Something Simple Café in Hebron is, well, simply something deserving a rave.
They do everything right here, from the extremely friendly staff, delicious food and the charming atmosphere (it’s housed in an old building built in 1750), it would be a shame if you drove by this quaint restaurant and didn’t stop in.
My friend and I, with four kids in tow, were glad we came early. By noon the small eatery, with only a handful of tables, was nearly full.
Breakfast is served all day here. We first ordered a plate of the French toast made with fresh challah bread ($5.25) for the kids to split. Other breakfast options include Belgian waffles ($5 and $5.75), bagel breakfast sandwiches, a wake-up wrap (eggs, bacon or sausage, spinach and roasted red peppers ($5.25), oatmeal and yogurt (with or without granola or fresh fruit, or both).
The kids also split a grilled cheese panini ($3.25) and a bowl of the soup of the day: Italian wedding soup with chicken meatballs ($5 bowl, $3.50 cup). Soups change daily, but we hope this one’s on the menu when we return. The taste was phenomenal, chock-full of carrots and orzo pasta, with two good-sized chicken meatballs.
Lunch items also include a nice variety of toasted paninis, available with regular and gluten-free bread. We chose three: Caprese with fresh tomato, basil leaves, mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for $6.99; the zesty roast beef with Boars Head Italian Roast Beef, caramelized onions, horseradish sauce, lettuce, tomato and Swiss cheese (we substituted cheddar) for $8.99; and the pastrami Reuben, with Boars Head pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing for $7.99.
My friend’s favorite was the Reuben (she loved the lean pastrami and the intense flavor), and my fav was the Caprese, because I’m a sucker for anything with fresh mozz and basil. The roast beef was a close runner-up, and we loved the horseradish sauce. Next time we will ask for more on the side for dipping.
The Something Simple salad — with local mixed greens, sliced cucumber, tomatoes, olives and feta cheese for $6.99 — is so beautiful it’s a shame to eat it.
A variety of sweets are baked on the premises, and the cafe’s beverage choices range from various coffee concoctions such as espresso and mocha latte, steamed hot cocoa, tea and smoothies.
I only have one regret from our visit to Something Simple: I didn’t take enough leftovers home.
Something Simple Cafe, 12 Main St., Hebron, is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 860-228-2266 and somethingsimplecafe.com