EVERETT — Just as my friend and I decided we needed a different breakfast place, rumors wafted our way that the former LeMay’s Cafe had had a facelift and was open again, under the name Wendy’s Country Cafe &Espresso.
We squeezed in on a recent Saturday morning, and were joined by friends. After we were served coffee and caught up on the latest news, we noted that Wendy’s decor is a big improvement over the old diner. Gone are the booths. There’s new pine wainscoting that matches the tables and chairs. A plethora of rooster figures add a touch of humor to the cheery dining room.
Our friends both ordered ham and eggs, with hash browns and whole wheat toast ($8.65). I chose eggs, hash browns and toast ($4.25). My breakfast companion asked for a blueberry pancake sandwich ($5.60), which isn’t on the menu, but our server said the kitchen could handle the special request.
All of our breakfasts had delightful surprises. My friend’s pancakes had more than a handful of plump, moist blueberries that tasted like they were freshly picked.
The hash-brown lover among us felt her breakfast was a little skimpy in that regard, but the ham slices were hearty and served bone-in.
My friend liked his breakfast so much, he returned a couple of weeks later for lunch. He ordered the Swiss dip sandwich ($7.50), which was smothered with grilled onions and served on a French roll. His lunch was just as tasty as his breakfast had been.
Our server, who also was clearing tables and brewing take-out espresso orders, kept our coffee cups full without looking like she was overwhelmed. That’s because she was the cafe’s owner, Wendy House, who operated the old Port Gardner Bay Pub &Grill. It was at the end of Hewitt Avenue near the train tracks and is now closed. House wanted to stay in downtown Everett with her customer-friends. After all, friends share breakfast here.
Herald restaurant reviewers accept no invitations to review, but readers’ suggestions are always welcome. Reviewers arrive unannounced, and The Herald pays their tabs.
Contact Anna Poole at features@heraldnet.com.
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