Mimi’s Cafe: Affordable, Eclectic Food In A Unique & Inviting Atmosphere

With all the hype surrounding the addition of Mimi’s Cafe to West Broad Village, I decided to check the place out for myself with my family. The first thing you’ll notice about Mimi’s is the almost out-of-place bungalow-style building with a muted, rustic look, with the exception of the bold neon purple awnings over the […]

April 27, 2009; 1:02 PM • by Trevor Dickerson

With all the hype surrounding the addition of Mimi’s Cafe to West Broad Village, I decided to check the place out for myself with my family. The first thing you’ll notice about Mimi’s is the almost out-of-place bungalow-style building with a muted, rustic look, with the exception of the bold neon purple awnings over the windows. The Flats at West Broad Village apartments-over-retail buildings tower over Mimi’s and make it seem quite small, but only from the outside.

On our first visit, we were warmly greeted by everyone from the valet parking attendants, to the guy who opened the door for us to the hostess and several wait staff. It’s obvious that Mimi’s is going all out to make a good first impression, and it worked for me. The staff was all very friendly and courteous.

When we walked inside, the first thing that struck us was how large it was. Two large dining rooms and a separate bar area jut out in different directions. The larger of the two features a two story vaulted ceiling and is reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans, with accents akin to an English cottage. The entire restaurant is incredibly warm and inviting.

We were taken to our booth right away and were literally bombarded with menus as soon as we sat down. There was the main menu, which has plenty of choices by itself, a dessert and specialty drink menu, plus a limited time “Fresh As April” menu and wine list. Our waitress, Erica, was especially friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu items.

A basket of bread was brought to the table for us to enjoy while we tried to take in all the choices before us. The bread basket contained a sourdough roll, coffee cake and cranberry raisin nut bread. While devouring the bread and heeding the warning from Erica about the generous size of most of Mimi’s portions, we both decided to choose an appetizer, entrée and dessert from the “Fresh As April” menu, which appeared to be a very good deal at three courses (minus drink) for $12.99.

Our entrée choices were the honey Dijon glazed salmon and the pot roast. Both were very tasty and were accompanied by mashed potatoes. The pot roast also came with a medley of carrots and broccoli, and the salmon dish included asparagus. The starters and dessert were a great beginning and ending to a very good meal, and our Styrofoam box contains plenty for another meal. We also ordered a cheeseburger and fries for another family member who couldn’t come along, which we’re told were pretty good as well.

On my second visit, I went with a large group of friends for breakfast. I was both impressed with the selection and equally overwhelmed as I was with the dinner menu. Our server this time was Brad, who was just as friendly and knowledgeable as Erica was on my first visit.

After mulling over the various ciabatta breakfast sandwiches, crêpes, cream cheese and marmalade-stuffed French toast, plus staples such as pancakes and waffles, I selected the Mardi Gras Omelet. The only thing this huge three-egg omelet was missing were the plastic Mardi Gras beads. It came filled with a hearty helping of cheese and tomatoes, along with bacon, sausage and ham. As if this wasn’t enough, the dish also came with a generous helping of red skin potatoes, cooked to golden brown perfection and seasoned with an array of spices. You also get your choice of a huge fresh-baked muffin. I picked the current specialty muffin, coffee cake. It came out piping hot and practically melted in my mouth.

Mimi’s Café is off to a great start with a good variety of really good food, great service, nice décor and an ambiance that will suit a couple who want to go out for a nice meal or a family with children. It’s definitely worth checking out for a fun and affordable meal out, any time of the day. And, if you sign up for Mimi’s E-Club on their website, you can even get your breakfast for free right now!

April 27, 2009 1:02 PM 0