Convenient Aster

Just a block down the street from home is Aster Cafe.  This place was a little deli that didn't ever seem to be open.  Indeed it was, there were just no people inside.  Ever.  The outside had a patio that was never used, because they didn't serve out there.  You had to go inside, order their pretty mediocre food and take it outside yourself.

Luckily for us, last May, Aster reopened with little changes to the beautiful inside.  That said, there is a world of difference between the old and the new Aster.  For starters, the new place has live music.  Pictured below are Patty and the Buttons, who play there most Sundays from 11 AM to 2 PM as brunch is being served.

To add to the entertainment you can always find a couple willing to dance the Lindy Hop as you have brunch.  Sometimes it is not just a couple, but instead the dance floor is pretty crowded.  The music doesn't stop after Sunday.  They have blues, jazz, acoustic and others Thursday through Sunday at night.

Being as close to home as it is, it has become a convenient and very satisfying stop for us.  The food has also improved significantly (something deserving of much praise giving the limiting kitchen they have with no fryer, griddle or grill, but basically just a small stove and an oven.  The menu is short but includes salads, appetizers, flatbread pizzas and sandwiches.  Pictured at left is a smoked trout baguette with a tangy aioli served with a side salad.  A favorite of mine.  The chorizo flatbread and the artichoke and brie baguette are also excellent choices.

Last Sunday we went there to meet Ana, a friend of Patti Mayonnaise who was visiting from Texas.  We got to seat right at front to enjoy the music and dancing while having brunch.

Left to right, Patti M, Ana and Sharon