or dinner. You’ll be tempted to make it YOUR Kitchen Cafe.
Photos by Ted Scheffler
Culinary quote of the week: “Carve a ham as if you were shaving the face of a friend.” – Henri Charpentier
