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Lunch with the Dining Divas
Topics: Bakersfield dining, Bakersfield Dining Divas, Bakersfield Camille's Cafe, Bakersfield Northwest, Junior League of Bakersfield
Posted by admin Thu Feb 21, 2008 13:26:13 PST
Viewed 2121 times
0 responses 0 comments Location: 3615 Coffee Road, Bakersfield, CA

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe is a new addition along the expanding Coffee Rd business district. Our Dining Divas took in lunch at Camille’s, taking notes of their entire experience, to bring you a inside sneak peek.

 

A New Place For Lunch

Lydia - Tucked in the middle of a brand new plaza on Coffee Road is a new entry into the “fast-fresh” food scene – Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe. Although Camille’s was tricky to spot as I zipped past Rosedale toward Hageman, the food and the atmosphere make it well worth some extra sleuthing.

Penny - Camille’s slogan is “Eat, relax, enjoy!” and you can certainly do all of that at this new restaurant. You can dine in the restaurant, relax on the charming outdoor patio, take your order to go and eat at home or have it catered for your events. Any way you choose to enjoy this restaurant you will be delighted.

Ambience

Penny - The interior is decorated in a shade of green that’s the same color as lettuce. It is accented by purple, like the purple onions that come on the sandwiches. The lighting fixtures are Perrier bottles – what a novel concept!

Lydia - Walking in I was immediately struck by the decor. Despite an “order at the counter” layout, the atmosphere is surprisingly warm and inviting. From the exposed brick walls to the polished concrete floor, Camille’s has the classy look of a much higher-end establishment. While there is plenty of table and booth seating inside, Camille’s is true to its name by also offering a cozy cluster of umbrella-topped tables outside on their patio.

Penny - The outdoor cafe is reminiscent of the sidewalk cafes that people enjoy in other parts of the country and worldwide. Camille’s has done a nice job allowing you to relax under the umbrellas and enjoy a nice chat with a friend during the cooler weather.  One of my dining companions said that it made her miss DC, and the outdoor cafes they have there.

A Look at the Menu

Lydia - Putting aside my thoughts of a more decadent future visit, I started to look over the menu. The menu at Camille’s is... well... extensive. It can be a bit overwhelming as you look at the display behind the counter. Luckily, printed menus are available as soon as you arrive and are much easier to navigate.

The menu is divided into five main sections: Wraps, Panini, Sandwiches, Salads and Flatbread Pizzas. The choices within each section range from conventional to imaginative. There are the expected turkey and ham-and-swiss offerings for those who like their lunch “stock,” but the more adventurous can try wraps filled with apples and brie, thai inspired salads and a Greek pizza that boasts pesto, black olives and feta cheese. Camille’s also offers a children’s menu that ranges from the safe (think grilled cheese) to the adventurous (a peanut butter-banana-honey wrap).

Lunchtime Decisions

Tracy -  My Chicken Caesar Wrap was an herb-garlic tortilla generously filled with grilled chicken, parmesan cheese, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and creamy Caesar dressing along with a side of tri-colored tortilla chips and fresh spicy salsa.  My wrap was filling, tasty and delicious.  Now was the time to sample each others choices, something we all enjoy doing.  Penny’s Italian Roast Beef Panini served on Focaccia bread with roast beef, provolone cheese, tomatoes, red onions and pesto-mayonnaise, served with tri-colored tortilla chips and salsa; this too was tasty and filling.  Lydia had decided on the Rustic Italian Flatbread Pizza with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, roma tomatoes, fresh basil, parmesan cheese and roasted bell peppers.  This pizza could have served two and gives other establishments a run for tasty pizzas.

Katie – The hands-down star of our lunch date was my choice of the Mexican Daredevil Grilled Hot Wrap. The jalapeno-cheddar tortilla wrapped sandwich arrived to the table perfectly grilled and oozing with pepperjack cheese. Filled with sliced grilled chicken breast, black beans, cheese, red onion, cilantro, spicy bbq sauce and a sophisticated roasted poblano pepper dressing, the wrap is more burrito than sandwich. Despite genre confusion, the “Daredevil” is a phenomenal choice with quite a kick!

Soups

Katie - Halfway through our lunchtime chitchat, Camille’s Cafe owner, Antoine Feghali, came to our table to suggest we try the tomato soup. We enthusiastically obliged and were not disappointed. The fresh homemade soup was reminiscent of marinara and packed with spiced tomato flavor. This is a recipe I would like to have.

Desserts

Katie - Our date would not have been complete without dessert. It was difficult to choose from the beautifully arranged case of artfully created pastries and desserts. We finally agreed on the Brownie Cheesecake Bar and the Strawberry Breeze Smoothie. The cheesecake bar was rich thick and creamy. It was like eating a huge slice of cheesecake stuffed into a small brownie, definitely a treated to be shared.

Tracy - The Smoothie was a refreshing blend of strawberries, banana, honey and pineapple juice.  I could easily go into Camille’s just for one of their smoothies – it was that great.

Extras

Penny - Catering is another feature that may set Camille’s apart. They have an extensive catering menu that is reasonably priced. The signature trays include wraps, Paninis or traditional sandwiches. They are all served with tortilla chips and salsa. Boxed lunches are also available with either a wrap or a sandwich. Breakfast and brunch trays are a great wake-up call for those morning events. Breakfast wraps or a breakfast muffin are a welcome relief from donuts and bagels!

Lydia - Camille’s opens their doors at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday (10 a.m. on Sunday) with a full breakfast menu that includes “create-your-own” scrambled eggs, breakfast wraps, smoothies and an impressive coffee menu. Add in a laptop and their free Wi-Fi service and you’ve got a perfect place for a morning business meeting. And for those who do their best work at night, Camille’s stays open until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday making it a great late-night-snack-and-research option. I could see Camille’s becoming the next Starbucksesque hang out.

Impressions

Lydia - As I got back in my car to head back to work, I glanced at the Camille’s menu on my front seat and saw aging their slogan, “Eat, Relax, Enjoy.” From their food, to their service to their atmosphere, it’s obvious the folks at Camille’s are striving to ensure that any time of day, you can do just that.

 

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe

3615 Coffee Road, Suite 100

(661) 213-3400

(661) 213-3312 fax

Store Hours

7 AM - 10 PM Monday - Saturday

10 AM - 7 PM Sunday

• Wi-Fi Available
• Gift cards accepted
• Online ordering availiable

www.camillescafe.com

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