Overlooked food gems hide in local sidewalk cafe’s selection

Carma’s is the local sidewalk café just a little ways down St. Paul. It is also known as my favorite café ever.

I discovered Carma’s with my friend last year. It was a sweet discovery on my part. I didn’t try it because I had walked by and its distinct cardamom smell drew me in. I tried it because like everyone else before Bon Appetit, I couldn’t stand the FFC and was willing to try any local restaurant.

I can’t remember what exactly I had during my first visit, but I fell absolutely in love. My friend and I became two (in our minds) cool regulars who didn’t need the menu to order.

Now a year later, although the novelty of Carma’s has worn off, I’m still a huge fan. I would be lying if I said I was a regular though. (Carma’s is great but so is going to Nolan’s in bunny slippers, never having to leave the building.)

But I’ve noticed that none of my friends go to Carma’s anymore. It’s written off as a place to try as a freshman but too far or too expensive to return to as a sophomore. And as a hard core fan, I want to defend Carma’s and point out a few overlooked things to try there.

(1) The Specials: Carma’s has daily specials. And the word specials is plural for a reason. They always have a panino special that is not on the menu, usually made with seasonal ingredients. But they also have other special items like seasonal soups, limited time desserts and drinks.

Following Carma’s on Facebook isn’t just a way to show your support; the page posts the daily specials online. But this doesn’t include the always-changing list of homemade cookies, marshmallows and other pastries that sit in the glass case beside the counter. For that, you’ll have to go to Carma’s and see for yourself.

(2) The Sweet Tea: My family moved to Georgia so I suppose I should embrace “sweet tea” but it just tastes like sugar water to me. Carma’s sweet tea, which tastes a bit like chai but sweeter and without heavy cream, is the exception.

(3) The Bubblers: Take advantage of the long list of Monin syrup flavors on the wall behind the espresso machine. A bubbler is a better version of the standard slushy and you can get it flavored with as many of the syrups listed.

If you read the list, you’ll see that it isn’t just limited to fruity flavors, it also includes richer flavors like hazelnut and vanilla.

(4) Worker’s Recommendations: The workers there really know their stuff. Don’t hesitate to ask what’s good or for help deciding between things. I found out about the sweet tea this way.

The best thing about Carma’s is that the menu is always changing, from week to week and even day to day. Embrace the variety and you just might find your new seasonal favorite.