Breakfast Brunch

Located at 4623 West Gate City Boulevard in the Sedgefield Crossing Shopping Center in Greensboro, Breakfast Brunch serves diner fare and all-day breakfast. It is open from 7-8 Monday-Saturday and 7-3 on Sunday. Family meals are available.

Laugh at the name all you want, but Breakfast Brunch offers some seriously good eats for its price point. It’s housed in a former Mexican restaurant, and the walls retain the same bright palette (reds and yellows and oranges) albeit with some farm-inspired décor. This fusion approach – a Southern diner with Mexican influences – can be found across the menu as well. Breakfast offerings include the omelets, biscuits, and pancakes you’d expect from the former, along with sandwiches, salads, fried fish, and pastas later in the day. Any place that offers chicken and waffles, fettuccine carbonara, and quesadillas has variety going for it at the very least.

For my first visit, I opted for one of the chef’s specials: the breakfast molcajete. Served in the namesake sizzling stone mortar, it came loaded with homefries, onions, tomatoes, chorizo, smoked sausage, peppers, cheese, and two eggs cooked to order (scrambled in my case). The portion was huge. As it easily yielded two meals, the $11 price felt like a steal. However, this wasn’t a case of quantity above all: it was quite tasty too. The potatoes were crisp and well-seasoned while the chorizo added a spicy kick. Throw in prompt and polite service, and Breakfast Brunch seems like a winner for anyone seeking better-than-average diner food.

Located at 4623 West Gate City Boulevard in the Sedgefield Crossing Shopping Center in Greensboro, Breakfast Brunch serves diner fare and all-day breakfast. It is open from 7-8 Monday-Saturday and 7-3 on Sunday. Family meals are available.

Laugh at the name all you want, but Breakfast Brunch offers some seriously good eats for its price point. It’s housed in a former Mexican restaurant, and the walls retain the same bright palette (reds and yellows and oranges) albeit with some farm-inspired décor. This fusion approach – a Southern diner with Mexican influences – can be found across the menu as well. Breakfast offerings include the omelets, biscuits, and pancakes you’d expect from the former, along with sandwiches, salads, fried fish, and pastas later in the day. Any place that offers chicken and waffles, fettuccine carbonara, and quesadillas has variety going for it at the very least.

 

For my first visit, I opted for one of the chef’s specials: the breakfast molcajete. Served in the namesake sizzling stone mortar, it came loaded with home fries, onions, tomatoes, chorizo, smoked sausage, peppers, cheese (feta, which actually worked in this dish, strangely enough), and two eggs cooked to order (scrambled in my case). The portion was huge. As it easily yielded two meals, the $11 price felt like a steal. However, this wasn’t a case of quantity above all: it was quite tasty too. The potatoes were crisp and well-seasoned while the chorizo added a spicy kick. Throw in prompt and polite service, and Breakfast Brunch seems like a winner for anyone seeking better-than-average diner food.

Paris Banh Mi

 

Located at 2703 West Gate City Boulevard in Greensboro, Paris Banh Mi serves Vietnamese sandwiches, coffees, and desserts. It is open from 9-8 every day except for Tuesday. Online ordering and delivery are available.

In need of a quick meal near the Colosseum, I decided to give Paris Banh Mi a try. Knowing that the gold standard of banh mis (Saigon) was just up the road, I entered this chain eatery with lowered expectations. While Ban Mi Paris’s rendition of its signature sandwich doesn’t compare favorably, it still offered a good overall experience.

If nothing else, Paris Banh Mi has menu variety in its favor. In addition to the titular sandwich, there are sandwiches on croissant buns, Korean corn dogs, apps, teas (regular and milk/bubble), coffees, vermicelli bowls, pastries, and more. Whether seeking a snack or a meal, a vegetarian or an omnivore, you will find something here. It also helps that the location is reasonably spacious, brightly lit, and clean.

 

I went with a special combination banh mi (pork roll, jambon, BBQ pork, pate, mayo, and veggies) and a jasmine green iced tea. After placing my order at the counter, there was a very short wait before it was called out for pickup. The sandwich was appreciably larger than banh mi I’ve had elsewhere, but at $8.25, it was also more expensive. It tasted fine, yet it gave the sense that something was missing: more heat from the jalapeno, more of a pickled flavor from the carrots, more flakiness from the bread. The tea was refreshing (and not at all sweet).

Paris Banh Mi wouldn’t be my first choice for a banh mi in Greensboro, but its variety and expediency make it a decent option for a fast Coliseum-area meal.

Jerusalem Market on Elm

Located at 310 South Elm Street in Downtown Greensboro (the original retail store location remains open in the Sedgefield area), Jerusalem Market serves Middle Eastern cuisine for lunch and dinner. It is open from 11-7 Tuesday-Thursday, 11-8 Friday-Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday. Online ordering is available, and specials change regularly.

The mantle of best Middle Eastern in Greensboro is a matter of considerable debate, but for those seeking this type of food anywhere near downtown, Jerusalem Market should be a no-brainer. Upon entry, you’ll see a drinks and dessert case and minimal seating, but don’t let that dissuade you: there’s a more spacious dining room in the back. It’s low-key but tastefully appointed.

Jerusalem Market’s menu offers platters, salads, mezze (small plates), and wraps. There are plenty of vegetarian options as well as lamb/beef/chicken options plus combination plates for those who want a little bit of everything. You order at the counter and take a number back to your table. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

I went with the Armenian wrap, which featured basterma (thinly sliced seasoned dried beef), provolone, baba ganoush, and cucumber yogurt with zaatar pita chips on the side. My wife was hoping for the Turk (similar but with sojouk sausage instead of beef) and upon finding they were out opted for the lamb burger on special instead. Given the day’s humidity, hibiscus iced tea seemed too good to pass up.

Jerusalem Market makes everything fresh, so the food understandably took a bit to arrive. However, it was well worth the wait. The basterma was salty, and the refreshing yogurt balanced it nicely. The zaatar chips were crisp and full of flavor and dangerously addictive (seriously, I could eat a bagful). My wife enjoyed the lamb burger with feta and a side salad, and we were both glad that we went with the hibiscus tea (free refills).

While they may not have the huge portions of a Nazareth Bread, Jerusalem Market’s prices aren’t unreasonable given the downtown location. The wrap was $14 or so and the burger $16.

All told, Jerusalem Market promises a healthy meal using quality ingredients and prepared with care.

The Sub Spot

Located at 3709 Battleground Avenue in Greensboro, The Sub Spot serves sandwiches and Mediterranean fare. It is open from 10-7 Monday-Friday, 10-5 Saturday, and closed Sunday. Specials change regularly, and online ordering is available.

 

Getting a sandwich here when Giacomo’s is a few hundred feet away seems blasphemous, but hey, at least they have indoor seating. All jokes aside, Sub Spot is a good representation of a neighborhood sandwich shop, replete with a no-frills (though clean) interior and Boar’s Head meats. They may not be fancy, but they are good at what they do.

 

I walked in craving a cheesesteak but was nearly swayed by the brisket sandwich listed as a special. Had I not known what I wanted, I would have had plenty to choose from: hot and cold sandwiches, salads, wings, kebabs, and more. They will let you customize toppings a la Subway (I added peppers, onions, and chipotle sauce), and they completed my order for takeout very quickly.

 

Much like Jersey Mike’s, Sub Spot serves up a far better cheesesteak than you’d expect at first glance. The bread was soft, the cheese melty, the meat and veggies savory and satisfying (and none too greasy). If you’re accustomed to a sandwich stuffed to the gills with meat, you might be disappointed, but I didn’t find the quantity to be too paltry.

 

Given what’s nearby, Sub Spot probably wouldn’t be my first choice for lunch in the area, but it is convenient, reasonably priced, and tasty, a solid option all around.

 

BaoBao Kitchen

 

Located at 2403 Battleground Avenue in Greensboro, BaoBao Kitchen serves Vietnamese cuisine from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except for Sunday. Online ordering and catering are available as is (limited) outdoor seating.

Tiny hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese and Thai places are often among the best of their kind, and so I had reason to be hopeful for BaoBao Kitchen despite its limited dimensions. While BaoBao is small (a few tables with limited space between them), the menu is not. Buns, rolls, curries, pho, rice dishes, banh mi, and more are yours for the taking. BaoBao even offers all-day breakfast, a rarity among Vietnamese eateries in the area.

Dining solo, I went with pork bao buns, shrimp fresh rolls, and a hibiscus tea. Though BaoBao was busy, the crew here seems adept at getting food out quickly. I enjoyed most of what I had. The tea was sweet with a tangy note and especially refreshing on a warm day. They definitely didn't skimp on the bao bun toppings, and while their sheer sauciness led to some structural integrity challenges, that also made for a very tasty bite. Unlike other establishments, BaoBao serves three rolls to an order rather than two. However, they are short and smaller. As they were also chewier, this is probably not something I'd opt for again.

Provided that you aren't coming in with a large group, BaoBao seems like a reliable option for modestly priced Vietnamese eats. I've yet to try the banh mi or the pho to see how they stack up, but I'll know to keep this place in mind the next time I'm in the area and want a quick bite.

Fig and Olive Cafe

Located at 4507 West Market Street inside of Nazareth Bread, Fig and Olive Café offers coffee drinks and baked goods. It is open from 7-6 Monday-Thursday, 7-9 Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday. Outdoor seating is available.

Greensboro is reaching the point of coffee shop oversaturation, but even amid the abundance of other options, Fig and Olive manages to stand out. The coffee drinks include homemade syrups not easily found elsewhere such as fig and honey or pistachio cream. So too it goes with the desserts, which include everything from eclairs to crookies (chocolate chip cookie stuffed croissant rolls, the kind of mad science we can all get behind).

I opted for an iced karak/adani chai, and, after being wracked by indecision (thankfully, staff here are patient and courteous) at the pastry case, a Biscoff New York roll. Prices here aren’t cheap – the 16-ounce chai ran $6 – but that and calories are likely to be your only regrets.

The karak chai was very good: stronger than the more familiar masala chai albeit not overwhelming. The best way to describe the Biscoff roll is “wrong in a good way.” Imagine layers of buttery, flaky pastry stuffed with cookie butter. “Delicious” doesn’t do it justice.

One final note: Fig and Olive is bright and clean with plenty of comfortable seating. If your memories of Nazareth are of it seeming slightly run down, prepare to see this side of the house in a very different light.

If Fig and Olive existed when I lived within walking distance of it, I might have spent a dangerous amount of time here. As it now stands, it’s a bit of a trek, but it’s one that I’ll gladly make. Those who live closer, go here now and enjoy it.

Village Tavern

 

Located at 1903 Westridge Road in Greensboro (with additional locations in Winston-Salem and Charlotte), Village Tavern serves American fare. It is open from 11-9 Sunday-Thursday and 11-10 Friday and Saturday. There is a full bar with daily drink specials. Patio seating, online ordering, and online reservations are available, and a brunch is offered on Sundays.

 

Since opening up shop in Winston-Salem forty years ago, Village Tavern has expanded to include eight locations. Perhaps because of its longevity, the impression I got of it was of a dated brunch/lunch spot patronized by well-to-do seniors, and so it never claimed a high spot on my to-try list. After paying the Greensboro location a visit, however, that perception has somewhat changed.

 

Village Tavern occupies a large building with plenty of seating, and though they keep busy, they seem set up to accommodate the volume. My wife and I showed up for lunch on a Monday and had no wait for a table in the bar area, which was nicely appointed. Think classy without feeling stuffy.

 

Just as the restaurant is sizeable, so too goes the menu. Apps, soups, sandwiches, salads, entrees, tacos, burgers, and pizzas are all offered here. There are gluten-free and vegetarian options, and you’d be hard-pressed to find something not to your liking. We ended up going with fish and chips and shrimp and grits. The food arrived quickly, and our server was polite and responsive throughout the meal.

 

Shrimp and grits is one of my go-to dishes, and no two places do it the same way. Village Tavern’s version uses white grits and bacon rather than tasso ham. Purists may quibble, but I found it excellent. The grits were creamy without being too heavily cheesy, the bacon added a hint of smokiness, they didn’t skimp on the shrimp, and the mushrooms were a nice touch. The fish and chips boasted crisp and generously battered cod. It wasn’t on par with what you’d find in a seafood bar, but it did not disappoint. The sauteed spinach – substituted in for coleslaw – was tasty as well though the fries were only so-so.

 

While I was wrong about Village Tavern’s décor (more appealing than I thought) and clientele (more diverse), I was right about its price point. Both entrees ran north of twenty. While the fish and chips offered a good amount of food for the money, the shrimp and grits felt like a dinner price for a lunch portion.

 

All told, Village Tavern is a solid jack-of-all-trades restaurant. It offers a little bit of everything and seems to execute well enough. It’s more likely to leave you satisfied than impressed, but the service and atmosphere make it worth your while.

Inka Grill

 

Located at 214 South Elm Street in Downtown Greensboro, Inka Grill offers Peruvian cuisine for lunch and dinner. It is open from 11-9 Monday-Thursday, 11-10 Friday and Saturday, and 11-8 on Sunday. Alcohol is available, and tables can be reserved online.

 

Inka Grill had been on my to-try list for some time, but my wife and I ended up here almost accidentally when the last food truck festival proved to be too chaotic. I’m glad that we did as it made for a good though not outstanding meal.

 

Inka Grill’s menu boasts traditional Peruvian steak, seafood, and chicken dishes, chaufas (fried rices), and ceviches as well as a few Italian-inspired items. There’s a lot to choose from if you’ve an omnivore, but vegetarians may be at a loss here. A complementary offering of toasted corn for the table was a nice touch.

 

My wife and I went with a yucca starter, a frijol con seco, and a lomo saltado. The yucca came in rolls that were nicely browned and crispy on the outside. The accompanying huancaina sauce was creamy and added a welcome bit of spice (which was disappointingly missing from an aji verde sauce). The steak in the lomo saltado was perfectly cooked and flavorful, and its accompanying vegetables were vibrant and nicely grilled. The tacu tacu (a Peruvian take on refried beans) in the frijol con seco was a first for us, and we enjoyed it. However, the meat in that dish was more akin to pot roast than steak, which we were not expecting. Both dishes were also quite salty.

 

Our visit occurred at an off-peak hour (before 5 on a Sunday), and Ismael provided excellent service at the start of the meal. Once 5 p.m. arrived and the restaurant began to fill, however, staff began to seem a bit overwhelmed.

 

All told, Inka Grill, while solid, wasn’t quite the “wow” I was expecting. However, the steak at least did reach that level for me, and the breadth of the menu suggests that there are other dishes that can as well.

Shrimply Delicious

 

Located at 2204 Golden Gate Drive in the Golden Gate Shopping Center in Greensboro, Shrimply Delicious offers fried seafood sandwiches and platters. Family-sized portions, online ordering, and delivery (via DoorDash) are available. The restaurant is open from 11 to 9 Mondays through Saturdays.

 

As a fan of both bad puns and good seafood, I was bound to end up here sooner or later. When a po boy craving struck, I remembered the name and decided to give Shrimply Delicious a try. It wasn’t an entirely regrettable decision, but I don’t think I’ll be back.

 

Shrimply Delicious is a smallish space, and the tables in their dining area are packed somewhat closely together. This is a non-issue if you’re seeking takeout, of course, but if you’re looking to dine in, it may get a bit crowded. The menu boasts shrimp and fish baskets (with sides and drinks), fish sandwiches, and po boys. You won’t find any surprises, but there’s something to be said for staying on-brand.

 

I opted for a shrimp and catfish po boy to go. At $12.75, it was priced roughly between 42 Fry and Full Moon’s versions. The staff here are hard-working, but they were getting slammed with to-go orders, and so I had a longer-than-expected wait (albeit not unreasonably so).

Positives first: the sandwich was large, and the shrimp and fish were breaded and cooked well. Nothing tasted greasy. That said, the fish was fairly salty, the remoulade so-so, and the bread was a lackluster generic sub roll.

 

This isn’t the worst rendition of a po boy that I had, but it’s far from the best. Ultimately, Shrimply Delicious proved to be shrimply okay.

Arrowhead Coffee

Located at 518 North Spring Street in Greensboro, Arrowhead Coffee offers coffee drinks and teas. Specialty drinks change seasonally, and online ordering is available via Square.

Arrowhead rates as one of Greensboro's best coffeeshops and best-kept secrets. Because it isn't in the heart of downtown, it is easy to overlook. Tucked into a small plaza behind Dog Days, it is easy to drive right by it without realizing it is there. However, those who do stop won't regret it.

For starters, Arrowhead's blend of industrial and artsy makes for a unique ambiance. It's a comfortable space with plenty of seating. They don't have a huge selection here, but what they do offer - nitros and flash brews in addition to the usual suspects - helps it stand apart.

During my first visit, I opted for one of their seasonal drinks, the Cherie Berry. This hat tip to our state's erstwhile elevator queen was made from vanilla oat cold brew topped with strawberry foam and freeze-dried strawberries. It wasn't cheap (probably around $7 for a 16 ounce), but it was deliciously smooth and creamy. The strawberry pieces added a hint of tartness and an interesting textural contrast. Service was prompt and courteous.

Arrowhead isn't close to home, so I don't know when I'll return, but I'm glad that I got a chance to knock it off the "to try" list.

Qinji Hawaiian BBQ & Ramen

Located at 2224 Golden Gate Drive in the Golden Gate Shopping Center in Greensboro, Qinji HawaiianBBQ and Ramen offers Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner. It is open from 11-9 Tuesday-Friday, noon-9 on Saturday, and closed Sunday. Online ordering is available.

Our group of four ended up at Qinji when the wait at Mizumi proved too long, but this proved to be the epitome of a happy accident. Cosmetically, Qinji is quite an upgrade from the previous ZC Hawaiian: the interior is tasteful and clean. The menu boasts many tantalizing options from predominantly Japanese apps to more than ten kinds of ramen to rice and noodle dishes to Hawaiian specialties. Vegetarians won’t be hard-pressed to find something here though the meat-eaters among you can take in everything from kalbi to Spam.

It was the first visit for all of us, and we got to experience a variety of dishes: calamari, Takoyaki, spam musubi, veggie roll, Hawaiian pineapple chicken, loco moco, and a combo (katsu fried shrimp and fish and grilled beef). Portions were plentiful, and, as the entrees included rice and salad (green or macaroni) for under $15, quite affordable. While the musubi and the loco moco may conjure some odd associations for anyone who grew up with Spam or Salisbury steak, the food was largely a hit. The beef was flavorful, the seafood was well-breaded without being bone dry, and the dipping sauces complemented the apps nicely. Even though the green salad was little more than lettuce with a few shredded carrots, a terrific mango dressing (bright, crisp, and citrusy) elevated it.

Qinji is nowhere close to home, and while that may preclude me from becoming a regular here, it is definitely a place I will look forward to coming back to during future excursions to northern Greensboro.

Sedgefield Bagels & Deli

 

Located at 5002-F High Point Road in Greensboro, Sedgefield Bagels & Deli offers bagels and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. It is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Online ordering is available.

 

This Sedgefield shopping center spot has been home to a number of eateries over the years, and the recently-opened Sedgefield Bagels & Deli is the latest to try to stick. The sister location (Oak Ridge Bagels & Deli) seems to be doing well for itself, and the bagels themselves have the proper pedigree (Long Island by way of New Garden bagels), both of which are positive indicators.

 

Another check in the plus column: selection. There were plenty of bagel varieties to choose from when I stopped by this morning. The sandwich offerings include classic egg/cheese/meat or deli combinations, but there is also a willingness here to go outside the box. This includes embracing Southern ingredients (BBQ pork, pimento, hot honey) and upping the non-bagel offerings (everything from salads to loaded fries to Belgian waffles).

 

I stuck to the tried-and-true for my first visit and went with a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese on an everything. It was as tasty a rendition as I’ve had in the other New York-style bagel shops in the area, and at $6.49, it was slightly less than what High Point Bagel is charging these days.

 

As with most bagel shops, seating is limited, but Sedgefield Bagels does have a few tables at its disposal. Since they are new, this may be a pending addition, but a wall menu behind the counter would definitely improve the ordering process.

 

Given the quality (New Garden Bagels can do no wrong), variety, and convenience (about eight minutes from work), I am glad for Sedgefield Bagels’ arrival, and I hope they can last.

Ghassan's Fresh Mediterranean Eats

Located at 6027 West Gate City Boulevard in Greensboro, Ghassan’s offers Mediterranean cuisine from 11-9 Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays). Online ordering and catering are available.

 

The newest location of this Greensboro institution opened recently in the Grandover Village shopping center near Publix. Those who have been to the Battleground or Cornwallis locations (or the old Coliseum-area spot) will find few surprises here. For the uninitiated, Ghassan’s serves up thoroughly average food quickly and affordably.

 

Though it doesn’t boast a huge menu, Ghassan’s offers a fair amount of flexibility. You can go light with a salad, hummus, or falafel bites, dig into a sandwich or pita, or load up on a bowl or platter. Meats include spiced chicken, kofte, and gyro (as well as a steak sub), but there are plenty of vegetarian options as well.

 

Seeking a lighter meal that would still leave me a little left over, I opted for a gyro pita with zaatar fries and added a side of tabouleh. Online ordering was easy, and Ghassan’s prices are wallet friendly ($9 for the gyro and a side, $1 more for the tabouleh). Everything was ready and waiting on a pick-up shelf when I got there.

 

For as efficient and convenient as Ghassan’s is, the food is, on average, merely OK. The zaatar fries (crispy and nicely seasoned) are quite good, but the tabouleh didn’t distinguish itself, and the gyro was bland. Unless you are brand-new to the Greensboro/Jamestown/High Point area and made Ghassan’s your first stop, you’ve likely had better Mediterranean food elsewhere.

 

All told, Ghassan’s is a great place to grab a quick and healthy lunch, but if you have the time to sit down and enjoy your meal, there are stronger contenders.

 

Kapadokia Grill

 

Located at 5814 West Gate City Boulevard in Greensboro, Kapadokia Grill offers Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday. Online ordering is available.

 

This building beside the ABC Store in the Sedgefield area has been home to several eateries over the years, and given the prior tenants, a Turkish restaurant is definitely something different. Staying power and consistency are long-term question marks, but Kapadokia Grill has made a very favorable first impression.

 

For those well-versed in Mediterranean fare, you’ll find familiar favorites such as kebabs, falafel, and hummus. However, Kapadokia Grill also offers a few dishes not as readily available elsewhere. These include gozleme (cheesy flatbread) and tarator (a beet/yogurt/herb dip). There are plenty of vegetarian options, and for those with a sweet tooth, baklava and Hershey’s ice cream (a holdover from the previous tenant).

 

Hoping to try a little bit of everything and make our order last for a few meals, we went with a Kapadokia Sampler (kibbeh, cheese rolls, falafel, tahini), a Mezze Sampler (any four mezze selections – ours were baba ganoush, spicy red feta, tabuleh, and dolmas), and a small Doner Kebab (with rice, a tomato/onion/cabbage salad, pita, and Turkish salsa). I ordered online and everything was ready by the estimated pickup time. The owners seemed friendly, and a display case of sides near the register was a reassuring sight.

 

The food, overall, was good with the potential to become great. All of the apps in the sampler were tasty and offered a welcome crunch. While the baba ganoush may not top Odeh’s, it was quite good in its own right: creamy with a hint of smokiness. The tabuleh had an herb/vegetable-to-wheat ratio that heavily favored the former, which made for a light yet savory bite. Speaking of savory, the thin slices of kebab meat were very nicely seasoned. On the other hand, while the “spicy” red feta did have a slightly sweet red pepper flavor, it wasn’t the least bit spicy. The pita here is much thicker than what you’ll find elsewhere, closer to a pide bread. One of our rounds was a bit overdone, but it was still well-suited for dipping.

 

Kapadokia Grill is a welcome addition to the Adams Farm/Sedgefield area and well worth a visit for anyone who enjoys Mediterranean cuisine or simply wants to try something new.

JakJin Bistro Pho & More

 

Located at 4414 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro, JakJin Bistro Pho & More serves Vietnamese cuisine from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Lunch specials and online ordering are available. There is limited seating (indoor and outside).

 

This small, unassuming, family-owned spot serves up an excellent bowl of pho. While other varieties are available, if you are OK with meatball or chicken, the $9.50 lunch special is quite a good deal. I opted for meatball and was rewarded with a large bowl served hot and fresh. It came with the usual accoutrements bean sprouts, Thai basil, etc.), but I was tempted by the mention of the chili paste being made in-house. Though the broth was plenty flavorful as-is, it added a welcome burn.

 

JakJin’s proprietor was friendly and appreciative, and service was fast. The rest of the menu looked promising (beef basil and stir fried noodles are also lunch specials here) though some of the regular menu items (I’m looking at you, papaya salad) seemed priced a bit high.

 

For those traversing the Lawndale/Battleground area, JakJin should be toward the top of your list of lunch spots.

Baked

 

Located at 227 South Elm Street Suite B in Downtown Greensboro, Baked offers breads, pastries, and other baked goods. It is open 8-3 Tuesday through Thursday, 8-5 on Friday, 9-5 on Saturday, 10-4 on Sunday, and closed on Monday. There is no indoor seating, but limited outdoor seating as available. Decorated cakes can be ordered with one week’s notice, and specialty coffees rotate seasonally.

 

This small side alley spot off Elm has been home to a number of bakeries over the years, so here’s hoping that Baked manages to stick. From selection to quality to friendly service, Baked is a blessing.

 

While Baked is not the only place in town to offer croissants, it stocks several varieties, sweet and savory alike. Add to that homemade pop tarts, macarons, cupcakes, cookies, breads (day-old loaves are discounted), and coffee drinks, and you’d be hard-pressed to find something that doesn’t look good.

 

Across two visits, I’ve had a chance to try a number of Baked’s offerings, and there was nary a dud among them. For those wanting a classic French croissant, the pan au chocolat will deliver buttery, flaky goodness. The Full Monty (vegetarian sausage, cheese, and hasbrown) is a fantastic breakfast option and not nearly as heavy as it sounds. Even the Smores brownie was better than it had any right to be.

 

If you have the dollars to spend and the calories to spare, you won’t miss either after a trip to Baked. It's become a must for visits to Downtown Greensboro.

Chez Genese

 

Located at 616 South Elm St. in Downtown Greensboro, Chez Genese serves French cuisine for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. daily. Reservations are not accepted, tipping is not expected (the staff earns a living wage), and takeout may not be available during peak hours. Catering is available, and Chez Genese regularly hosts community events.

 

Like A Special Blend, Chez Genese provides employment to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. While that is a commendable mission, a good story alone does not a good restaurant make. A tantalizing menu full of well-executed dishes is a powerful draw, however, and here is where Chez Genese shines.

 

One of the few area eateries to offer French fare, Chez Genese provides a strong representation thereof. Crepes, quiches, tarts, and charcuterie are all accounted for, the rotating daily lunch specials include things like bouillabaisse or beef burgundy, eggs come in everything from omelets to cocottes (cups) to tartines, and, of course, croissants and baguettes are available as well. Good luck trying to make a decision when it all sounds so good.

 

For our late breakfast visit, my wife and I ultimately went with lemon ricotta pancakes and a smoked salmon with dill crème fraiche omelet, respectively. We (thankfully) didn’t have too long a wait for our food, and what arrived at the table was plated beautifully. The omelet, though firmer than expected, was not overdone, and its flavors were excellent. Its accompanying fruit plate was fresh and varied, and a baguette offered a nice combination of crusty and chewy. We were concerned that the pancakes would prove too sweet, but the lemon notes thankfully added balance. A homemade blueberry syrup paired well with them.

 

“French” is often conflated with “fancy and expensive,” but that was not the case here. Chez Genese has a casual café vibe, and pricing proved fairly reasonable. Each breakfast dish ran in the teens and offered plenty of food. Servers were pleasant as well.

 

That being said, Chez Genese is not terribly large, and it keeps quite busy. You could be in for a wait without much room to actually stand and wait. Though not uncomfortably loud, the ambiance here can best be described as “bustling.”

 

Should you be able to snag a seat, Chez Genese offers one of the best breakfasts in the area. I look forward to eventually trying them out for lunch.

Rhyme and Reason Chocolate Company

 Located at 301-D State Street, Rhyme and Reason Chocolate Company offers bean-to-bar craft chocolate bars. The store is open from 10:30-6 Tuesday-Saturday, noon-6 on Sunday, and closed on Mondays. Online shopping is available.

 

Though North Carolina does not lack high-quality artisanal chocolate (see Black Mountain in Winston-Salem or Videri in Raleigh), Rhyme and Reason offers amazing concoctions the likes of which I have not encountered anywhere else. Their dark chocolate comes from two cacao sources: an Ecuadorian bean that delivers the familiar robust flavor and a rarer (stateside, at least) Thai bean that offers a naturally sweeter and fruitier taste. Rhyme and Reason’s take on a spicy bar stands out, too. Instead of cayenne, they use paprika, which offers heat toward the back end rather than hitting you right up front. Their other flavored bars include raspberry, orange, coffee, and rotating seasonal selections. All are good, and none imparts an artificial aftertaste. Speaking of artificiality, for those who’ve ever been disappointed by waxy, chemical-laden white chocolate, Rhyme and Reason’s version will be a revelation.

 

As expected, Rhyme and Reason’s offerings are not cheap though they are more affordable than I had anticipated. A bar will set you back $8. The quality of the products alone makes a compelling case for shelling out that much, and the people behind them only add to it. Engineer-turned-chocolatier Elizabeth Tully is the kind of exacting, benign mad scientist that we need more of while her partner is a good salesman who is generous with samples.

 

Whether you’re shopping for a chocolate gift or a snack for yourself, whether you like classic dark or milk chocolate or want to mix it up, Rhyme and Reason has you covered. You really can’t go wrong here.

SouthEnd Brewing

Located at 117B West Lewis Street in Downtown Greensboro, SouthEnd Brewing offers more than a dozen craft beers on tap and a menu featuring pub fare. It is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2-12 on Friday, 12-12 on Sunday, and 10:30-9 on Sunday. Dog-friendly outdoor seating is available, live music is held regularly, and a brunch is offered on Sundays.

 

Though it would have benefited from the location regardless, SouthEnd definitely does not coast on that or fun beer names (such as the Wendover River blonde ale or the HaHop with Nelson hops) alone. For fans of the building’s previous tenant, the master brewer here is a Gibbs Hundred veteran. There is also plenty of space, some eye-catching murals, and food that is several notches above standard brewery fare.

 

My wife and I tried SouthEnd for Sunday brunch and found it bustling but far from full. It’s counter service here, and you’ll want to watch where you line up so that you don’t block anyone’s path. A preponderance of tantalizing options (poke nachos, chicken and waffles, and various specialty fries among them) made decisions difficult, but we ultimately went with a brunch bowl, a maple porter brisket sandwich, and Bavarian pretzels to share. My wife also opted for a Three Raccoons in a Trench Coat vanilla porter and found it to her liking.

 

Food took a bit to arrive, but it was well worth the wait. The brunch bowl offers a choice of egg styles, meats, and potatoes or grits, and my wife opted for potatoes (fried nice and crispy) and pork with a delectable gravy. The pretzels were very salty (as, perhaps, they should be), and we paired them with very good beer cheese. Both of these items came in rather filling quantities. However, “rather filling” does not even begin to describe the brisket sandwich. Unless you fast beforehand, this is a two-person job. Thick slices of brisket join bacon, onion straws, tomato, egg, and pepper jack along with maple porter honey mustard on a bun that can barely contain it all. It’s a glorious meat-tastic mess of a sandwich, one that will require several napkins and considerable resolve and stomach capacity to get through while leaving you thoroughly enjoying every bite even if you can barely move afterwards.

 

Given the quantities, prices here definitely aren’t anything to complain about. Pretzels with beer cheese were $8, the brunch bowl was a mere $10, and the overstuffed brisket sandwich was $14. Add to that friendly staff and bartenders, and SouthEnd sets itself apart from the other downtown breweries and bars.

 

Augustino Gusto Bakery

 

Located at 2508 New Garden Road E in Greensboro, Augustino Gusto offers scratch-made European baked goods. The bakery is open on Wednesdays (10 a.m. -6:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

 

Augustino Gusto had long been on my radar – it received glowing reviews from the start – but its distance from High Point and its limited operating hours made it a “some day” destination. Some day finally arrived during a Greensboro sojourn last Saturday. While there are a number of things to like about this bakery, I nevertheless walked away feeling a bit disappointed.

 

Located in a converted house near the Greensboro Science Center, Augustino Gusto is off the beaten path. That’s OK: many hidden gems are. Park in the gravel lot, traverse the long front entrance ramp, and hopefully avoid a line out the door, and you’ll come face-to-face with an impressive array of baked goods. Augustino Gusto might have the most impressive assortment of quiches and croissants I’ve ever seen. There are breads and pies and more to be had here as well, and making a decision can be difficult. You won’t want to dawdle too long though as space inside is limited.

 

My wife and I opted to take home a chocolate mousse, a chocolate croissant, and a Nutella bread pudding. At $20 for these three items, Augustino Gusto’s prices are high, which would not have been an issue if the bakery’s reputation preceded it. Our experiences, however, were mixed. The mousse was very creamy and possibly my favorite item of the three. The bread pudding had good a good flavor but it was dense and a bit dry. The croissant was wonderfully buttery and flaky, yet what little chocolate there was within was entirely at the bottom of the pastry.

 

Despite these setbacks, given the huge selection and the ongoing stream of positive reviews, I would give Augustino Gusto another chance if I were in the area. However, it isn’t a place I would feel compelled to go out of my way to seek out.