Travelers looking for something a little more local should not miss this friendly eatery. It is just north of downtown near the Capitol. Em's straightforward interior of white and brown echoes the restaurant's goal for simple elegance. With booth and table seating, white table cloths, soothing green walls and blond hardwood floors, the atmosphere is perfectly upscale-casual. While the menu leans gourmet and favors heartier eaters, it is stocked with yummy creations that feature locally and organically grown ingredients. For light eaters, all the ingredients are there and the chefs are happy to make substitutions, so just ask! When the weather is nice, there is patio seating.
The lunch menu offers nine gourmet sandwich choices including a marinated pork tenderloin, a vegetarian friendly hummus with red peppers and avocado, and a free range chicken breast. Salad eaters are treated well with organic baby greens with option of grilled chicken, roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables over greens, baby spinach with goat cheese, and a crab and avocado combo. There will be two seasonal entrées along with one or two daily specials including a soup and maybe a pasta. A recent menu offered stuffed tamales and fresh herb crepes. Dinner offers more starters (e.g., smoked salmon and crab rolls, potato pancakes), some good salad options, and a more varied entrée selection. Recent entrées included potato lasagna, leek stuffed wild salmon, free range chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, pork tenderloin and red wine braised short ribs. The brunch menu includes a heart healthy option with egg whites along with heartier breakfast fare such as egg combos,a frittata, buttermilk pancakes, and crepes. Other specialties include the homemade granola and fresh fruit, huevos rancheros, smoked salmon benedict and corned beef hash.
Plentiful parking
Open for lunch Wed-Fri 11a-2:30p; Dinner Wed-Sunday 5:30p-9p; Sunday brunch 9a-1p. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
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