The Clackamas print., May 25, 2011, Page 10, Image 10

The Main Street Collectors Mall
10909 SE Main St., Milwaukie
503-659-7632
The Main Street Collectors Mall is set on the
quiet streets of Old Town Milwaukie; the only
thing that indicates the delicious food await­
ing you within is a small sign that reads “Soda
Fountain.”
When you first step in, you’ll find rows and
rows of collectibles old and new. Most notably
you will be greeted by a Millennium Falcon
that’s easily four feet wide. Once you’ve fin­
ished browsing, why not stop and get a deli­
cious sandwich and a cold soda?
Straight back from the front door is a coun­
ter that looks to be from a ‘50s diner. A glance
at the menu will take you to the $5 sandwich
combo: a sandwich with your choice of meats,
cheeses, breads, condiments and other top­
pings. ft doesn’t end there though: you also
get your choice of chips or a cookie and a soda
made in ye olde soda fountain style, meaning
if you order Coke they mix the syrups in front
of you, and if you order vanilla Coke, they add
the vanilla themselves by hand.
I ordered pepperoni and provolone on
white with mayo, lettuce and tomato. The
meat and cheese were fresh, flavorful and not
in the least dry; the veggies were crisp and
tasted like they came right off the plant. The
drinks speak for themselves; the mixing skills
of the employees must date back generations
as the soda is so well-balanced in terms of
flavor and carbonation it’s almpst a shame to
drink it. If handmade soda wasn’t enough of
a nostalgia trip for you, John F. Kennedy has
eaten there; you can still sit in his chair.
Overall it’s an interesting place with great
food and a wonderful, quiet atmosphere. A
great spot to dine with good friends, this
place earns full stars.
- Michael Bonn
Crossroads Coffee Cafe
250 Princeton Ave., Gladstone
503-657-2999
If you’re looking for a little slice of heaven, the Crossroads Coffee Cafe is
the place to be. The cafe is average in size, but the space is wonderfully used.
It feels very open but is still comfortable. It’s contemporary and modern but
still classy and homey. The staff does the place proud; they are super nice
and extremely helpful. They make you feel welcome and at home, and if that
wasn’t good enough, then try the-food!
I had a BLT, iced chai latte and an Italian-soda. The BLT I had was to die for.
it was perfectly cooked, with just a hint of mustard that gave an unexpected
tang to the dish. My iced chai latte was incredibly flavorful, perfect for the
coming sunshine. Have you ever had an Italian soda, and towards the end it
loses its taste and is really just disappointing and bitter soda water? Well this
one was tasty all the way through and had a perfect blend of flavor; this drink
was made by a genius.
Surprisingly, Crossroads food is actually very affordable, especially since you
get such high-quality meals. Most restaurants would charge an arm and a leg
for this kind of melt-in-your-mouth goodness, but not Crossroads; their prices
are affordable for any college student.
In addition to excellent food, the restaurant also has live music on weekends,
starting at 7 p.m.
If anyone has a free moment and is in. the mood for amazing food, the
Crossroads Cafe has great service and live entertainment well worth checking
out.
- Brittany Anderson
Singer Hill Cafe
623 7th St. Oregon City
503-656-5252
On the corner of 7th and John Adams Street in Oregon City, there is a
small cafe that goes by the name of Singer Hill Cafe. It’s fairly well-known
to natives, and for good reason.
Walking into the warm cafe, I was immediately aware of the homey
atmosphere. Singer Hill is divided into three rooms, separated by doorways
all cohesive in design. In the first room there are armchairs, large tables
and a belly bar that continues into the second room. You can also find the
coffee bar and the menu there.
As per usual with coffee houses, they offer a variety of hot and cold
beverages from chai teas to mochas and can pretty much make any custom
drink you want. What sets them apart from others is the food menu. They
serve breakfast until noon every day, and they also serve hot and cold
sandwiches.
I ordered my fallback when trying out. a new coffee place: a caramel
mocha and raspberry strudel stick. Both were very good and the mocha was
expertly made and was not too hot. It was served in a mug that reminded
me of the show “Friends,” but without the colors.
Though the staff is very polite and accommodating, remember to ask for
your receipt if you’re the kind of person that hangs on to those. I did not
and as such did not receive one. Another thing, remember how I said the
three rooms were divided by doorways? There are also steps. There are, of
course, signs posted cautioning guests to be careful, but as a first-timer it
was a bit unexpected.
All in all, I would probably go back. The coffee was good, and there are
many items on the menu that I’m curious about, especially the quiche,
which is one of their most well-known dishes.
- Kayla Calloway
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