Markham Street Cafe: a new Annandale favorite
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| Plenty of room to spread out at the Markham Street Cafe. |
By Adam Goldberg
My wife and son along with another group of parents had the
pleasure of visiting the recently opened Markham Street Café the other day for
dinner. Located in the same shopping center as other Annandale favorites, such
as Tanpopo and A&J Restaurant, the Markham Street Café is tucked into a newly
renovated space previously occupied by a grocery store, at 4316 F Markham Street.
pleasure of visiting the recently opened Markham Street Café the other day for
dinner. Located in the same shopping center as other Annandale favorites, such
as Tanpopo and A&J Restaurant, the Markham Street Café is tucked into a newly
renovated space previously occupied by a grocery store, at 4316 F Markham Street.
The restaurant is large and open, with lots of comfortable
seating in a variety of different forms placed throughout. The decor follows
the usual trend of rustic industrial with multiple construction materials to
make it feel like you’re in a renovated storage container covered with
reclaimed hardwood. A gentle jab, but the place really is nice.
Our large group took up residence at a fairly large table that
had ample room for the kids to spread out. We ordered a variety, partially
because our kids are at the picky eater stage and we had no idea what would be
a hit, and also to take a shot at trying their whole menu.
had ample room for the kids to spread out. We ordered a variety, partially
because our kids are at the picky eater stage and we had no idea what would be
a hit, and also to take a shot at trying their whole menu.
Presently, their menu is fairly limited – there’s a handful of
sandwiches, a few salads, and some small dishes. What Markham temporarily lacks
in menu depth it more than compensates for in deliciousness. My Grammy sandwich, a towering monstrosity of fried chicken, onion rings, fried eggs,
and red cabbage buried me in greasy wonderful flavor. The cauliflower soup was
rich with creamy texture and spice.
sandwiches, a few salads, and some small dishes. What Markham temporarily lacks
in menu depth it more than compensates for in deliciousness. My Grammy sandwich, a towering monstrosity of fried chicken, onion rings, fried eggs,
and red cabbage buried me in greasy wonderful flavor. The cauliflower soup was
rich with creamy texture and spice.
Our other menu choices were equally impressive – the Paragon beef
tenderloin salad, pesto chicken sandwich, even both varieties of fries (which
seemed to be fried multiple times) were all excellent. I am remiss I did not
get a chance to try their gruyere mac and cheese; shockingly two three-year-olds
did not want any, something that deeply disturbed me.
tenderloin salad, pesto chicken sandwich, even both varieties of fries (which
seemed to be fried multiple times) were all excellent. I am remiss I did not
get a chance to try their gruyere mac and cheese; shockingly two three-year-olds
did not want any, something that deeply disturbed me.
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| Gruyere mac & cheese |
The staff was warm and friendly, bringing all the food to our
tables and periodically bussing away the spent dishes as we slowly realized how
much food we just ate. I was informed their bar would open at 10 p.m. that
night, and I could see well stocked cocktail accoutrements just behind the
counter. If their cocktails are as creative and flavorful as their menu, I’m
sure they won’t disappoint.
tables and periodically bussing away the spent dishes as we slowly realized how
much food we just ate. I was informed their bar would open at 10 p.m. that
night, and I could see well stocked cocktail accoutrements just behind the
counter. If their cocktails are as creative and flavorful as their menu, I’m
sure they won’t disappoint.
We left the restaurant very happy and eager to come back to
a great new addition to Annandale. I think it’s important to note that Markham Street
Café stands on its own quite well – saying it’s “pretty good for Annandale”
sells short what is obviously the creation of a talented kitchen and passionate
owners.
Update: the Market Street Cafe invites the public to the grand opening of its bar, Jan. 4, 10-2 p.m., featuring DJ Eddo and bartender Jacob.
a great new addition to Annandale. I think it’s important to note that Markham Street
Café stands on its own quite well – saying it’s “pretty good for Annandale”
sells short what is obviously the creation of a talented kitchen and passionate
owners.
Update: the Market Street Cafe invites the public to the grand opening of its bar, Jan. 4, 10-2 p.m., featuring DJ Eddo and bartender Jacob.
One response to “Markham Street Cafe: a new Annandale favorite”
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Recently visited and very much enjoyed it as well. It is a bit tricky to find if you are not familiar with the area and there is no signage as yet. The owner was friendly, and talked of art nights, live music, and other attractive options. I can't wait to return!