Badger Bistro
By Jamie Cohen
A snug intimate setting with tea-light candles glimmering in the dimness, Café Continental (108 King St.) is a step above the usual State Street cuisine.
Dark cherry wood beams create a sense of elegance, blue-tint track lighting line the ceiling, elongated framed horizontal mirrors and vintage black and white photographs adorn the walls.
Seated at a table for three in a small corner by the front of the restaurant, I was immediately disturbed by the size and proximity of the round cocktail-style tables. Although trying not to eavesdrop, it was not easy to avoid the conversation of an older couple seated nearby. Dark burgundy velvet curtains similar to the ones used at the theater help to define the front section of the restaurant from the narrow dining area parallel to the zinc bar.
Café Continental?s upscale menu might generate an older crowd, but its versatility and wide selection of appetizers, salads, entrees and sandwiches will have any patron, young or old deliciously satisfied. The restaurant seems like a popular spot for business lunches and dinners or even an after work drink.
The waiter brought a plate of warm and crusty Italian bread and a plate of olive oil with red and black pepper and grated Parmesan Cheese. The doughy and delicious bread would immediately sooth any hunger.
The Pizza Margherita ($10) is a wonderful starting point, since salads are not included in the price of entrees. This appetizer is large enough for a light meal. The thin, crisp crust is topped with tomato sauce, fresh basil, mozzarella and tomato slices. The fresh ingredients distinguish the starter from traditional pizza.
The Crab Cakes ($14) are prepared Louisiana-style and differ greatly from the crab cakes of the East Coast and are pretty spicy.
The Atlantic Salmon ($21) is grilled to perfection and the piece of fish is so large that most diners will end up taking half of it home. Marinated in a light balsamic basil sauce, the salmon is a little sweet tasting. The freshly mashed garlic potatoes are a tasty side. And substituting the spinach medley for the crisply fried spinach (as the menu suggests) accents the entrée?s taste.
The most appealing selection on the menu is the four dishes of Polenta, the Italian version of yellow corn meal. Although I did not have enough people with me to try the dishes, the menu description of the Polenta Con Funghi ($13) had me drooling. ?Grilled Polenta topped with fresh tomato sauce with mushrooms, eggplant, garlic, and fresh mozzarella.? The polenta dishes are a great option for vegetarian diners.
Steaks and chops are on the high end of the menu ranging from $20-$34. It is impressive that the Café allows diners to choose from four special preparations for steaks. The gorgonzola butter topping and the traditional Sicilian bread crumbs with special sauces looked divine. I caught a glimpse from a table across the way.
Pasta dishes span from simple to elaborate. A mix of ingredients from feta cheese and Cremini mushrooms to Kalamata olives and sun dried tomato sauce, the pasta dishes suit equally those who like just pasta and sauce or the more adventurous diner.
Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The lunch menu is similar to the dinner menu but has a much larger selection of sandwiches. Sunday brunch also runs weekly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. I took a peek at the brunch menu and saw Café Continental?s original Bananas Foster French Toast: three slices flambéed with rum, butter, brown sugar and bananas. This dish sounds amazing!
Café Continental would be a great place to take your parents when they stop by for a visit, or if you want to spend a little extra to celebrate the end of midterms. The urbane atmosphere is a temporary escape from draining college life. Perhaps you are looking to take that special lady out before spring break. Whatever your reason may be, Café Continental (despite its petite design) is a classy restaurant with delicious food. I would suggest making reservations due to the small capacity. Until next week, happy dining!