Life > September 4, 2008

By Ae'Jay Mitchell | Staff writer

There is something moving in the picturesque atmosphere of a budding romance. Maybe it is the moving cinematography that often captures those moments on film, or perhaps the pearly white smile on a young man’s happy face when the girl of his dreams finally checks yes to his numerous letters asking, “Will you go out with me? Yes or no?”

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Although I am not certain what creates these touching moments of romance, the Cat’s Corner Café, located on the corner of West Fourth and Spruce Street in downtown Winston-Salem, captured the essence of a blooming relationship.

The atmosphere immediately removes one from a hectic work day to a halcyon dining experience.

With outdoor seating, light green lawn chairs and hand- painted dishware, one finds his or herself drifting into a southern bed and breakfast in the middle of spring.

However, with the first whiff of my appetizer, an old-fashioned cup of homemade chili, my mind was ripped from its artistic tendency to overly dwell in aesthetics.

The chili combined legumes, vegetables and spices in an explosion of flavor that awakened my memories of Christmas picnics Louisiana.

My entrée of marinated grilled chicken breast sandwich did not succumb to the usual overcooked and dry tendencies of most mass-produced chicken sandwiches.

Its natural juices and added seasonings were pleasantly shocking.

The poultry was nicely complimented with baked waffle fries, giving a heart-saving twist to an American favorite.

Cat’s Corner Café additionally serves 17 delicious specialty sandwiches, among them the fried green tomato, teriyaki tuna and BBQ beef and cheddar.

Vegetarians can also fall in love at this sidewalk café, for they offer a great vegetarian menu all day long. Highlights include the BBQ tofu sub and a portobello wrap filled with portobello mushrooms, black bean hummus, spinach and many other vegetables.

Burger lovers will also rejoice with their burger menu consisting of varieties such as the Carolina burger, the jalapeño burger and the Big Al “Grande,” which has ham, bacon, onions, four varieties of cheese, lettuce, tomato and steak sauce.

Dessert. Of course dessert is the most important part of any romance, and Cat’s hit every sensual taste bud with its warm Granny Smith apple pie that will leave you wanting more.

No worries chocolate lovers, there are three different mouth- teasing options for you. For those who desire a taste of spirits, the café offers an assortment of imported, domestic and draft beers as well as red and white wines.

Don’t worry lovers and friends, Cat’s is only a five minute drive from the university with an average entrée price of $6.50. That means dinner and a movie are easily affordable.

Another nice aspect of Cat’s is the ability to create your own crab cakes, salads and sandwiches. This is a great option for picky eaters and it also gives patrons the freedom to design their own gourmet meals.

For those who can’t make the week day hours, there is a Sunday brunch featuring several varieties of poached eggs, French toast and a create your omelet option.

The lunchtime brunch menu also has a unique grouper wrap filled with potatoes, pineapple, havarti and spring mix.

The restaurant dishes out an abundance of efficient service and doses of serene romance. Though open for dinner, the ambiance at Cat’s Café most suits a nice lunch outing.

If you agree with George Bernard Shaw’s belief that “there is no sincerer love than the love of food,” then Cat’s Café is a great spot for you.