I've been wanting to try Sunflower Cafe for a long time. The positive reviews online are plentiful. I finally got the time to go find it and experience it myself.
Sunflower Cafe is at the southern end of a small, strange neighborhood of 1940s houses that have all been converted into businesses with parking in the front and back yards. They still look like cozy little houses, but the familiar feeling of home in the suburbs is slightly disturbed as if visiting an alternate reality. Sunflower Cafe is one of those converted houses. The entire house appears to have been gutted and opened up into large kitchen and dining areas. The exterior remains mostly in the form of a house with added rooms and decks. The photo below was taken from the back yard parking area. The entrance is at the back porch.
I was welcomed with a large menu board which was clearly marked for those with specific dietary needs. The buffet style line presented guests with an abundance of beautiful plant-based foods, each with a label for easy ordering. The menu is almost all vegan. They do have real cheese add-ons for those who are lacto-vegetarian.
I ordered the All American veggie burger. This plant-based high-rise included a house-made veggie patty with dill pickles, red onions, field greens, tomato, and Dusseldorf mustard spread.
Instead of being an imitation beef substitute, the veggie patty was a real veggie patty with what seemed to be carrots, beets, and other garden favorites. It was thick and soft with slightly crunchy edges. The taste was pleasant and mild. The bold pickles and spicy mustard spread offered contrast and balance. The fresh spinach leaves were noticeably thick and tasty. The flavorful pickles had spice and snap. The pressed bun was warm and solid. When eaten together, it all made a really nice meal. This sandwich was larger and more beautiful than I expected.
I wanted to try some good side items, so I told the nice lady it was my first visit, and I asked what sides she would recommend. She said the mashed potatoes "are phenomenal!". They don't usually have them, but it was a special veggie of the day. I will agree with her. Phenomenal! The potatoes were both creamy and chunky with potato peel and grilled onions scattered throughout. The warmth of this dish was pleasing. This was a real comfort food.
The guy behind me in line suggested the Pad Thai Salad. So I tried that too.
The Pad Thai Salad was served cold. The creamy sauce had delicate hints of peanut, soy sauce, and coffee. Coffee? That's what I tasted. But just a hint. The red and green peppers were raw, fresh, and crisp. This was some of the best Pad Thai noodles I've had.
The last item I got was a piece of jalapeno cornbread, a treat for later. It was also very good.
This visit was great! The food was some of the best plant-based foods I've found. The service was very fast and friendly. The vegan options were more than enough. The portion sizes were generous. The atmosphere was casual and relaxed. The dining area did seem a bit rough and well-used, but that's probably because the delicious food attracts so many people. The price for this meal was very high for my budget, but this was real food. Real food has a price.
I plan to return soon. I can see how this could become my new favorite restaurant. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to finally try Sunflower Cafe!
Click here to see the Sunflower Cafe website
