We Review Caffe Santoro

“if i was in bandon, and wanted to have an intelligent conversation with a critical thinker,
and if i was still alive, i'd be hanging out at caffe santoro.” -- george carlin

Let's set the record straight. This is Mongo, and I've never done a restaurant review before. I'll leave the fancy places to the experts, like Krab and Ducque. This little "hole in the wall" touched my heart and I feel compelled to review it personally.


First of all, if you are lucky enough to find this place, which is out of the way, disguised, and well-hidden, you will discover a unique decor upon entering. Hanging on the walls are pictures and photographs of various independent thinkers, the Bill of Rights, anti-Walmart and impeach-Bush posters. You will find a shelf filled with thought-provoking books such as this one and dvds such as this one that you may take home and bring back later. There is absolutely nothing fancy about this place at all. It has no view. But I got addicted to the place after two visits and can't wait to go back.




Caffe Santoro has become somewhat of a hangout for various groups noted for their critical thinking abilities, such as Veterans For Peace, and local writers. Due to its overwhelming political statement, certain types of people will not feel comfortable eating here.


I showed up the first time for breakfast on a Sunday morning at 9:00 am. I was greeted by two hard-working friendly folks I had met the day before, Bethany and Arkus. I ordered french toast made with 'organic whole wheat bread', and was offered a side of either bacon or home fries. Since I don't eat pork, I chose the potatoes. The french toast kinda resembled flat little bales of hay. When they say 'whole wheat', they're not kidding, and Euell Gibbons would be proud. There was no garnish on the plate, just two pieces of grainy french toast, and the nothing-fancy-about-it organic maple syrup was served at room temperature. The potatoes were served on a separate plate, and the organic orange juice I ordered was served in a very ordinary drinking glass. There was nothing extraordinary about any of it, but I ate it all, and then realized I was already hooked. I wanted more, and knew I would soon return. It all tasted good.


I woke up Monday morning and thought to myself "I sure would like a spinach and asparagus omelette for breakfast." I met Minga at Caffe Santoro at 10:00 am, and I brought my own asparagus which had been lurking in my refrigerator. We each ordered spinach-asparagus omelettes and organic orange juice. "I'm sorry, we don't have any asparagus." "Here, you do now." "Two eggs or three?" Minga: "Two". Mongo: "Three." "Fruit or potatoes ?" Minga: "Fruit." Mongo: "Potoatoes." A local writer walked in and proceeded to talk to Bethany about something he had written for what seemed like a very long time, as he ordered, and then ate, his breakfast. It all tasted good.



Prices are reasonable, but the hours are complicated. Lunch is served M-F 10-3 by the owner Steve, when he is not in Italy. Dinner is served M-Th 5-8 by Bethany and Arkus. Dinner is served on Friday 6-9 by Steve, when he is not in Italy. Brunch is served Sat & Sun 9-2 by Bethany and Arkus. When Steve is in Italy, Bethany and Arkus take over. I never ordered anything from the lunch or dinner menus, and never tried one of their desserts, such as lemon curd tart, pecan pie, and vanilla ice cream w/organic handmade hot fudge. I'm going to.


I took a lunch menu with me and items such as three cheese pizza ($6), chili-mac casserole ($5.50), and bacon & cheese quiche w/fruit or toast ($5.75) caught me eye. The soup that day was organic herb-potato. Desserts are at least 95% organic. If you have special dietary needs, they will serve you something that's not listed on the menu. Menus are printed daily, and are the size of 5 x 7 cards.


Where to find it ? It's hiding over by the post office somewhere. 1212 Alabama Ave. If you get lost, give them a call at 347-4002. Take out orders are available; credit cards are not accepted, but checks are. Oh yeah, they are closed on Tuesdays during July, and I noticed a limited liquor license on the wall, so perhaps you can have wine and/or beer with your meal. Perhaps you can't. If you go there say hi to me. I'll probably be there too, cuz I'm addicted. Three 1/2 happy Mongothumbs.




Reviewed by Mongo July 2008
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