The Wake

The first month of school is a whirlwind. Freshman line frat row sidewalks searching for solace with ten of their new best friends and an old pal, Captain Morgan. Religious zealots approach students without warning, quickly stuffing faith-soaked flyers in their hands, asking if they’ve talked to God lately. Inevitably, at least one of your professors has chosen this year to crack down on attendance and reading requirements, leaving students no other choice but to both attend class and read the $75 Plato and Play Dough: Finding Your Inner Child. And, without fail, every student’s checking account is left with a bit of a dent — about the size of a small asteroid — because of books, drinking habits, and maybe even church donations.

This cash quandary can lead many to less extravagant eating habits, such as three meals a day on Ramen or, for dormitory residents, frequent attempts to pack entire dessert trays into their backpacks. No matter how steadfast students are with their modified meal plans, there comes a time when dehydrated fried noodles and giant silver tubs of chicken patties just aren’t going to cut it. This is where Kafé 421, a restaurant with moderate prices and many options, swoops in to save the day.

Located conveniently in Dinkytown, Kafé 421 will awaken even the most abused taste buds with sandwiches such as the lechon, a hot harmony of blackened pork tenderloin, grilled onion, roasted red peppers, brie cheese, spinach and chive aioli, stacked between two hearty pieces of focaccia bread. For the less meaty eater, there’s the campo, with grilled zucchini, yellow squash, roasted red peppers, feta cheese and tomatoes on pesto adorned focaccia bread. Both sandwiches are $7.95 and come with your choice of a mixed green salad, caesar salad, soup or fries

On my fourth visit to the restaurant, I was accompanied by eight other people. The staff quickly accommodated our large group and had water glasses out to the table faster than we could seat ourselves. Everything went without a hitch — that is until the food came. My roommate, a picky vegetarian, had ordered the campo, but with a substitution of mushrooms for red peppers. The sandwich she received was not the campo, but rather a variation of the portabella mushroom sandwich. She was not even going to mention the mistake ⎯ she likes portabella mushrooms ⎯ but our waiter overheard our conversation and offered to pay for her sandwich. Thumbs way up for stellar customer service and a scrumscious meal.

Kafé 421 is a great break from normal college cuisine. It is a perfect place for the everyday lunch and dinner with new friends. And when those special occasions arise, like when parents visit and you have to ask them for a loan to pay for books and recreational activities you’d rather not mention, Kafé 421 provides an ideal dining experience.

You can find Kafé 421 at 421 14th Ave in Dinkytown.