My mother is in town from Miami and tonight she felt like dinner in Jamaica Plain. She offered to take me to Centre Street Cafe where she had just shared a meal with friends and had raved about the experience.
When we opened the front door we were pleasantly surprised to see they had a guitarist playing and singing for the diners. Over the course of the night we learned his name was Dan Hart and he discovered the gig through a Craiglist ad. Dan played so many of my favorite songs: Here Comes the Sun, Fire and Rain, Closer to Fine and more. He had a wonderful voice and a sweet personality.
The menu had a shocking number of superb vegetarian options. I was tempted by several appetizers (polenta fries, nachos, potato garlic soup) and numerous salad options. In the end, my mother and I decided to split the salad special which was lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrots, bean sprouts and peanuts with a chili lime dressing. Everything was incredibly fresh and the peanuts were the most fabulous topping.
For dinner I ordered the spinach fettuccini with vegetables in a tomato garlic sauce. The pasta was fresh and delicious, the veggies were bursting with flavor and the sauce was flavorful yet light. There was no cheese in the dish which allowed you to really taste all the vegetables. The portion was enormous so I took half home for lunch tomorrow. Bonus!
My mother ordered the "Catch of the Day" which was Haddock and came served over white rice with sides of kale and broccoli rabe. She loved every bite and nearly licked the plate clean.
Our waitress then asked if we'd like to have dessert. She brought over the menu which was printed on a card cut into the shape of a leaf. Or perhaps a cloud. It was a fun touch.
We decided on the chocolate fudge cake with coffee ice cream and caramel sauce. The cake was, as promised, fudgey. I wanted to stop after a few bites but I couldn't. It was complimented perfectly by the coffee ice cream. I'd tell you there were a few bites left, but I'd be lying.
The Centre Street Cafe is a welcomed change of pace from downtown dining. The pace of the meal (and the service) is relaxed, the waitstaff is friendly and the vibe is serene. The food is fresh and tastes fantastic. As we were leaving almost every single table was occupied.
The secret's out.
