If I didn't live in Pendleton Heights, I would be a resident of Columbus Park. It has a distinct feel that I don't get anywhere else in this city - the vibe of the neighborhood feels both progressive and nostalgic at the same time. You're just a minute away from the City Market and the highway, and yet there is a cozy insulated urban air that is unique and refreshing. We like to head down for the
Third Friday art openings, maybe catch a bite to eat at
Garozzo's, and just walk around, choosing which house we'd like to live in next, taking photographs, and enjoying the atmosphere. When the new
Happy Gillis Cafe & Hangout opens in the old SORedux space, we'll have another Columbus Park spot to frequent. And lots of delicious soup to eat, thanks to the Happy Soup Eater.
The other great offerings in Columbus Park include
La Sala's deli and
Kim Long Restaurant & Market. My husband grew up on La Sala's Poor Boy sandwich; served on a huge loaf of Roma bread, it's piled high with the "poorer" deli meats, cheese, mustard, lettuce and tomato. One sandwich can easily feed four hungry people and is less than $10. If you're feeling flush, try the Rich Boy instead, with more high-end meats. You can wash any of their sandwiches down with my favorite, Vess's orange soda, called Whistle.
Kim Long is one of the best asian markets in the city - clean and spacious. It's easy to find what you're looking for and quite a few things you didn't know you needed. And it's a great place to stop for a delicious and inexpensive lunch or dinner. Eat there or grab something to go - our favorites include the Lemongrass Chicken (which is a little heavy on the onions...so don't forget your breathmints), Spring Rolls, and the Tomato and Crab Noodles. While you're there, you might as well grab a tea or a slush to go. The taro slush (complete with chewy tapioca pearls) is vibrantly colored, delicious, and refreshing.
(Click on the photo below to see more pics from our lunch at Kim Long.)
Kim Long Market & Restaurant511 Cherry St.
816*221*8892
La Sala's Deli910 E 5th Street
816*421*2189
open Mon-Fri 8:30am - 3pm
Todd Schulte, our very own Happy Soup Eater, was kind enough to let me come in and take photos at Happy Gillis last week. I went right after the breakfast rush, and right before the lunch one, and got to just enjoy the atmosphere and snap a few shots. We had been in for lunch their first week in operation and fell in love with the place. You will, too.
