Review: Bright atmosphere and irresistible baked goods at Mockingbird Cafe
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Open the door to Mockingbird Cafe & Bakery in Christiansburg, and all the best elements of a cafe come together: a jingling door bell, brightly colored walls, glass cases arranged with pretty foods, and a friendly face behind the counter. Setting-wise, Mockingbird won me over from the beginning.
My companions for a recent visit felt the same. We took our time studying menu choices, local art and quaint floral tablecloths. Staff went out of the way to explain menu options, ingredients and flavors. A number of items, such as salads, sandwiches and certain baked goods, are available every day. Changing entrees, soups and baked goods are also offered on a daily basis.
Vegetables in both the Brussels sprout salad and the broccoli salad ($4 each) were impeccably cooked — crisp, bright and flavorful. The Brussels sprout salad featured tasty, tangy dressing, balanced out in color and flavor by dried cranberries. The only minor complaint a fellow diner and I had was that there were a few too many cranberries, evidenced by the small red mounds we left behind. The broccoli salad was a bit sweeter, with a well-paired yogurt dressing complementing the vegetable’s flavor.
Two of us tried the Caprese sandwich on ciabatta bread ($5). Generous amounts of mozzarella and tomato matched the bread’s thickness. A creamy basil spread supplied nice moisture and flavor. I would have liked more basil, but I realize intense basil isn’t for everyone.
I also took home a biscuit sampler ($3) for my family. It included one blueberry, one strawberry and one peach biscuit, all topped with icing. They were by far the best sweet biscuits I’ve had in some time; each was moist and tender with big chunks of flavorful fruit .
During my lunch visit, I also learned that Wednesdays are macaroni and cheese days. I have a special weakness for mac and cheese, and planned a follow-up visit immediately. While waiting for my pint of macaroni to go ($4), I asked about baked goods — most are baked fresh daily — and decided on a slice of lovely red velvet cake ($3).
The macaroni and cheese was rich and creamy, with a slight mustard undertone. As with the salads, the noodles were cooked to perfection. The white sauce-to-noodle ratio was just right. If particular about your macaroni and cheese (or have particular kids), note that this version is creamy rather than cheesy and topped with bread crumbs .
The red velvet cake, like the biscuits, stole the show for this visit. Its color was spot on, and the texture moist, light and tender. Cream cheese icing, covering just the middle and top, provided a subtle bite to the cake’s sweetness. It was perhaps the best red velvet cake I’ve had since special occasions at my grandmother’s house.
The cafe also offers full cakes ($30) and pies ($15), as well as an afternoon tea ($7) that includes a sandwich, scone, something sweet and a pot of tea. I’m hoping to make time for that soon.
With its fresh flavors and beautiful baked goods, Mockingbird Cafe & Bakery is a fantastic addition to downtown Christiansburg. Stop by and enjoy the atmosphere if you have time. If not, run in and grab something to go. They’ll pack it up for you in a bag hand-stamped with a mockingbird for a final charming flourish.
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THE ROANOKE TIMES
